California Workers’ Compensation Law Update – December 2022
Some recent bills have been signed into law that significantly change how California workers’ compensation claims are handled. Staying up to date on proposed changes and new legislation is crucial when it comes to litigating these claims for injured workers. If you have recently suffered a work-related injury or illness, you will want to make sure that any lawyer you hire is familiar with recent updates to laws that may affect your workers’ compensation claim.
California Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
The Law Office of Kneisler and Schondel is here to help you file your claim for workers’ compensation benefits under California law. Attorney Matthew A. Schondel and his legal team know what it takes to zealously advocate for injured workers.
The Kneisler and Schondel team will work tirelessly for you to fight for the workers’ compensation benefits that you deserve after suffering a work-related injury or illness. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do to help you move forward with your workers’ compensation claim.
Significant Changes to Workers’ Compensation Law with Senate Bill 1127
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 1127 in September of 2022, which will have an impact on California workers’ compensation claims going forward. While SB 1127 goes into effect on January 1, 2023, certain aspects of it are retroactive.
The new bill, SB 1127, reduces the time period in which employers must determine liability on claims for injuries suffered by first responders that are presumed to be compensable. SB 1127 requires employers to make a liability determination on these claims within 75 days of filing, down from 90 days as it was previously.
This shortened time frame in which employers must determine liability applies to certain presumptions of injury or illness for certain safety officers, as listed in Labor Code Sections 3212 through 3212.85, along with sections 3212.9 through 3213.2. The injuries and illnesses within these sections of the Labor Code include cancer, heart trouble, pneumonia, hernias, tuberculosis, and blood-borne infections. Low back injuries are also included as a qualified presumption of injury for peace officers who wear a duty belt.Increased Penalties for Unreasonable Workers’ Compensation Claim Denials for Safety Officers
In addition to shortening the time period for employers to make a liability determination for these types of work-related injuries or illnesses, SB 1127 also increases potential penalties. This penalty increase went from $10,000 to $50,000 for the unreasonable denial of a workers’ compensation claim made for certain safety officers, such as first responders and law enforcement officers.
Although this bill formally goes into effect on January 1, 2023, in some cases, these penalties can apply retroactively. In other words, this harsher penalty can be implemented in cases involving injuries occurring prior to January 1, 2023.
Before the enactment of this bill, California law provided for a penalty to be paid by employers for wrongful denials of workers’ compensation claims in an amount of up to 25% of the amount that was unreasonably denied, or $10,000 (whichever was less). However, SB 1127 requires employers to pay a penalty of five times the amount in unreasonably denied benefits, although this amount is not to exceed $50,000. This change to wrongful denial penalties to be paid by employers is applicable to specific injury claims made by a first responder or members of law enforcement.
Assembly Bill 1751 and COVID-19 Illness Presumptions for Work-Related Injuries or Illness
In September of 2022, Governor Newsom also signed Assembly Bill 1751 into law. This bill extends the current presumption of injury for certain public safety employees affected by an outbreak of COVID-19 at their place of employment. Injuries and illnesses that qualify for these presumptions will continue to qualify under this bill throughout January 1, 2024. Prior to the signing of this bill into law, these COVID-19 outbreak injury or illness presumptions were set to expire on January 1, 2023.
Another important change implemented with AB 1751 is an expansion of the types of employees who qualify for the presumption. Even without an outbreak, AB 1751 expands the presumption of a COVID-19-related injury or illness to include active firefighting members of any fire department at the State Department of Developmental Services, the State Department of State Hospitals, the Military Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and also to officers of state hospitals that are under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Developmental Services and the State Department of State Hospitals.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for My Workers’ Compensation Case in California?
While there is no requirement under California law that you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to represent you, it can certainly be beneficial for your case to hire an attorney. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will be able to help you file the proper paperwork needed to initiate your claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
Additionally, if you encounter any problems throughout your case—such as a dispute over medical treatment or payment of benefits, you can count on your lawyer to jump in and work toward a resolution. Finally, if your benefits are denied or disputed for any reason, and you must proceed to a hearing for a determination of whether or not you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, your attorney will be knowledgeable about this process and will represent you and advocate on your behalf.