When Does Workers’ Comp Start Paying in California? 2025

If you have recently been injured at work, it’s important to understand the workers’ compensation process and how it applies to you. Many people who have been injured ask, “When does workers’ comp start paying in California?” The timeline will differ for each individual depending on when their claim is filed and approved. While the system as a whole can provide the relief you need, it’s less stressful when you have legal support to guide you.

Understanding the Workers’ Compensation Process in California

Workers’ compensation in California is a no-fault insurance system. When approved, it offers medical and financial benefits to anyone who has suffered a work-related injury or illness. The process is triggered as soon as you report to your employer that you have been injured. At this moment, your employer will file an official workers’ compensation claim. All employers are required to provide a claim form within one working day of the injury report.

A few factors that may influence when workers’ compensation payments will begin include:

• How quickly you file the claim: You must complete the workers’ compensation claim form and return it to your employer. The longer this takes, the longer it could take to start receiving payments.
• Claim review: Your employee’s insurance company will generally have 90 days to accept or deny your claim.
• Benefit determination: If your claim is approved, the benefits will begin almost immediately. This may vary based on the type of benefits you qualify for.

Resolving Delays in Payments

While the workers’ compensation system is designed to ensure workers who are injured or become ill on the job receive timely payments, delays do happen from time to time. This can leave employees feeling frustrated and financially strained during a particularly vulnerable period in their lives.

Delays can occur for many different reasons, including:

Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork: If there is any missing information or errors made on your claim form, it can significantly slow down the approval process. This is why it’s critical to hire an attorney and double-check all documentation to avoid an unnecessary delay.

Disputes over the claim: Either an employer or their insurance company could dispute whether the injury or illness in question is directly related to work. They could also question how severe the individual’s condition really is. These disputes often require additional investigations or medical evaluations, which can extend the timeline.

Medical evaluation delays: If a medical evaluation is required to assess if a specific injury will prevent someone from working, there could be delays in scheduling or receiving the doctor’s report. Without this information, payments will not be able to begin.

Steps To Address Workers’ Compensation Delays

If you are experiencing delays in receiving your workers’ compensation payments, these steps can help you address the situation.

1. Follow up regularly with your claims adjuster. The more you can maintain open communication to ask questions and track progress, the more you can supervise their accountability.
2. If the delay is related to missing or incomplete paperwork, provide the necessary documents as soon as you can. It’s helpful to keep copies of everything you submit for your own records.
3. You can request an expedited hearing with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board if your claim has been unreasonably delayed. They can help seek a quicker resolution.
4. Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to help identify the cause of the delay and advocate on your behalf to process the claim faster.
5. If the delay persists despite all of these efforts, you and your lawyer can file a complaint with California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation. They can investigate the reason for the delay and potentially intervene to ensure your case is being handled appropriately. They can also help you correct any errors that are delaying the process.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Get Paid From Workers’ Comp in California?

The timeline for receiving workers’ compensation payments in California largely depends on the type of benefit you qualify for. For instance, temporary disability benefits generally have a three-day waiting period that starts from the first missed day of work due to your injury. Medical benefits can be covered for necessary treatments while the claim is under review. Stay proactive in supervising your claim to avoid delays and address any disputes.

How Does Workers’ Comp Pay Workers in California?

Workers’ compensation in California provides many different types of benefits to workers. Temporary disability benefits replace lost wages for the time period you are out of work. Permanent disability benefits are paid if your injury has lasting impairments and will vary in payments based on your impairment rating. Medical benefits will cover necessary related treatments, medications, and rehabilitation costs. These are paid directly to the practitioners who are delivering the care.

Can I Choose My Own Doctor for Workers’ Comp Treatment?

In most cases, you are required to see a doctor who is within your employer’s approved medical provider network. These are relationships that have already been predetermined and negotiated between your employer and their workers’ compensation insurance provider. However, if you pre-designate your personal doctor before the injury happens, you can sometimes request a change of doctor if you are unsatisfied with your care.

What Happens if My Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?

If your workers’ comp claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. This process starts by reviewing your denial letter to understand the reason behind the denial. It may require you to gather new evidence, such as more medical records or witness statements, to help strengthen your case. Filing for a hearing with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board is a common way to challenge a denial and reverse the decision to receive the funds you need.

Contact Wiesner English, P.C., Today

If you have recently become injured or ill due to a work-related incident and are looking for legal support, contact our firm today. We have been helping workers financially recover from these incidents for many years and would be honored to use our experience to help you secure the funds you are looking for.