California Workers' Compensation: Your Rights, Employer Duties, and Medical Networks (Updated)

California employees are generally entitled to workers' compensation for work-related injuries and illnesses, including medical treatment and disability benefits. Employers must provide coverage through an insurer or by self-insuring and must authorize reasonable medical care. Many employers use DWC-approved Medical Provider Networks for non-emergency treatment. If an employer lacks coverage or denies benefits, workers can contact the Division of Workers' Compensation and may bring disputes to the WCAB. Penalties exist for failing to insure, but specific statutes and amounts should be verified with current DWC or Labor Code sources.

What California workers' compensation covers

Every worker employed in California is generally entitled to workers' compensation benefits for job-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits typically cover medical treatment, temporary disability payments while you recover, permanent disability when applicable, and vocational or death benefits for qualifying cases.

Employer responsibilities

California employers must provide workers' compensation coverage either through a licensed insurer or by qualifying to be self-insured. If an employer does not carry required coverage, they can face civil penalties and, in some cases, criminal charges. Employers also have a legal duty to authorize and provide reasonable medical treatment for work-related injuries.

Medical Provider Networks (MPNs)

California allows employers and insurers to use Medical Provider Networks (MPNs). An approved MPN is a group of physicians and medical facilities authorized to treat injured workers. If your employer uses an MPN, you will generally be directed to providers in that network for non-emergency care. Employers or insurers must follow DWC rules when establishing and operating an MPN, including standards for access to care and notice to employees.

Filing a claim and where to get help

If you are injured at work, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek medical care. If your employer refuses to provide workers' compensation insurance or you have questions about how your claim is handled, you can contact California's Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) within the Department of Industrial Relations for information and resources. Disputes over benefits are typically resolved through the workers' compensation system and, if necessary, the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB).

If you believe your employer is uninsured, you may be able to report this to state authorities, which can investigate and impose penalties. ¹

Penalties for failing to insure

California law imposes penalties on employers who fail to provide required workers' compensation coverage. Penalties can include fines and may include additional civil or criminal consequences depending on the circumstances. The specific amounts and statutes that apply have changed over time and should be confirmed for current accuracy. ²

Practical steps after a workplace injury

• Report the injury to your supervisor immediately and put the report in writing when possible.

• Seek medical attention and tell the provider the injury is work-related.

• Follow your employer's reporting procedures and keep copies of records and correspondence.

• If you have problems getting benefits or medical care, contact the DWC or consult an attorney who specializes in workers' compensation.

Final notes

Workers' compensation provides important protections for California employees. The system has specific procedures and time limits, so act promptly after an injury and keep clear records. For precise statutes, penalty amounts, and MPN rules, check current DWC guidance or official California Labor Code references. ³

1. Confirm current Labor Code sections that govern employer duty to provide medical treatment and the statutory provisions for MPNs (original article referenced section 4600 and implementation date Jan 1, 2005).
2. Verify the current agency and process for reporting uninsured employers and which office (DWC, DLSE, or another agency) handles uninsured employer complaints.
3. Confirm current penalties, including any specific fine amounts and potential criminal penalties or code sections for failure to provide workers' compensation insurance (original article cited Section 3700.5 and a $10,000 fine/jail time, and section 3722(b) for a $10,000 penalty per employee).
4. Check current DWC rules on employee rights within an MPN, including provider choice, access standards, and emergency care exceptions.