This episode provides a comprehensive overview of workers’ compensation in California: The hosts, Max and Charlette , discuss the importance of workers’ compensation and how it protects employees. They are joined by guest Jake Harris, who has over 10 years of experience in the industry. Together, they break down the essentials of workers' compensation, including:

What workers' compensation is: Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that offers benefits to employees who get injured or become ill due to their job. These benefits include coverage for medical expenses, wage replacement for lost work time, and disability benefits. If an employee cannot return to their previous job due to the injury or illness, workers' compensation can also cover job retraining.

The importance of reporting injuries promptly: Employees should report any work-related injury or illness to their employer immediately, as this initiates the process for receiving benefits.

What to do if a claim is denied: If an insurance company denies a workers' compensation claim, employees have the right to appeal the decision. They can seek assistance from an Applicant Attorney who specializes in workers' compensation cases to help them navigate the process.

How workers' compensation varies by state: Workers' compensation laws and regulations are determined at the state level, meaning benefits and requirements differ depending on the employee’s location. For example, Texas is the only state where employers are not legally obligated to have workers' compensation insurance.

The status of independent contractors: In most states, independent contractors are not covered by workers' compensation. This has implications for gig workers who are often categorized as independent contractors