Q: Am I required to continue providing housing and untilities for injured employee it's been over a year.
I allowed him to stay in one of my homes rent free while he worked for me. Workmans comp Covers his wages but not housing. Am I just stuck in this situation until he is cleared to work. It has been over a year and he had no injuries that require surgery. I'm at a loss.
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you're in. Under California law, employers are generally not required to provide housing or pay for utilities for injured employees, even if the employee was previously provided with housing as part of their employment.
Workers' compensation in California is designed to provide medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, supplemental job displacement benefits, and a return-to-work supplement for employees who are injured on the job. It does not typically cover housing costs.
However, the specific details of your arrangement with the employee, including any contracts or agreements regarding housing, could impact your legal obligations. It's best to consult with an employment law attorney who can review the details of your case and provide guidance on your rights and responsibilities as an employer.
In the meantime, you may want to have a conversation with the employee about their anticipated return to work and discuss transitioning them out of the housing you've been providing. An attorney can advise you on how to navigate this process in a way that complies with the law and minimizes potential legal risks.
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