What happens to lost wages when a workers' comp claim is denied?

If your workers' comp claim is rejected, you will not get temporary disability benefits that would typically pay for lost income during your recuperation time. This can cause some serious financial hardship, particularly if you cannot return to work because of the injury. You might have to look into other means such as taking sick leave, vacation time, or short-term disability pay through your job, if that is an option.

If you feel that the denial was unreasonable, you can appeal the decision to the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). If your appeal is granted, you could be awarded retroactive wage replacement benefits for the period you were out of work.

Meanwhile, injured workers also claim state disability insurance (SDI) from California's Employment Development Department (EDD) if their injury leaves them unable to work. You can use the services of a workers' comp attorney to guide you on what to do and how to guard your rights.