Workers' Compensation in California: A Guidebook for Injured Workers

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.

Workers’ Compensation in California: A Guidebook for Injured Workers

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

May 2016