California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday signed a bill requiring employers to notify workers that they can consult an attorney for advice about their rights under the state’s workers compensation law.
Per A.B. 1870, employers will be required to display a poster that provides information such as the name of the company’s workers compensation insurer or, in the case of self-insureds, who is responsible for adjusting claims. The poster must also include information about the rights of injured workers to receive medical care, to select a treating physician, to receive indemnity benefits and the time limits to notify an employer of an occupational injury.
The new law also requires that the posters advise injured workers that they can consult a licensed attorney for advice about their work comp rights. Posters must also advise employees that in most instances, attorney fees are paid from the benefits an injured worker receives.
The new law, which had unanimous support in both chambers of the legislature, takes effect Jan. 1.
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