Workers comp in California covers a wide range of injuries that arise out of and in the course of employment . these injuries generally fall into the following categories;
- Psychiatric work injuries:
Mental health conditions may be compensable . To qualify, the employee must have worked for at least six months , have a DSM recognized condition, and prove the disability must result from Good Faith employer actions or workplace violence as stipulated in Labor Code 3208.3
- Specific injuries:
injuries resulting from a single workplace event such as falls, heavy lifting strains, or car accidents while on duty.
- Industrial injuries:
Illnesses caused by workplace exposure to harmful substances such as black lung disease or hearing loss. Medical proof is required to link the illness to workplace exposure.
- Presumed work related injuries:
Some occupations like firefighters and law enforcement officers are automatically covered for conditions like cancer, heart disease or hernias.
- Pre existing conditions:
If a workplace incident aggravates a prior injury, the employee may still qualify for compensation but only for the portion caused by the recent workplace event.
- Cumulative trauma injuries:
Repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or chronic back pain from years of strain are covered but require strong medical evidence.
