A Q&A guide to workers' compensation law for employers in California. This Q&A addresses California laws requiring workers' compensation coverage, including the benefits process, penalties for an employer's failure to obtain workers' compensation coverage and anti-retaliation provisions. Federal, local, or municipal law may impose additional or different requirements. Answers to questions can be compared across a number of jurisdictions (see Workers' Compensation Laws: State Q&A Tool).

Many states have modified workers' compensation laws in response to the occupational risks posed by COVID-19. For information and ongoing updates, see COVID-19: Employment Law and Development Tracker: Workers' Compensation Presumptions Regarding COVID-19.