Workers' Compensation

What is workers’ compensation?

If you have been injured at work, you may have rights to workers’ compensation, regardless of fault. Most employers in California are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation coverage provides medical and financial relief to people who have been injured at work. Your workers’ compensation claim may provide recovery for lost wages, loss of future earnings, medical costs, and costs related to training you to find another job.

What to do if you are hurt at work?

First, you must prioritize your health. It is important that you treat with your doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Treating yourself is important for your health, as well as your workers’ compensation claim.

How do I file a workers’ compensation claim in California?

Workers Compensation Claim Form

The process of filing a workers’ compensation can be complex and involve short deadlines. If you make a mistake in filing your workers’ compensation claim, or miss deadlines, you may lose your right to recover benefits. It is recommended that you hire an attorney to help you through the process.

If you are injured at work, you must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. You should notify your employer in writing within 30 days from the date of injury, or within 30 days of learning that your injury is work related. Your employer then has one day from the date of notification to provide you with a workers’ compensation claim form. The claim form is a standard form you may download from the State of California, known as claim form number DWC-1. You will often hear the phrase “DWC-1 Form” to describe this part of the process. Once you receive the form, you will want to complete the applicable portion and return it to the employer by mail or in person.

Why do I need a workers’ compensation attorney?

Workers’ compensation is a relatively specialized area of law. The workers’ compensation system has its own set of rules, and its own courts and Judges. It is important to work with an attorney familiar with navigating the system.

If you handle your own workers’ compensation claim, you may be taken advantage of by your employer’s insurance company and not even know it. For example, the insurance company may try to deny your benefits by arguing that your injury is not work related, the workers’ compensation doctor may release you to work before you have fully recovered, or you may be offered a reduced settlement amount.

A workers’ compensation attorney who is familiar with the workers’ compensation system is best suited to help you get the benefit you deserve. Our attorney has represented injured people for over eight years. He has represented insurance companies against injured workers. He is familiar with the insurance company tactics and will fight to get you the benefits you need. Call us today for a free consultation at (888) 377-7799.