If you are looking to file for benefits under workers compensation in Oakland, CA you also need to be aware of the several myths associated with it. Injured workers often make the mistake of believing in these myths and erring in their judgment. Let us bust the six most common myths associated with workers compensation and reveal to you the real facts associated with them –

  1. Small businesses don’t offer workers compensation
    You may work with a small business or be the only employee of your employer. That doesn’t withhold your rights to claim workers’ compensation. In California, the laws make it mandatory for employers to offer workers’ compensation insurance coverage to all their employees, even if they employ only one person. Hence, if you suffer an injury you are eligible for compensation.
  2. You are covered for only physical injuries
    Though workers’ compensation extensively covers physical work-related injuries, its scope isn’t restricted to these alone. Illnesses that result from work conditions such as musculoskeletal injuries or those resulting from air contamination at the workplace are also covered. If you have reasons to believe your work environment has contributed to your medical condition you can seek compensation.
  3. Employers shall take care of all eventualities
    Yes, there are employers who stand by their workers during adversity and shall offer all help. But your employer isn’t the one responsible for compensating you but their insurers. You’d know that insurers always play the hardball and try to keep your compensation amount low. This is where you should work with an experienced workers compensation lawyer in Oakland and they would help you get maximum compensation for your injuries.
  4. All Injuries are covered under workers’ compensation
    While workers’ compensation does offer maximum protection in case of illnesses and injuries, not every injury is covered. For instance, if you are feeling pain and discomfort from an old injury suffered prior to your employment with your current employer, it won’t be covered under workers’ compensation. The lesson here is never to ignore an injury suffered at work and seek professional medical advice immediately.
  5. Employers can classify you as an independent contractor
    Since independent contractors aren’t eligible for workers’ compensation many employers in the past used this loophole in the law to deny their workers’ rights compensation. However, recent amendments to the law have made it nearly impossible for employers to identify their full-time employees as independent contractors like they did earlier.
  6. Filing a compensation claim jeopardizes your career
    You don’t jeopardize your current employment or future employment prospects by filing compensation claims. There are many workers who avoid filing claims fearing vengeance from their employer. However, employers under no circumstance can prevent you from filing these claims or take any actions against you.

To conclude, if you have suffered an injury at work you should immediately inform your employer and seek medical advice. This should be followed up by consulting an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation in Oakland, CA. Workers’ Compensation is meant to offer you financial assistance during these trying times in your life and you must take advantage of it by hiring a good attorney.       

Summary – In this write-up, we discuss six common myths that people believe about Workers Compensation in Oakland, CA, and why you shouldn’t believe them.