Can My Age Affect My Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation?

 Posted on May 15, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

The state of California has prioritized workers’ rights, with many laws protecting all types of workers in almost every field imaginable. When someone gets injured while performing their job or at their place of work, they are generally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, which would cover the expenses of their recovery. Unfortunately, not all workers are aware of what they are entitled to in such cases. Even if their employer has made sure to distribute information to all employees about what they can do if they have a workplace injury, insurance companies prefer paying less than the employee is entitled to, or nothing at all, so it can be difficult getting all the relevant information.

Sometimes, insurance companies might even try to intimidate or manipulate injured employees and try to make them think that their age or other factors can affect their eligibility for workers’ compensation. If you get hurt at work, the best thing you can do is consult with an experienced Gilroy, CA workers’ compensation lawyer who can arm you with comprehensive knowledge about everything you are entitled to.

Who is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

In California, workers’ compensation benefits are granted to injured workers without discrimination. That means that things like race, religion, and age have nothing to do with calculations of how much coverage a worker might be entitled to. Whether you are only 16 years old and therefore less experienced or 58 years old and more prone to ageism, a big insurance company might try to intimidate you and make you think that your age will affect your claim. This is not true. Regardless of your age, you are eligible for compensation for workplace injuries.

If this is the first time you have dealt with a workplace injury, it can be difficult to stay strong while a company that has been handling claims like yours for years indicates that your claim will not be approved because of your age. At times like these, having a lawyer by your side who can tell you the truth and handle the communication with the insurance company on your behalf can make a big difference in the outcome.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a California Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you were injured at work, a Santa Clara County, CA workers’ compensation lawyer can advocate for you to receive everything you are eligible for. At Cramer + Martinez we have experience with similar cases, we understand how crucial compensation can be, and we will not let an insurance company intimidate you into settling for less than you deserve. Call us at 408-848-1113 to schedule a free consultation.