The California Attorney General's Office has given approval for backers to seek signatures to place three initiatives on the ballot that would allow workers to file lawsuits over injuries and increase benefits for those in the workers' compensation system.

Supporters must have 598,105 registered voters sign in the state by July 17 for the initiatives, known collectively as the Workers Empowerment Act, to appear on the November ballot. The number of required signatures is equal to 8 percent of those who voted in the 2002 gubernatorial election.

If approved by the voters, the initiatives would allow injured workers to file suit outside of the workers' comp system within 90 days of being hurt, and to select their own medical provider. The findings of that provider would be presumed correct, unless contradicted by a preponderance of medical evidence, according to a summary prepared by the state Attorney General's Office.