Where does it hurt?

Common work injuries here

Concussion (mild TBI)

Can cause headaches, dizziness and blurry vision, and leave you irritable, unable to concentrate or forgetful.

Longer-lasting symptoms

Some people have symptoms for months or longer.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. Emergency checkYour employer must make sure you have access to emergency treatment right away.
2. Rest for the first daysSymptoms are usually worst then. Time off is usually no more than one or two days.
3. Ease back inReturn to activities gradually. Ask your provider for written instructions about when you can return to work, and ask about lighter duties and breaks.
4. Follow upSee your provider if symptoms don’t go away within two to three weeks.
5. Specialist care if neededCalifornia’s treatment guidelines include one for traumatic brain injury.

Sources: CDC MMWR: Traumatic brain injury, MedlinePlus (NIH): Concussion in adults, CDC: After a mild TBI or concussion, DWC Guidebook ch. 1, DWC: Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule, EFLL workers’ comp page.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Medical mileageReimbursement for travel to medical appointments.

Our firm secured a $5,150,000 settlement for a delivery driver who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall caused by unsafe loading conditions (Hansen v. UPS). Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Chemical splash

Flush the eye with water for at least 15 minutes, immediately. Don’t rub or bandage it.

Something stuck in the eye

Don’t try to remove it, rub it or press on it. Cover the eye loosely.

Cut or puncture

Don’t rinse it and don’t apply pressure.

Blow to the eye or face

Use a cold compress without pressing on the eye.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. First aid on the spotFollow the steps for your type of injury, listed under Injuries.
2. Emergency careGo right away for any of the warning signs. Your employer must make sure you have access to emergency treatment.
3. Follow-up examsAs your doctor directs. California’s treatment guidelines include one for eye disorders.

Sources: American College of Emergency Physicians: Eye emergencies, DWC Guidebook ch. 1, DWC: Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule, DWC Guidebook ch. 7.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Medical mileageReimbursement for travel to medical appointments.

If an injury leaves lasting limits, permanent disability can apply. The rating depends on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Neck sprain or strain (whiplash)

Pain at the back of the neck that gets worse with movement and often peaks a day or so after the injury.

Other signs

Muscle spasms, headache, stiffness, and tingling or weakness in the arms.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. Exam and X-raysA sprain doesn’t show on an X-ray, but X-rays can rule out a fracture.
2. Early careIce for 15 to 30 minutes at a time in the first days, over-the-counter pain relievers, possibly muscle relaxants or a soft collar.
3. Physical therapyOnce the injury starts to improve, under your doctor’s supervision.
4. More imaging if neededA CT or MRI scan in certain cases.

Sources: AAOS OrthoInfo: Neck sprain, DWC Guidebook ch. 3, DWC: Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Medical mileageReimbursement for travel to medical appointments.

Physical therapy for injuries since 2004 is generally limited to 24 visits, unless the claims administrator approves more in writing or you’re recovering from surgery.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Rotator cuff tear

Pain at rest and at night, especially lying on that shoulder, and weakness when lifting or rotating the arm.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. Exam and X-raysX-rays usually come first, to rule out other causes.
2. Rest and medicineLimiting overhead activity and anti-inflammatory medicine.
3. Physical therapyStrengthening exercises. Nonsurgical care relieves pain and improves function for about 80 to 85% of patients.
4. Injection or imagingA steroid injection may be tried. MRI or ultrasound can show the tendons.
5. Surgery if neededIf pain doesn’t improve with nonsurgical care, including a dedicated course of physical therapy.

Sources: AAOS OrthoInfo: Rotator cuff tears, AAOS OrthoInfo: Rotator cuff tears FAQ, DWC Guidebook ch. 5, EFLL workers’ comp page.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Job displacement voucherUp to $6,000 for retraining if you have a permanent partial disability and your employer doesn’t offer suitable work, then a one-time $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement you can apply for.

If surgery keeps you off work, temporary disability can continue for up to 104 weeks within five years of the injury.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Sprain or strain

Pain and stiffness that limit movement.

Herniated disk

One of the common back injuries.

Fractured vertebra

Falls and vehicle accidents can cause fractures.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. ExamImaging if your doctor needs it to tell these injuries apart.
2. Early treatmentTreatment varies and might include medicines, icing, bed rest or physical therapy.
3. Surgery for some injuriesYour doctor decides, based on the injury.
4. GuidelinesCalifornia’s treatment guidelines include one for cervical and thoracic spine disorders, which covers the neck and upper back.

Sources: MedlinePlus (NIH): Back injuries, DWC: Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule, AAOS OrthoInfo: Fractures, DWC Guidebook ch. 5.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Job displacement voucherUp to $6,000 for retraining if you have a permanent partial disability and your employer doesn’t offer suitable work, then a one-time $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement you can apply for.

If your back keeps you from your usual job, temporary disability replaces two-thirds of lost wages while you recover.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Muscle or ligament strain

Most people improve or recover within 4 to 6 weeks, often much sooner.

Herniated disk and sciatica

Low back pain, then sharp, shooting pain from the buttock down one leg.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. First visitSpine imaging usually isn’t ordered in the first 4 to 6 weeks unless certain symptoms are present.
2. Stay gently activeReduce activity for a couple of days, then resume. Bed rest isn’t recommended. Avoid heavy lifting and twisting for 6 weeks.
3. Physical therapyTo reduce pain and learn prevention, starting stretching and strengthening when your therapist advises.
4. Specialist or injectionA specialist referral if pain lasts more than a month. Epidural injections if pain persists.
5. MRI and surgery, only if neededSurgery is usually considered only after nonsurgical treatment hasn’t worked, or for weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Sources: MedlinePlus (NIH): Back injuries, MedlinePlus (NIH): Low back pain, acute, AAOS OrthoInfo: Herniated disk in the lower back, EFLL denied-claim page, EFLL workers’ comp page.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Job displacement voucherUp to $6,000 for retraining if you have a permanent partial disability and your employer doesn’t offer suitable work, then a one-time $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement you can apply for.

Insurers often blame back pain on a pre-existing condition. Under California law, if your job aggravated a previous injury, you’re still entitled to benefits.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Tennis elbow

Pain from the outside of the elbow into the forearm and wrist. Shaking hands or holding a cup can hurt. Plumbers, painters, carpenters, butchers and cooks are examples of at-risk workers.

Broken arm

Very painful, often with swelling, bruising or deformity.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. Exam and X-raysX-rays are the most common way to evaluate a fracture.
2. First treatmentRest, pain medicine and physical therapy often help tennis elbow. For fractures, a cast is the most common treatment.
3. ExercisesTo restore strength, motion and flexibility.
4. Shots or surgery if neededFor tennis elbow that doesn’t improve. Some fractures need surgery with plates, screws or rods.

Sources: Mayo Clinic: Tennis elbow, AAOS OrthoInfo: Fractures, NINDS (via BrainFacts): Repetitive motion disorders, EFLL denied-claim page.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Job displacement voucherUp to $6,000 for retraining if you have a permanent partial disability and your employer doesn’t offer suitable work, then a one-time $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement you can apply for.

Repetitive strain counts as a work injury in California, even without a single accident.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often at night. Untreated, it can lead to weakness and trouble gripping.

Wrist sprain

Often from landing on an outstretched hand in a fall.

Finger and hand fractures

Finger fractures can heal in 3 to 4 weeks.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. Exam and testsNerve and muscle tests, plus ultrasound or X-rays.
2. Splint and medicineA wrist splint, usually at night, and pain relievers.
3. Change the motionCutting back on the repeated motion and taking rest breaks.
4. Steroid treatmentBy mouth or injected into the wrist.
5. Surgery if severeWhen other treatments fail. It’s usually outpatient, and complete recovery takes about 4 weeks.

Sources: MedlinePlus (NIH): Carpal tunnel syndrome, MedlinePlus (NIH): Carpal tunnel surgery, Mayo Clinic: Sprains, AAOS OrthoInfo: Fractures, NINDS (via BrainFacts): Repetitive motion disorders, EFLL workers’ comp page.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Job displacement voucherUp to $6,000 for retraining if you have a permanent partial disability and your employer doesn’t offer suitable work, then a one-time $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement you can apply for.

For an injury that developed over time, the one-year clock to file typically starts when you first miss work or see a doctor because of it.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Hip strain

Pain and tenderness, swelling, limited motion and weakness.

Fracture

X-rays can rule out a stress or avulsion fracture.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. Exam and X-raysTo rule out a fracture. Usually no other imaging is needed.
2. First daysRest and no weight on the hip, ice 20 minutes at a time, compression, anti-inflammatory medicine.
3. Physical therapyIf pain lasts after a few weeks of home exercise.
4. Other care if severeSurgery is uncommon for strains.

Sources: AAOS OrthoInfo: Hip strains, DWC: Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule, DWC Guidebook ch. 9.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Job displacement voucherUp to $6,000 for retraining if you have a permanent partial disability and your employer doesn’t offer suitable work, then a one-time $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement you can apply for.

If you can’t return to your old job, the job displacement voucher pays up to $6,000 for retraining.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Meniscus tear

Pain, catching or locking, the knee giving way, and not being able to move it fully. Stiffness and swelling develop over a few days.

Knee sprain

Often from pivoting.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. Exam and X-raysX-rays don’t show the meniscus but can rule out other causes.
2. Rest, ice, compression, elevationPlus anti-inflammatory medicine.
3. InjectionA steroid injection is another option.
4. MRIThe preferred way to diagnose an acute meniscus tear.
5. Surgery if neededTrimming the torn part (partial meniscectomy) or stitching it (repair), followed by physical therapy.

Sources: AAOS OrthoInfo: Meniscus tears, Mayo Clinic: Sprains, DWC Guidebook ch. 7, EFLL workers’ comp page.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Job displacement voucherUp to $6,000 for retraining if you have a permanent partial disability and your employer doesn’t offer suitable work, then a one-time $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement you can apply for.

If the knee never fully heals, a permanent disability rating can apply. Wait until you understand the long-term impact before you settle.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Ankle sprain

Grade I stretches the ligaments, grade II partly tears them, and grade III tears them fully.

Foot or ankle fracture

Get care if you can’t put weight on it, the pain is directly over the bone, or it’s numb.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. ExamTo rule out a fracture.
2. Home careRest, elevate the foot, ice 20 minutes at a time, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
3. SupportA brace, splint or cast and crutches, depending on the grade.
4. Physical therapyUsually needed to recover.
5. Surgery for some grade III sprainsEspecially for younger or more active people.

Sources: Mayo Clinic: Sprains, MedlinePlus (NIH): Ankle sprain aftercare, AAOS OrthoInfo: Fractures.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Medical mileageReimbursement for travel to medical appointments.

If you’re put on crutches and can’t do your usual job, temporary disability can apply.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Fractures

Very painful, often with swelling, bruising or deformity.

Head injury

Falls and vehicle crashes are leading causes of traumatic brain injury.

Neck sprain

Whiplash is common after rear-end collisions.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. Emergency treatmentRight away.
2. X-rays and other imagingX-rays are the most common way to evaluate fractures.
3. StabilizeA cast or brace, temporary traction, or surgery that holds bones with plates, screws or rods.
4. RehabilitationExercises to restore strength, motion and flexibility.
5. Specialists for each injuryEach injury follows its own treatment guideline.

Sources: AAOS OrthoInfo: Fractures, CDC MMWR: Traumatic brain injury, AAOS OrthoInfo: Neck sprain, DWC Guidebook ch. 1, DWC Guidebook ch. 5, EFLL temporary disability page.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Job displacement voucherUp to $6,000 for retraining if you have a permanent partial disability and your employer doesn’t offer suitable work, then a one-time $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement you can apply for.
• Death benefitsFinancial support for dependents if a worker dies from a work injury or illness.

Serious cases can extend temporary disability to 240 weeks, for example amputations or severe burns.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Hearing loss

Occupational hearing loss is permanent but preventable.

Occupational asthma

Wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing from wood or grain dust, animal dander, fungi or chemicals. It often gets worse toward the end of the work week and better on weekends.

Contact dermatitis

A skin reaction to acids, alkalis, solvents or rubber gloves, or an allergy to things like adhesives or metals.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. Limit exposureFor skin, wash the area thoroughly with water. For eyes, see Eyes & face.
2. TestingHearing tests, lung function tests, chest X-rays, peak-flow readings before, during and after work, or patch testing, which takes at least three visits.
3. TreatmentAsthma medicines, moisturizers and corticosteroid creams, and hearing aids if suggested.
4. Avoid the triggerAsthma can get worse with continued exposure, even with medicine, so reducing exposure or changing jobs may be needed.

Sources: DWC Guidebook ch. 1, CDC NIOSH: Noise and occupational hearing loss, HealthLinkBC: Hearing loss, MedlinePlus (NIH): Occupational asthma, MedlinePlus (NIH): Contact dermatitis, DWC: Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule, EFLL denied-claim page.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Job displacement voucherUp to $6,000 for retraining if you have a permanent partial disability and your employer doesn’t offer suitable work, then a one-time $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement you can apply for.

Insurers may argue an exposure injury didn’t happen at work. Medical records, work logs, expert reports and your testimony can prove it.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Post-traumatic stress

Can follow extreme trauma involving the threat of injury or death. It’s diagnosed when symptoms have lasted at least 30 days.

What the law requires

Generally, work events must be the predominant cause, and you must have worked for that employer at least six months, unless a sudden and extraordinary employment condition caused it. After a violent act at work, work must be a substantial cause (35 to 40%).

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. EvaluationBy a doctor or mental health professional.
2. TreatmentTalk therapy, medicines, or both.
3. Stay with itDon’t stop or change medicines without your provider’s guidance.
4. GuidelinesCalifornia’s treatment guidelines include workplace mental health, covering PTSD, depressive and anxiety disorders.

Sources: DWC Guidebook ch. 1, EFLL denied-claim page, Labor Code 3208.3, MedlinePlus (NIH): PTSD, SAMHSA: 988 Lifeline fact sheet, DWC: Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule, EFLL workers’ comp page.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.

If you were fired, demoted or had your hours cut after reporting an injury, you may also have a claim for wrongful termination or workers’ comp retaliation. We handle both under one roof.

What to do now

Common work injuries here

Repetitive motion disorders

Carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, epicondylitis, trigger finger and others, from too many uninterrupted repetitions, awkward motions, overexertion, poor posture and fatigue.

Signs

Pain, tingling, numbness, swelling or redness, and lost flexibility and strength.

Typical treatment path

Typical steps, in order. Your treating doctor decides what you need.

1. Cut back the motionUsually the first step, with rest breaks.
2. Early careIce, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicine, and splints.
3. Physical therapyTo restore strength and flexibility.
4. Surgery, rarelyMost people recover fully. Without treatment, permanent injury is possible.

Sources: DWC Guidebook ch. 1, NINDS (via BrainFacts): Repetitive motion disorders, EFLL workers’ comp page, EFLL denied-claim page.

Typical timeline

Benefits that usually apply

• Medical treatmentAll reasonable and necessary care for the work injury. Within one working day of filing your claim form, your employer must authorize treatment, and you can receive up to $10,000 of care while the claim is being decided.
• Temporary disabilityTwo-thirds of the wages you lose (2026 injuries: $264.61 to $1,764.11 a week), if your doctor says you can’t do your usual job for more than three days or you’re hospitalized overnight. Not taxed.
• Permanent disabilityIf you don’t recover completely. The amount depends on a rating based on your medical condition, your age and your occupation.
• Job displacement voucherUp to $6,000 for retraining if you have a permanent partial disability and your employer doesn’t offer suitable work, then a one-time $5,000 Return-to-Work Supplement you can apply for.

Insurers often deny cumulative claims as “not work-related.” Repetitive stress and overexertion can qualify.

What to do now