The Department of Industrial Relations is pleased to release the sixth edition of "Workers' Compensation in California: A Guidebook for Injured Workers," April 2016, now available in English and Spanish.
This guidebook gives an overview of the California workers’ compensation system. It is meant to help workers with job injuries understand their basic legal rights, the steps to take to request workers’ compensation benefits, and where to seek further information and help if necessary.
This edition of the guidebook describes the workers' compensation system as of April 2016. Workers using the guidebook should also check updates posted at the state Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) website.
| Introduction | How to Use This Guidebook |
| Chapter 1 | The Basics of Workers’ Compensation |
| Chapter 2 | After You Get Hurt on the Job |
| Chapter 3 | Medical Care |
| Chapter 4 | Resolving Problems with Medical Care and Medical Reports |
| Chapter 5 | Temporary Disability Benefits |
| Chapter 6 | Working for Your Employer after Injury |
| Chapter 7 | Permanent Disability Benefits |
| Chapter 8 | Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits |
| Chapter 9 | Return-to-Work Supplement Program |
| Chapter 10 | For More Information and Help |
| Questions & Answers about State Information & Assistance Services | |
| Questions & Answers about Attorneys | |
| Appendix A | Important Laws and Regulations |
| Appendix B | Glossary |
Chapter 1 - The Basics of Workers’ Compensation