All California employers should have workers’ compensation insurance that should cover you under the following circumstances:

• You are an employee (not an independent contractor)
• You suffered an injury or illness in the course of your employment

In short, if you have a job-related injury or illness, you should qualify for benefits.

Many people fail to file a workers’ compensation claim because they do not think their injury is “serious enough.” However, even seemingly minor injuries require medical attention. A doctor’s appointment or trip to the emergency room costs money, and you should have those costs covered. Workers’ compensation benefits should cover:

• All medical expenses
• A percentage of wages lost from missing work
• Disability benefits if you cannot work for a longer period of time

If you incurred any medical expenses or lost income from your injuries, you should always file a claim.

A lawyer is not required for a claim, but the right law firm can help you in many ways. A Southern California workers’ compensation attorney can ensure you meet all deadlines and requirements during the claims process, can advise you of steps to take to protect your rights, can appeal a claim denial, and more.