When you’re hurt at work, you deserve a workers compensation lawyer who stays up to date with changes in the law. Workers’ compensation is meant to protect employees who suffer injuries or illnesses due to their jobs. However, for many workers, navigating the workers’ comp system can often feel less like a safety net and more like another job. The system’s complexities can create physical, emotional, and financial stress for those who are already dealing with the consequences of an injury. That’s where Belal Hamideh, an experienced workers comp lawyer in Long Beach, can help.
California’s workers’ compensation laws have changed. As part of his responsibilities to his clients, Belal Hamideh incorporates all of these into his legal practice. This is done with one goal in mind: helping those hurt at work to receive maximum compensation.
Temporary Total Disability Increase: More Relief
One of the more significant changes to California workers’ compensation laws this year are the increased Temporary Total Disability (TTD) rates. These rates provide critical financial support for workers who are unable to work due to an injury sustained on the job. For many workers, the reality of being unable to earn a living while recovering from a work-related injury can be a significant concern. The TTD rate increase is a step toward alleviating that stress.
The rate increases may, initially, seem small. But, they can help those injured at work significantly. The minimum TTD rate is set to increase from $242.86 per week to $252.03 per week, while the maximum rate will rise from $1,619.15 to $1,680.29 per week.
What Does This Mean for Injured Workers?
In a nutshell, it means increased financial stability, support, and peace of mind. If you’ve been hurt at work, you know that every little bit helps. If you were hurt at work, you get more of a buffer that helps cover basic expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries. While TTD payments will not fully replace a worker’s lost income, this increase gives employees a better chance at financial stability during the recovery period.
When you’re injured on the job, you very well may struggle to manage everyday expenses. With the increase, you can have more financial breathing room, reducing the strain of living without a paycheck.
See, in the past, many have had to rely on their personal savings or borrow money just to make ends meet. With the new rates, workers may find themselves less reliant on these sources, which can help prevent additional stress. When you’re dealing with an injury that keeps you from work, you already have plenty of stress.
Beyond that, this rate increase is particularly beneficial for low-wage workers who may not have the financial resources to withstand the prolonged period of recovery. By ensuring that the minimum payments are higher, California aims to provide fairer compensation across the board. If you were hurt at work, Belal can help you to recover compensation for what you’ve been through.
Employees Are More Likely to Know Their Rights
In California, if you’re hurt on the job, you’re eligible for workers comp. Another key change in California’s workers’ compensation laws in 2025 is the introduction of AB 1870. This mandates that employers provide injured workers with more comprehensive and clear information about their rights.
Unfortunately, in the past, it hasn’t always been so easy for workers to be aware of their rights. As such, this often resulted in employees failing to take the necessary steps to receive fair compensation. This can help to better inform workers so that they aren’t just aware of their rights, but that they exercise them.
For example, AB 1870 places a responsibility on employers to provide employees with notices that clearly explain their rights under the workers’ compensation system. In the past, many workers didn’t realize they could hire an attorney, and they often ended up with lower settlements or unfairly denied claims as a result.
Now, employees will now be made aware that they have the right to consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer during the claims process. Beyond that, workers are to receive detailed information about the types of benefits they may be entitled to, such as medical treatment, compensation for lost wages, and potential permanent disability benefits.
A Workers Comp Lawyer in Long Beach That Can Help
These are just some of the changes in workers compensation. Each year, there are changes. These happen to benefit workers whereas other changes in the future may not. Regardless of what changes there are in the law, Belal Hamideh’s commitment to supporting those injured at work never changes.
If you were hurt in an at-work accident, it’s worth it to reach out to an experienced attorney about your case. Schedule a free case evaluation with Belal today through this site or by calling.