2024 New California Workers Compensation Laws

Top 2024 California Laws Affecting Workers Compensation Cases

California’s workers’ compensation laws are constantly evolving. Fortunately, California is a progressive state when it comes to enacting laws that are aimed at providing adequate protection and benefits to injured workers.

In 2024, several significant legislative changes have been enacted, impacting various aspects of the workers’ compensation system. In this article our experienced Long Beach workers compensation attorneys delve into these key developments and their implications for injured workers.

California Workers Compensation Law AB 1870

One of the most significant legislative changes in 2024 is California bill AB 1870. This bill aims to enhance transparency and empower injured workers by mandating that employers provide injured workers with clear and concise information regarding their right to being represented by an attorney. Specifically, employers are required to inform injured workers that they have the right to consult with a licensed attorney to understand their rights and benefits under workers’ compensation law.

Additionally, employers must disclose to injured workers that attorney’s fees may be covered by their workers’ compensation award, removing a potential financial barrier to seeking legal representation. By providing this critical information, AB 1870 empowers injured workers to make informed decisions about their legal rights and seek appropriate legal representation.

California Workers Compensation Law AB 1870 represents a significant step forward in empowering injured workers. By mandating that employers provide clear and concise information regarding their right to legal counsel and the potential coverage of attorney’s fees, this legislation levels the playing field between injured workers and insurance companies.

Historically, many injured workers were unaware of their rights and the potential benefits of legal representation. This lack of information often led to fear of hiring an attorney because of worry about cost – which then often led to under-compensation and delayed claims. AB 1870 addresses this issue by requiring employers to proactively inform injured workers about their options to hire a workers compensation attorney.

This increased transparency can have a profound impact on injured workers. By understanding their rights, workers can make informed decisions about their legal representation and advocate for their best interests. Furthermore, the disclosure of potential attorney’s fee coverage can alleviate financial concerns and encourage injured workers to seek legal advice, even if they have limited financial resources.

California Workers Compensation Law AB 2337

Another important development is AB 2337, which aims to streamline the workers’ compensation claims process. This bill permits the use of electronic signatures on workers’ compensation documents, reducing paperwork and administrative burdens.

By allowing for the digital signing of forms and documents, AB 2337 can accelerate workers compensation claim processing, enhance efficiency, and improve accessibility for injured workers, particularly those who may have difficulty accessing physical documents or offices.

While this change may seem minor, it has the potential to significantly impact the experience of injured workers by simplifying the claims process and reducing stress and frustration.

Traditionally, workers’ compensation claims involved a significant amount of paperwork and administrative hurdles. The reliance on physical signatures and paper documents often led to delays and inefficiencies. AB 2337 addresses these issues by enabling the digital signing of forms and documents.

By streamlining the claims process, AB 2337 can benefit both injured workers and employers. Injured workers can receive their benefits more promptly, reducing financial hardship and allowing them to focus on their recovery. Even employers can also benefit from increased efficiency, as the streamlined process can reduce administrative costs and improve compliance.

California Workers Compensation Law AB 2123

AB 2123 is a significant development that protects the rights of injured workers who may also need to utilize Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits. This bill prohibits employers from requiring employees to use accrued vacation time before accessing PFL benefits.

Prior to the enactment of AB 2123, some employers would force injured workers to deplete their vacation time before they could begin receiving PFL benefits. This practice often left injured workers without any income during a critical time of need. By preventing employers from imposing such restrictions, AB 2123 ensures that injured workers can access the PFL benefits they are entitled to, providing crucial financial support during challenging times.

California Workers Compensation Law AB 2123 safeguards the rights of injured workers who may also need to utilize Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits. This legislation prohibits employers from requiring employees to use accrued vacation time before accessing PFL benefits.

By protecting workers’ access to PFL benefits, AB 2123 promotes worker well-being and can positively impact both individual workers and the broader economy. Healthy and supported workers are more productive and less likely to experience burnout or job-related stress.

California Workers Compensation Attorneys

The 2024 legislative session has brought several positive changes to California workers’ compensation law. These legislative changes have significant implications for injured workers in California. These new workers compensation laws are designed to protect the rights of injured workers, streamline the claims process, and ensure that injured workers receive the benefits they deserve.

If you have been injured on the job, it is crucial to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to understand your rights and options. The workers compensation attorneys at Cantrell Green stay on top of the continually changing laws, to ensure we offer the best representation to our injured clients.

If you have been injured or made ill in the workplace, our workers compensation attorneys are here for you. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured workers and securing the compensation they need to recover.

Top California Workers Compensation Attorneys: 800-964-8047