By Timothy D. Bartell, PC – Your Workers Comp Attorney in Fresno, CA
If you’ve been injured at work in California’s Central Valley, you’re likely asking: Should I file for workers’ compensation or disability benefits? Or both?
Understanding your options is key to protecting your health, your income, and your future. At Timothy D. Bartell, PC, we work with injured workers across Fresno and the Central Valley to help them navigate California’s complex workers’ compensation system and understand how it overlaps with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Let’s break it down—clearly, locally, and with your needs in mind.
What Is Workers’ Compensation in California?
If you’re injured on the job, California workers’ compensation may be your first and best option for financial support. This state-mandated system provides benefits regardless of who was at fault—as long as the injury or illness is work-related.
If you’re wondering how workers comp works in CA, here’s what you need to know:
- Medical care: All treatment related to your injury or illness is covered—including doctor visits, physical therapy, and prescriptions.
- Temporary disability payments: Partial wage replacement if you’re unable to work for a period of time.
- Permanent disability benefits: If your injury results in long-term impairment, you may be entitled to permanent payments.
- Supplemental job displacement benefits: For retraining if you can’t return to your previous position.
- No proof of negligence required: You only need to show the injury happened due to your job duties.
Whether you’re a field worker, office assistant, correctional officer, or law enforcement officer, workers comp for Fresno employees is designed to protect your livelihood.
What About Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that helps people who can’t work due to a severe health condition—regardless of whether it was caused by your job.
If you’re not sure which applies, remember:
- SSDI covers non-work-related disabilities
- You must have paid into the system through Social Security taxes
- Your condition must be expected to last at least one year or result in death
- SSDI only provides income support—it does not cover medical treatment
- After 24 months of SSDI, you may qualify for Medicare
Some clients ask, “Can I receive both workers’ comp and SSDI in California?” The answer is yes, in some cases—but there are important limits and offsets that affect how much you receive. That’s why speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney like Tim Bartell is essential.
Temporary Disability vs. SSDI: What’s the Difference?
If you’re recovering from a serious injury, you may be dealing with temporary disability through workers’ compensation. These benefits are short-term and usually apply while your doctor says you can’t return to work.
Here are some temporary disability examples in California:
- A broken arm from a fall at a construction site
- Back strain from heavy lifting in a warehouse
- PTSD from a traumatic incident for law enforcement officers
If your injury is severe enough to prevent any work long-term, SSDI may also be an option down the line.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Rights. Get the Help You Deserve.
Navigating California’s workers’ comp system—especially while injured—can be confusing and stressful. But you don’t have to do it alone.
At Timothy D. Bartell, PC, we help Central Valley workers:
- Understand when workers’ comp starts paying in California
- Learn how to apply for workers comp in California
- Explore options when workers’ comp may pay for a caregiver
- Coordinate workers’ comp and SSDI to maximize benefits
If you’re unsure where to start or what applies to your situation, reach out. Whether you are unsure about permanent vs. temporary disability, or want to appeal a denied claim—we’re here for you.
Based in Fresno. Proudly serving the Central Valley.
Call us or visit www.timbartell.com for a free consultation.
Let’s protect your future—together.