What is the purpose of liberal construction of this division and Division 5?

• A. To extend benefits for the protection of persons injured in the course of their employment.
• B. To limit benefits to minimal coverage.
• C. To align with federal preemption.
• D. To restrict frivolous claims.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that California workers’ compensation law is remedial in nature, designed to protect workers who are injured on the job by ensuring they get benefits and medical care. Liberal construction means interpreting the statutes in Division and Division 5 generously so that eligibility is broad and coverage is not denied for technical reasons. When ambiguities arise, this approach favors extending benefits rather than narrowing them, which helps achieve the purpose of providing prompt protection to injured workers, including those governed by self-insurance provisions in Division 5. So the goal is to extend benefits for the protection of persons injured in the course of their employment, not to limit coverage, align with federal preemption, or restrict frivolous claims.