Are Volunteers Covered Under Workers Compensation in California? What You Need To Know

In California, volunteers play a crucial role in many organizations and events. They generously give their time, skills, and energy to support different causes and help make a positive impact on their communities. However, as with any other state in the country, accidents can happen while they are volunteering. This raises an important question – are volunteers covered under workers’ compensation in California? In this blog article, we will discuss what you need to know about workers’ compensation, volunteers, and more in the state of California.

What Is Workers Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance coverage that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to injured employees or workers who become ill on the job. It also includes benefits for dependents in case of death resulting from a work-related incident.

In California, all employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. This insurance coverage is designed to provide financial protection for employees in case of a work-related injury or illness, regardless of who was at fault. This means that if you are an employee and you sustain an injury or become ill while on the job, workers’ compensation will cover your medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages.

How Does California Workers Compensation Insurance Work?

In California, once there is an injured worker or an employee falls sick due to a work-related incident, they can file a claim for workers’ compensation. The employer has the responsibility to promptly provide a claim form within one working day after learning about the illness or injury. After the employee submits the filled-out workers comp claim form, the employer is expected to submit this to their insurance company without delay.

The insurance company then reviews the workers comp claim and decides on approval or denial based on the circumstances and validity of the workplace injury or illness. If approved, the employee can receive benefits that cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of their lost wages.

In case of a dispute, the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board acts as the final adjudicator. This system helps ensure employees receive the necessary support during recovery, whether that’s medical care or financial compensation, and makes certain that the employer is not financially burdened by the costs associated with work-related injuries and illnesses.

Are Volunteers Considered Employees?

Under California law, volunteers do not automatically qualify for workers’ compensation unless they fall under certain categories. California Labor Code section 3352(d) states that a volunteer who is performing services for a public agency or nonprofit organization may be considered an employee for purposes of workers’ compensation if they meet specific criteria.

These criteria include:

• The volunteer has been appointed by the public agency or nonprofit organization
• The volunteer provides work or services without any expectation of compensation or benefits
• The volunteer does not displace any paid employees
• The work performed by the volunteer is similar to the type of work typically performed by an employee

What Are Some Exceptions?

There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, in cases where volunteers are participating in athletic events or other specific activities that require them to sign a waiver of liability, they may not be covered under workers’ compensation in California. This is because volunteers participating in these types of events are considered to have assumed the risks involved and waived their rights to any potential claims.

Additionally, if a volunteer is injured while performing tasks outside of the scope of their assigned duties or during personal breaks, they may also not be covered under workers’ compensation.

Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Volunteers

In various scenarios, volunteers may become eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. For instance, volunteer firefighters could inhale smoke, resulting in respiratory issues. As this injury occurred during the act of volunteering, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

Another example might include a volunteer at a community event who slips and falls, causing a severe injury. Since the accident occurs while the individual is volunteering, they might be eligible for benefits.

It is also worth considering volunteers at nonprofit organizations. Suppose a volunteer at a food bank strains their back while lifting heavy boxes, leading to musculoskeletal injuries. As the injury happened during the volunteering service, this individual may be eligible for workers’ compensation.

Remember, these are only examples. The actual coverage and benefits may vary depending on specific details and circumstances surrounding the incident, which would be evaluated by the relevant authorities or insurance providers.

How Can Volunteers Protect Themselves While At Work?

Volunteers who perform voluntary service in California are not automatically entitled to workers’ compensation coverage, as we’ve seen. However, there are several proactive steps that they can take to protect themselves in the workplace.

Firstly, volunteers should understand their rights and responsibilities before they start working. This includes knowing the specific circumstances under which they might be eligible for workers’ compensation. By doing this, they can help to ensure that they are not left without financial support if they become injured workers.

Secondly, volunteers should not be afraid to ask questions about the organization’s safety protocols and procedures. This can help them to avoid any potential hazards in the workplace, and minimize the risk of injury.

Finally, volunteers can also look into purchasing their own personal injury insurance as a supplement to any workers’ compensation coverage that they might be entitled to. This can provide additional financial support in the event of an accident, and ensure that they are still able to meet their financial obligations while they are recovering from their injuries.

Remember, every volunteer’s situation and the work they do can be unique, so they must take the time to consider their specific circumstances and take action accordingly.

More Information on California Workers Compensation

For more information on workers’ compensation, its benefits, filing claims, and more in California, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Ultimate Law Firm at (818) 821-8777. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Remember, whether you are an employee or a volunteer, workplace injuries can happen to anyone at any time. Knowing your rights and taking proactive steps to protect yourself is crucial in ensuring that you receive the necessary support and compensation during recovery. So stay informed, stay safe, and be prepared.