Hi all -
Location: California
I am a full time nanny for a private family (in CA). I have a W-2 and am paid via payroll. I have worked for for this family for 3 years.
I was involved in a car accident a week ago and badly broke a finger on my dominant hand. The accident was not my fault and both of our insurances found the other driver liable. I was on the clock and one of the children I nanny for was in the backseat (thankfully he is completely fine).
The family I nanny for has been extremely kind and understanding about the incident. They gave me the week after it happened off and paid.
I had a doctor’s appointment today and, unfortunately, I am needing to have surgery as soon as possible. I have been offered a bodily injury claim settlement amount by the at fault driver’s insurance but it is likely it will not cover all of my medical costs and my lost wages.
I informed the family of this tonight over text as soon as I got home from the appointment. They understand but it’s obviously an inconvenience for them.
My question is - how do I approach the subject of pay while I am recovering? I only have 2 days of paid sick time left for the rest of the year. I have a few PTO days left but they’ve been scheduled for family events I have going on later this year. Are they required to have a worker’s comp policy for me (in CA)? We do have a detailed contract but we’ve never discussed this in particular. Can I make a worker’s comp claim in addition to the auto insurance claim?