Ep. 142 - What to Expect in 2026 for CA Workers’ Comp
Release Date: 01/20/2026
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Work Comp Talk Podcast
Most injured workers don’t realize this: it’s not the injury that defines your case, it’s the decisions you make early on and the guidance you have. If you don’t know what to do next, don’t guess. Book a free, confidential consultation with us and find out how we can help. Welcome to episode #153 of Work Comp Talk, hosted by Carmen Ramirez with a key guest Bilal Kassem, President of Pacific Workers. In this opportunity, we tackle one of the most important decisions any injured...
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Work Comp Talk Podcast
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Work Comp Talk Podcast
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Work Comp Talk Podcast
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Work Comp Talk Podcast
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Work Comp Talk Podcast
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Work Comp Talk Podcast
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Work Comp Talk Podcast
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Ep. 145 - How Much Is a Serious Work Injury Worth in California?
Work Comp Talk Podcast
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info_outlineIn Episode #142 of Work Comp Talk, host Carmen Ramirez and co-host and attorney Bilal Kassem break down what to expect in the California workers’ compensation system for 2026, what changed, what’s still a bottleneck, and what steps help shift your case from the system to help you stay in control.
They cover 6 key updates for injured workers, including benefit rate changes (Temporary Disability), mileage reimbursement, medical treatment authorization realities (MTUS/ACOEM + UR/IMR), stronger pathways for uninsured employer cases, worker-group protections (presumptions), and expanded awareness around death benefits.
If you've been injured at work and are confused by benefit checks, overwhelmed by paperwork, waiting on treatment approvals, or worried your case is “stuck,” Work Comp Talk’s episode 142 is your workers’ comp protection playbook.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What changed in 2026 regarding TD benefit rates
• The new mileage rate and why it can add up to real money
• How treatment approvals work in 2026 (UR/IMR) and what to do when treatment is denied
• What happens if your employer has no workers’ comp insurance, and how UEBTF can protect you
• New/expanded protections for specific worker groups (presumptions and related updates)
• What to watch for next: SIBTF pressure, AB 1576 discussion, and potential future benefit restrictions
• A practical “survival checklist” to keep your case from stalling
Chapters
00:00 2026 workers’ comp updates overview
01:32 TD benefits + new max/min rates
02:52 Mileage reimbursement increase
05:56 Medical treatment rules, UR/IMR, and denial “fixes”
08:42 Uninsured employers + UEBTF protections
12:53 Presumptions and protections for specific worker groups
14:49 Death benefits extension (school to age 26)
16:48 What’s pending for 2027 (AB 1576 / SIBTF)
19:44 Your 2026 “case protection” checklist
21:57 Possible return of PD rate increase legislation
This episode is sponsored by Pacific Workers, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, the trusted workers’ compensation law firm in Northern California. With over 13,000 cases won and more than $355 million recovered for injured workers, we are here to help if you’ve suffered a workplace injury.
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