In California, all employers are required to provide workers compensation benefits for their employees. This can be done either on a self-insured basis or through an insurance company. Some employers elect to provide these benefits under self-insured program. Part of the reason for self-insurance is to reduce costs by reducing benefits to you.
Defendants have the authority to either accept or deny each claim for benefits as submitted.
They will investigate the claim, using means such as the subpoena of records, medical examinations, obtaining statements from the injured employee's co-workers, and obtaining statements from the employee. The information obtained will be used in determining whether to deny or accept the claim. If your claim for benefits is important enough for the employer or adjuster to subpoena medical records or to take statements from you and your co-workers, your case is important enough to have an attorney involved to protect your rights. As a firefighter, you cannot look to the employer to protect your rights. You need to recognize that the processing of claims is an adversarial proceeding.