Answers to commonly asked disability and/or workers' compensation questions...

What are the differences between disability and workers’ compensation?

State Disability Insurance covers off-the-job injuries or sickness and is paid for by workers through deductions from their paychecks.

Workers’ Compensation is paid by your employer and takes care of on-the-job injuries and illnesses caused or aggravated by work.

How do I file for
these benefits?

For state disability, you must go to your doctor, who will determine if you need to
be off work. The doctor will give you a note to give to your store manager.
Call EDD at 1-800-480-3287 to request forms, or use their website: www.edd.ca.gov.

For workers’ compensation, you must report the injury to your manager or
supervisor immediately and he/she will complete a claim form and arrange
medical treatment at the employer's designated clinic.

Can I go to my own doctor when it is a job-related injury?

You may be entitled to be treated by your own personal physician – if you have
pre-designated that provider and they have consented to treat you; otherwise, you must see the company designated doctor.
Call Local 1442 for this form.

How long do I have to go to the company doctor?

Thirty days after reporting the injury and being treated by the company doctor,
you may be able to switch to your own doctor. But, if your employer contracts with
a “medical provider network,” you may never be able to change if you never
pre-designated your own doctor.

What happens if I go to my
doctor and find out my injury
is work-related?

Get a note from that doctor stating that your condition is work related and give it
to the store manager or supervisor, and ask for the form to complete to report a job-related injury.

What happens if I am
permanently disabled?

If the injury keeps you from returning to your regular work, you may qualify for
vocational rehabilitation benefits or training into a new job, which may or may not
be with another employer.

Does the union have workers’ compensation attorneys?

Yes. For over 20 years, the law firm of Gordon, Edelstein & Krepack, specializing in personal injury and worker's compensation, has been assisting our members. Please call Richard Felton at (213) 739-7000.