Under Labor Code 3206, what does the term 'compensation' include?

• A. All benefits or payments conferred by the division upon an injured employee or his dependents, without regard to negligence
• B. Medical benefits
• C. Punitive damages
• D. Non-economic damages

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that compensation under Labor Code 3206 is the broad, no-fault package of benefits provided to an injured employee or their dependents through the Division of Workers’ Compensation. It includes every benefit or payment conferred by the division, not tied to fault, meaning benefits are available regardless of who caused the injury. This goes beyond medical treatment to cover wage replacement, temporary and permanent disability benefits, death benefits, and related payments. Because the statute defines compensation this way, it is not limited to medical benefits and does not include punitive or non-economic damages, which are handled separately outside the workers’ compensation system. The no-fault design ensures prompt delivery of benefits through the division.