In the early 20th century, workers injured on the job had to sue their employer to recover medical expenses and lost wages. Lawsuits took months and sometimes years. Juries had to decide who was at fault and how much, if anything, would be awarded. In most instances, the worker got nothing. It was costly, time consuming, and often unfair.

Today, the California workers' compensation law provides a faster, fairer way to take care of injured workers...where fault doesn't have to be proved to recover medical expenses and lost wages.  This job-injury insurance is paid for by the District and supervised by the state.  It pays your medical bills, and if you can't work due to a job-related injury or illness, it provides money or reimbursement to help offset or replace lost wages until you can return to work.