Workers' Comp FAQ for Employees

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FAQ – Claim Status

Who do I contact to find out any claim information?

You should contact Workers' Compensation Services at the following address and phone number.

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
What happens if my claim is accepted?

Workers' Compensation Services will begin to provide benefits immediately. Most claims are accepted.
What should I do if my claim is delayed?

It can take up to ninety (90) days from the date you reported the injury to your supervisor for Workers' Compensation Services to make a decision on your claim. During this time, workers' compensation disability benefits will not be paid. During this time, you may be eligible to receive benefits under other disability plans. Contact the Health Benefits Office at (661) 868-3182, to inquire into filing for other disability benefits.
What should I do if my claim is denied?

Contact the Health Benefits Office at (661) 868-3182. You may be eligible for benefits under other disability plans.

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FAQ – General Information

What do I do if I become injured or ill because of work?

Report the injury to your supervisor immediately, and obtain prompt medical care.
Who coordinates the County of Kern's Workers' Compensation Program?

The County of Kern's Workers' Compensation Services decides whether you are eligible for workers' compensation benefits. Workers' Compensation Services can be reached at:

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801

Additional Workers' Compensation Contacts
What is Workers' Compensation?

A no-fault, employer-paid insurance system designed to assure that employees who sustain work-related injury or illness receive complete medical attention for the injury or illness, and a degree of financial and other support in returning to gainful work.
Who at the County of Kern has Workers' Compensation insurance coverage?

All county employees, jurors, and volunteers.
What are the main Workers' Compensation benefits?
- Medical and Hospital Care - to cure and relieve from the affects of the injury
- Temporary Disability Payments - to partially replace earnings lost during medical recovery
- Permanent Disability Payments - to partially replace earning power lost after medical recovery
- Vocational Rehabilitation - to assist the worker in returning to suitable gainful employment for injuries prior to 1/1/04
- Death Benefits - payable to dependents should the injury or illness materially lead to death
- Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit for injuries on or after 1/1/04
For more detailed information, see the following Workers' Compensation brochures:
- Injured Worker (PDF)
- Injured Worker (Spanish) (PDF)
Who decides if I am eligible for workers' compensation benefits?

The County of Kern's Workers' Compensation Services decides whether you are eligible for workers' compensation benefits. Workers' Compensation Services can be reached at:

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801

Additional Workers' Compensation Contacts
Who provides the workers' compensation benefits?

The County of Kern's Workers' Compensation Services program provides the workers' compensation benefits. Workers' Compensation Services can be reached at:

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801

Additional Workers' Compensation Contacts
Is there an informational brochure for injured workers?
The following brochures provide information on the workers' compensation program benefits and the rights of injured workers.
- Injured Worker (PDF)
- Injured Worker (Spanish) (PDF)
Is there a County department to answer my questions?

Yes, the Workers Compensation Services department can answer your questions. They can be reached at:

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661)868-3801

Additional Workers' Compensation Contacts
Is there a State of California office to answer my questions?

es, you can call the local Information & Assistance Officer at (661)395-2514 or the State Division of Workers' Compensation, at 1-800-736-7401.
Who do I contact if I need an ergonomic workstation assessment?

Before Injury (Prevention) – If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your individual situation, you can contact Brad Aragon of the County Safety Program at (661) 868-3855.

After Injury – Report the injury to your supervisor, and contact Workers' Compensation Services at (661) 868-3801.

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FAQ – Injury Reporting

What do I do if I become injured or ill because of work?

Report the injury to your supervisor immediately, and obtain prompt medical care.
When should I report an Injury or Illness?

All injuries and illnesses, no matter how trivial, should immediately be reported to your supervisor. A delay in reporting an injury may result in a delay in providing benefits, or may even jeopardize your eligibility for benefits. You should also immediately report all injuries and illness which you believe may be work-related, even if you are not absolutely sure they are. This will protect your right to any benefits that may be due you.
Do I need to be off work to file a claim?

No. Many people continue to work while receiving workers' compensation benefits (medical treatment, for instance). You can file a claim whether or not you have lost any time from work.
How do I file a claim?

Report the injury to your supervisor; claim forms will be sent to you.
Where do I get the claim forms?

Once you report your injury, the forms will be sent to you.
To whom do I give the completed claim forms?

Once you have completed the employee claim form, please submit the form to your supervisor.
Who will contact me after I have filed the claim forms?

Your Claims Administrator at Workers' Compensation Services, (661) 868-3801, will call you to discuss your injury and to explain the workers' compensation benefits and procedures in detail.
How soon will I be contacted after I report the injury?

After reporting your injury, WCS should contact you within ten days at the very latest, usually much sooner.

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FAQ – List of Contacts

Who do I contact if my injury or illness is work-related?

Report your work-related injury or illness to your supervisor immediately. Please see the Employee injury section.
Who do I contact if my injury or illness in NOT work-related?

Call the Health Benefits Office at (661) 868-3182.
Who is Workers' Compensation Services?

Workers' Compensation Services is part of the County of Kern's Office of the County Counsel.. They are responsible for administering the workers' compensation claims programs, deciding which benefits are due, and paying them.
How do I reach Workers' Compensation Services?

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
Who do I contact if I want to change doctors?

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
Who do I contact about my medical care?

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
Who do I contact for a copy of my medical report?

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
Who do I contact about my medical bills?

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
What is the County's Workers' Compensation "carrier" and policy number?

If your doctor's office asks you for the name and address of your employer's workers' compensation "carrier", and for your employer's "policy number", give them the following information:

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801

Since the County is self-insured there is no policy number.
Who do I contact to find out who is handling my claim?

Call Workers' Compensation Services at (661) 868-3801.
Who do I contact to find out my Claim Number?

Call Workers' Compensation Services at (661) 868-3801.
Who do I contact to see if my claim is still open?

Call Workers' Compensation Services at (661) 868-3801.
Who do I contact about my Temporary Disability payments?

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
Who do I contact about my insurance premiums?

Contact the Health Benefits Office at (661) 868-3182.
Who do I contact about my retirement service credit?

Contact the Retirement Board Office at (661) 381-7700.
Who do I contact about other insurance plans?

Contact the Health Benefits Office at (661) 868-3182.
Who do I contact about workplace safety?

Contact Brad Aragon, Loss Prevention Specialist, at (661) 868-3880.
Is there a State of California office to answer my questions?

es, you can call the local Information & Assistance Officer at (661)395-2514 or the State Division of Workers' Compensation, at 1-800-736-7401.
Who do I contact if I need an ergonomic workstation assessment?

Before Injury (Prevention) – If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your individual situation, you can contact Brad Aragon of the County Safety Program at (661) 868-3855.

After Injury – Report the injury to your supervisor, and contact Workers' Compensation Services at (661) 868-3801.

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FAQ – Medical Care

What do I do if I become injured or ill because of work?

Report the injury to your supervisor immediately, and obtain prompt medical care.
Where do I go for medical treatment?

See the employee injury section.
Who authorizes medical treatment?

All medical treatment that is beyond First Aid or Emergency care must be authorized by:

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801

No one else may authorize such medical care.
Can my supervisor authorize medical treatment?
Your supervisor can make an initial referral for:
- First Aid treatment,
- Emergency care,
- Or, to the County Occupational medical providers.
Can I go to my own doctor?
If you filled out the Employee Pre-Designation Form before the injury happened, you can go to your personal physician immediately after the injury. If you did not fill out the Pre-Designation Form before the injury happened, you can begin treating with your personal physician thirty (30) days after the date on which you reported the injury to your supervisor. For more detailed information see the Workers' Compensation brochure:
- Injured Worker Brochure (PDF)
- Injured Worker Brochure (Spanish) (PDF)
Where can I get the form to pre-designate my own doctor as treater?

You can print the Employee Pre-Designation Form from this website. Or, you can call Workers' Compensation Services, and we will send you one. Send the completed form to your payroll/personnel department and Workers' Compensation Services.
Can I change doctors?
Yes. Within the first 30 days you have the right to one change of physician. For more detailed information, see the Workers' Compensation brochure:
- Injured Worker Brochure (PDF)
- Injured Worker Brochure (Spanish) (PDF)
Who do I contact if I want to change doctors?

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
Who do I contact about my medical care?

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
Who do I contact for a copy of my medical report?

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
Who do I contact about my medical bills?

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
What is the County's Workers' Compensation "carrier" and policy number?

If your doctor's office asks you for the name and address of your employer's workers' compensation "carrier", and for your employer's "policy number", give them the following information:

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801

Since the County is self-insured there is no policy number.
Who do I contact to find out my Claim Number?

Call Workers' Compensation Services at (661) 868-3801.

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FAQ – Sick Leave, Vacation Leave, and Leave Without Pay

Who do I contact about my Paycheck?

Ask your supervisor or your department's payroll clerk.
I use my Sick Leave & Vacation Leave while receiving Temporary Disability payments?

You can elect to use Sick Leave. You do this by completing the Workers' Compensation Leave Option Form that you received from your department. You may not use Vacation Leave while receiving Temporary Disability.
How much of my Sick Leave will I use?

Because Temporary Disability is partially replacing your lost wages, you do not need to use as much Sick Leave as you usually would.
What personnel policy addresses WC, Sick Leave, & Vacation Leave?

Personnel Policies. Please see chapter 18 of the Workers' Compensation.
How will I be paid while I am off of work due to a disability?
- If your claim is ACCEPTED by Workers' Compensation Services, Workers' Compensation Services will send you a disability (TD) check every two weeks.
- You can use your Sick Leave. If your Sick Leave runs out, and you are still disabled, you will continue to receive your TD checks. You should also contact the Payroll Office to make arrangements to pay the premiums for your health benefits insurance.
- If your claim is DELAYED by Workers' Compensation Services and if eligible, file for SDI and seek medical treatment with your personal physician.
- If your claim is DENIED by Workers' Compensation Services: Call (661) 868-3801.
How will I be paid if I am disabled part-time?
You may be entitled to Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) payments from Workers' Compensation Services. If so, this will pay a portion of your wage-loss while working on a part-time schedule:
- The County will pay you for the time you work.
- If eligible, Workers' Compensation Services will pay you TPD benefits.
- Sick Leave. If SL is used, the TPD benefit must be returned to the Auditor - Controller's office.
How do I fill out my timesheet?
You fill out your timesheet as you normally would, using hours of Sick Leave for your lost time. Each month, your department's Payroll Processor will reconcile your timesheet, based on any workers' compensation payments made by Workers' Compensation Services.
- If your claim has been accepted by Workers' Compensation Services, and you elected to use accrued Sick Leave, you must return your TD check to Auditor - Controller's office.
- If your claim has been delayed by Workers' Compensation Services, you are not automatically permitted to use your Vacation Leave. You must obtain the approval of your department.
- If your claim has been denied by Workers' Compensation Services, follow your departments usual procedures.
Do I use Sick Leave to attend medical visits?
You fill out your timesheet as you normally would, using hours of Sick Leave for your lost time. Each month, your department's Payroll Processor will reconcile your timesheet, based on any workers' compensation payments made by Workers' Compensation Services.
- If your claim has been delayed by Workers' Compensation Services, you are not automatically permitted to use your Vacation Leave. You must obtain the approval of your department.
- If your claim has been denied by Workers' Compensation Services, follow your departments usual procedures.
Do I use Sick Leave for the three day waiting period?

Yes. Temporary Disability is usually not paid for the first three days of disability. Ordinance days will be authorized for the last three days of disability. Your department will pay you for those days upon receipt of the ordinance days authorization.
Will all my Sick Leave be reimbursed or only part?

Your Sick Leave is reimbursed for the first three days of disability.
Will I continue to accrue Sick Leave while off work?

While using Sick Leave:
You continue to accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave at your regular rate. The accruals are credited to you immediately, and you can use them as soon as you accrue them.

If you separate from the County without returning to work:
Vacation Leave accrued in this period is paid to you. Sick Leave accrued in this period is not paid to you.

While using Sick Leave:
You continue to accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave at your regular rate. The accruals are credited to you immediately, and you can use them as soon as you accrue them.

While you are on Leave of Absence Without Pay and still receiving Temporary Disability payments:
You do not accrue Sick Leave and Vacation Leave.
How will being on Temporary Disability affect my retirement service credit?

While using Sick Leave in lieu of Temporary Disability payments, you continue to earn retirement service credit at your regular rate. While you are on Leave of Absence Without Pay, you do not earn retirement service credit.
How will my Medical, Dental, and Optical insurance premiums be paid?

While Sick Leave is used, all contributions to your Medical, Dental, and Optical insurance premiums continue as usual.

While Vacation Leave is used, all contributions to your Medical, Dental, and Optical insurance premiums continue as usual. However, after 52 weeks of industrial leave or once you are placed on Absent Without Pay status, alternate arrangements must be made to assure that payment of your Health insurance premiums continues.
Who do I contact about my insurance premiums?

Contact the Health Benefits Office at (661) 868-3182.
Who do I contact about my retirement service credit?

Contact the Retirement Board Office at (661) 381-7700.
Who do I contact about other insurance plans?

Contact the Health Benefits Office at (661) 868-3182.

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FAQ – Temporary Disability Benefits

Who do I contact about my Temporary Disability payments?

Workers Compensation Services
County of Kern
1115 Truxtun Avenue, 4th Floor
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-3801
How much are the Temporary Disability payments?

While you are off work recovering from your injury or illness, you will receive Temporary Disability (TD) payments from Workers' Compensation Services. Temporary Disability partially replaces lost wages. It is always less than 100% of your regular earnings. The amount of the TD benefit depends on your average weekly earnings at the time you were injured. There are maximum and minimum amounts.

For injuries occurring on or after 1/1/05, the amount of the TD benefit is two-thirds (2/3) of your average weekly earnings, but No more than $840 per week, and No less than $126 per week, or actual earnings if less.

Example 1: If you usually earn $600 per week, Workers' Compensation Services will calculate TD as follows:
TD = (2/3) x $600 = $400 per week
TD is paid every two weeks. So, every two weeks you would receive a check for $800 (2 x $400).

Example 2: If you usually earn $1400 per week, Workers' Compensation Services will calculate TD as follows:
(2/3) x $1400 = $933.33, reduced to maximum rate = $840 per week
TD is paid every two weeks. So, every two weeks you would receive a check for $1680 (2 x $840)

As of January 1, 2005 the maximum TD Benefit rate is $840/week. You can elect to use your Sick Leave, or take a leave of absence without pay. If you elect to use your accrued Sick Leave, you must return your Temporary Disability check to the Auditor - Controller's Office.
When will I receive the first temporary disability (TD) payment?

You should receive your first Temporary Disability payment within 14 days.
How often are Temporary Disability payments made?

Temporary Disability is paid every two weeks..
When do Temporary Disability payments end?

TD payments end when you return to work, or your medical condition stabilizes.

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