A California workers comp lawyer will tell you the rule: your weekly check is two-thirds of your gross wages. The check tops out at $1,764.11 a week in 2026, and you must tell your employer within 30 days. Call now for a free case review.
What California Workers Compensation Pays Each Week
Temporary disability pays two-thirds of the gross wages you lose while you heal. For 2026, the state sets the top weekly check at $1,764.11.
Checks begin once your doctor says you can't do your usual work for more than three days. An overnight hospital stay also starts them.
If the insurer used the wrong wage, you lose money every single week. Call us, and an attorney checks the math for free. Have your pay stubs close by.
Want the full picture first? Read what workers comp should pay you each week.
| Rule | California |
|---|---|
| Weekly check (temporary disability) | two-thirds of your gross wages |
| Weekly cap, 2026 | $1,764.11 |
| When checks start | once you can't work for more than three days |
California Workers Comp Laws Set Two Deadlines
Report the injury to your employer within 30 days, or you could lose your right to benefits. Do it in writing and keep a copy.
Filing your claim is a separate step. The deadline to file is one year from the injury.
Telling your boss does not count as filing. The date counter turns both deadlines into real dates for your case.
| Deadline | California |
|---|---|
| Tell your employer | within 30 days |
| Deadline to file | one year from the injury |
| Ask for reconsideration of a judge's decision | 20 days |
Claim Denied or Checks Stopped in California
Your first move is a call to us for a free case review. An attorney who handles California cases reads the denial and starts building your answer.
Workers comp fights here go to their own judges, not regular court. Keep every letter, pay stub and doctor note in one folder.
Write down the date printed on the denial letter. More help lives on our pages for a denied claim and for payments that stopped.
How Appeals Work With a Workers Comp Lawyer in California
If a judge rules against you, you can ask the Appeals Board to look again. That step is called reconsideration.
You must file it within 20 days after the decision is served. That window is short, and one missed day can end the fight.
Your attorney writes and files the petition for you. That way the clock never beats you.
What a California Comp Lawyer Costs You
You pay nothing up front. The attorney is paid only out of money recovered, so there is no fee unless you win.
A judge approves the fee before anyone gets paid. It is usually 9% to 15% of the permanent disability award.
More detail lives on our lawyer fee page.
Questions injured workers ask
How much does workers comp pay in California?
Temporary disability pays two-thirds of your gross wages. In 2026 the weekly check tops out at $1,764.11.
How long do I have to report a work injury in California?
Tell your employer within 30 days, in writing. You have one year from the injury to file your claim. Call us for a free review before either date passes.
When do workers comp checks start in California?
Checks start once your doctor says you can't do your usual work for more than three days. An overnight hospital stay also starts them.
What do I do if my California workers comp claim is denied?
Your first move is a call to us for a free case review. A California workers comp attorney reads the denial and gets on it right away.
How much does a workers comp lawyer cost in California?
Nothing up front. A judge approves the fee, usually 9% to 15% of the permanent disability award, and there is no fee unless you win.
How long do I have to appeal a workers comp judge's decision?
You can ask for reconsideration within 20 days after the decision is served. Your attorney files it for you.
Reviewed 9/25/2026