Workers Compensation Carve Outs for Contractors
How the Workers Compensation “Carve Out” Works
for Construction, Carpenters, Electricians & Plumbers
Workers Compensation is a type of insurance purchased by an employer to pay the medical benefits and lost wages of workers who were injured or made sick on their job. In instances when the employee’s Workers Compensation claim is denied, an appeals process is handled through the State of California’s Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.
A Workers Compensation “Carve Out” refers to an agreement that is reached between a union and a group of employers to resolve disputes outside of the normal State of California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board process. The Carpenters / Contractor’s Workers’ Compensation Trust for Southern California is the special type of workers’ compensation that is set up under a collective bargaining agreement for construction workers, carpenters, electricians & plumbers.
The purpose of this Trust Fund that is created by the unions, employers and insurance carriers is to make the workers compensation process faster and easier for members of the trades – because they often have a higher incidence of work-related injuries than other professions.
Carve Out Workers Comp Programs for Contractors & Construction Workers
Not all employers of construction workers, contractors, electricians or plumbers participate this Trust program. Listed below are some of the existing Carve Out Workers Comp Programs for the building trades:
- NECA/IBEW Workers Compensation Trust (Electrical Contractors)
- Operating Engineers Workers Compensation Trust (Heavy Equipment)
- SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors)
- Masonry and Cement Workers Trust
- Carpenters and Contractors Workers Compensation Trust
- Laborers Workers Compensation Trust
- Plumbers and Pipefitters Trust
- Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers
- Painting and Decorating Contractors Association
If you are a construction worker or tradesman that was injured on the job – and you are unsure if you are covered by one of these “carve out” programs, call our experienced workers comp attorneys today. Our attorneys will give you a free consultation to help you sort out the benefits for which you qualify.
Difference Between State Workers Comp & Carve Outs
There are three major differences between a Construction Workers Compensation Carve Out Program and regular State workers compensation program:
First, in the carve out program, exclusive medical networks agreed upon by the labor union and management must be used.
Secondly, an alternative Dispute Resolution process is used in carve out workers comp trusts. Disputes go to an Ombudsman in a carve-out program – rather than through the regular Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board process. Typically this results in faster resolution of your case than in the State system.
The Law Firm of Cantrell Green is an official SoCal Carpenters / Contractor’s Workers’ Compensation Trust Ombudsman in the Long Beach, Orange County and Los Angeles area. As an officially appointed “Ombudsman” we can handle, process, prove & negotiate your case for you – helping you quickly obtain the maximum benefits to which you are entitled.
Third, different time frames for dispute resolution are agreed upon in the carve out programs. This also leads to faster resolution of your workers comp case – and typically much quicker receipt of your benefits.
Experienced Long Beach Workers Comp Carve Out Attorneys for
Construction, Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers & Painters
If you have been injured at work, and your union & employer have collectively bargained for a “Carve Out” workers compensation program, call us today. We are one of the few Workers Compensation law firms in the Los Angeles area specialized in this unique type of Workers Comp case. Our attorneys are happy to answer your questions and help you understand the benefits for which you may qualify.