After you have reached a settlement in a California workers’ comp case, you might wonder if your settlement proceeds will be taxed? Luckily, workers’ compensation benefits and settlements are not taxable under state or federal law in most instances. There are a few important exceptions so its important to talk with your workers’ compensation attorney…
If your California workers’ compensation case is at the settlement stage, you may have to decide between two options. These are usually a Compromise and Release (C&R) or a Stipulated Award. Each one can resolve your claim, but they offer different levels of protection and benefits. The right choice will depend on your injury, your…
California workers’ compensation benefits increase almost every year. This is primarily driven by statewide cost-of-living changes and wage growth. These are referred to as COLA increases, and they help ensure injured workers don’t fall behind others just because of their job-related injuries. In 2027, another increase is expected, and knowing how it works can be…
If you were injured at work, you might hesitate to call an attorney if you’re concerned about the cost. Luckily, a workers’ comp lawyer is actually far more affordable than most people think. The system is designed to make legal access easier, and attorney fees are very strictly regulated by state law. Most workers’ comp…
California wildfires continue to become more frequent, longer lasting, and more dangerous. Outdoor workers affected by the smoke of these fires deserve compensation if they are injured by it. You could be breathing dangerous air for weeks at a time, so it is important to know your rights and potential benefits. At Ratto Law Firm,…
Warehouse and logistics workers often have high rates of injuries. They engage in repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and have high productivity demands from their employers. AB 701 helped pass new protections for workers in large warehouse distribution centers. Quota-related protections can directly influence how a worker proves their workers’ compensation claim, and whether the employer’s…
If you were injured in California and now have a permanent disability, your disability rating isn’t the only thing that affects your benefits. You might also qualify for a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) voucher. This voucher lets injured workers retrain and learn new skill, hopefully to allow you to find a different line of…
Many rideshare and delivery drivers have lived in a gray area for workers’ compensation because of unclear or even mistaken designations. A lot of companies try to classify their drivers as independent contractors, rather than employees. When this is the right designation, the independent contractor is not eligible for workers’ comp. Under California law, however,…
You are allowed to file a workers’ comp claim, and you can do so without fear of retaliation. If your employer discriminates against you because you file a good faith workers’ comp claim, you have powerful protections at your back that can help. Employers who violate the law are subject to significant sanctions and you…
California’s workers’ comp system has seen one of the biggest procedural changes this past year. In 2026, new Utilization Review (UR) rules have made deadlines tighter, created stricter documentation requirements, and heightened medical necessity requirements. As a result, more treatment requests are being denied than what we saw before. At Ratto Law Firm, P.C., our…
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