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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…

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…

California’s SB 553 has created new rules for employers that are meant to protect against violence in the workplace. It is meant to prevent violent incidents, but it also has documentation requirements for incidents that do occur. It can have major implications for any worker who suffers workplace violence. Understanding how this works and the…

If you are trying to figure out a worker’s comp claim in California, you’ll likely see the term Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME). These evaluators play a key role in determining your level of disability, your medical condition, and if your injury is work-related or not. Their report carries significant weight in the workers’ comp system….