California Requires Employers To Notify Injured Workers of Right to Attorney Effective January 1st, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom on recently signed a bill into law requiring employers to provide notice to employees that they can consult and seek the advice of an attorney for guidance about their rights under the state’s workers compensation law.

Under A.B. 1870, employers will be required to display a poster for employees providing information such as the name of the company’s workers compensation insurer or, in the case of self-insureds, who is responsible for adjusting claims for employee injuries. The poster must also include information about the rights of injured workers to receive medical care, to select a treating physician, to receive indemnity benefits and the time limits to notify an employer of an occupational injury.

The new law also requires that the posters advise injured workers that they can consult a licensed attorney for advice about their work comp rights. Posters must also advise employees generally in most instances of injury, attorney fees are paid from the benefits an injured worker receives.

The new law, which had unanimous support in both chambers of the legislature, takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.