For the last four years, California Senate Bill 447 expanded the damages recoverable in a survival action. During that brief window, the survival action permitted recover of pre-death pain and suffering, as well as disfigurement. Before that, this was never allowed. SB 447 allowed a brief window that required the legislature to extend it before…
Yes, you can file a workers’ comp claim for anxiety, PTSD, and depression in California. The state recognizes that not all injuries are physical. Despite this, there are specific legal standards that apply that make these claims less straightforward than many physical injuries. Knowing how the workers’ comp system handles these claims and what you’re…
California farmworkers and outdoor workers know the dangers of heat-related illness while at work. As temperatures continue to rise, this problem gets worse every year. Working long shifts in the sun or non-air conditioned areas leads to a significant risk of heat illness, especially if your employer doesn’t provide the right protections. California law has…
Most California employers are required to carry workers’ comp insurance. But what if they don’t? Knowing what to do if your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance is key to protecting your rights. At Ratto Law Firm, P.C., our California workers’ compensation attorneys help you fight for the compensation you deserve after a work injury….
If you work as a contractor or “independent contractor” in California, you’re likely wondering if workers’ comp actually applies to you. While independent contractors are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, very often you are misclassified. You could be an “employee” even if the company that hired you labels you as an independent contractor. California…
California has increased the Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits for 2026. This means your benefits have an even greater potential if you receive benefits while you’re not working. TTD is often one of the primary sources of compensation after an injury. Understanding how it works can help you understand the impact on your weekly payments….
If you get hurt at work, you may be hoping to pick your own doctor. Many injured workers quickly realize that picking your doctor isn’t as simple as calling the one you’re used to. California has specific workers’ compensation rules for who is allowed to treat you. Insurance companies also have some control over your…
Many people work more than one job in California. They do this to support their families, add to their savings, or just deal with the rising cost of living. But what happens to a workers’ comp claim if you’re injured at one of your jobs and it affects your ability to work the other jobs?…
After a work injury in California, you may be hearing about temporary disability and permanent disability. You want to know what the difference is, but often you get confusing or partial information. California law offers you temporary or permanent disability depending on your circumstances. Which will apply is best discussed with a skilled California workers’…
If you get injured at work and need surgery, you likely have a lot of questions about what happens next. Who approves your surgery? Once approved, who pays it? Under California workers’ compensation law, you’re entitled to reasonable and necessary medical treatment, but an insurance company might try to limit what they pay out by…
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