Workers’ compensation: liability.
The bill proposes to increase the maximum liability for medical treatment from $10,000 to $17,000 until the date the claim is accepted or rejected. Additionally, it mandates that when compensation is unreasonably delayed or refused, the amount due will be uplifted by 10%. This enhancement could potentially relieve undue financial strain on injured workers by ensuring they receive expected compensation sooner. Furthermore, the bill also introduces compliance measures that will require a legally significant event for employers to be held liable for repeated delays in payments, providing a more structured approach to addressing compensation issues.
Senate Bill 335, introduced by Senator Cortese, aims to amend existing laws governing workers' compensation in California, particularly focusing on the processes related to payment delays and the liabilities of employers. One significant change proposed in the bill is the reduction of the time period for employers to reject liability for claims from 90 days to 45 days, and further down to 30 days for specific conditions affecting law enforcement officers and first responders. This measure is designed to expedite the claims evaluation process and ensure that injured workers receive timely compensation.
The sentiment surrounding SB 335 appears to be largely positive, particularly among advocates for workers' rights and labor organizations, as it seeks to protect the interests of workers, especially those in high-risk occupations like law enforcement and first responders. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential implications for employers, who may feel the bill could increase their financial liabilities and complicate the claims process. This reflects ongoing debates about balancing the rights and protections of workers with the obligations of employers in the workers’ compensation landscape.
Despite its positive outlook, the bill is not without contention. Critics argue that while it addresses the pressing issue of compensation delays, the prohibitive measures might lead employers to reject claims more often, contributing to increased tensions within the workers’ compensation system. There is also concern that the stipulations surrounding multiple delays could complicate claims further, questioning the fairness of requiring a legally significant event to establish liability. Overall, SB 335 represents a significant effort to refine the workers' compensation framework in California while navigating complex stakeholder interests.