What happens if one of your employees aggravates a pre-existing injury while on the job? The short answer is that they can still file for workers’ compensation insurance benefits. That being said, depending on the specific situation, the cost of the claim may be covered, at least in part, by our state’s Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF). In this post, our Pasadena workers’ compensation defense attorney explains the key points that employers should know about California’s Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF).
What is the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF)?
The Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) is a key component of California’s workers’ compensation system. The SIBTF was created with the goal of making it easier for people who have job-related injuries to return back to our state’s workforce.
When an employee with a prior disability sustains a work-related injury that results in a combined disability that is more severe than the subsequent injury alone, the SIBTF can provide benefits. In other words, the fund can alleviate the second (subsequent) employer’s financial burden.
Note: The SIBTF can only be used if the worker in question has a total assigned disability rating of at least 70%. For more minor injuries, the SIBTF will not be implicated.
How Employers in California Can Help Reduce Costs Through SIBTF
Employers should be aware of their rights and options under the SIBTF. In some cases, the SIBTF can help to reduce their total costs after a serious accident. Here are key things that employers in California should know about the SIBTF:
- Understand Eligibility Criteria: You should familiarize yourself with the SIBTF eligibility requirements to identify potential candidates among your employees who could benefit from the fund in the event of a work-related injury.
- Educate Your Employees: Inform your employees about the existence of the SIBTF and how it can benefit them if they have a pre-existing disability and suffer a subsequent injury at work. If a worker suffers a serious injury, make sure that they are fully aware of the SIBTF.
- Work Closely with Workers’ Compensation Insurers: Employers should be sure to collaborate with their workers’ compensation insurance provider to navigate the SIBTF claim process effectively. This partnership ensures that eligible claims are identified and pursued promptly.
The Bottom Line: If your company in California hires a worker with a pre-existing disability and they go on to suffer an injury/illness that causes them to have a total disability rating of at least 70%, your company may be able to reduce their total liability through the SIBTF.
Speak to Our Pasadena Workers’ Compensation Defense Lawyer Today
At Yrulegui & Roberts, our Pasadena workers’ compensation defense attorneys can help you protect your rights and interests. If you have questions about the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF), please do not hesitate to contact us to set up a confidential case review. From our Pasadena office, we defend workers’ compensation cases in Los Angeles County and throughout Southern California.
