Obtaining Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Unfortunately, many injured workers have been denied even the most basic information regarding their workers’ compensation benefits. This information may have been denied to them by insurance companies and employers who said they were “helping” the injured workers understand their rights. The representatives of these insurance companies and employers, however, protect the insurance companies and the employers. They are not here to help the injured worker. To ensure that you are getting the full picture, hire your own advisers. With more than 100 years of combined experience in advising injured workers, the attorneys at Berger & Michelena look forward to assisting you in gaining a full, accurate and truthful understanding of your rights.
Need to file a workers’ compensation claim? Call us, the workers’ compensation lawyers, at Berger & Michelena: 800-488-4813.
Benefits Of Workers’ Compensation
Our attorneys can explain your workers’ compensation to you in person. Generally speaking, workers’ compensation benefits provide any medically reasonable accommodations your injury requires. Medical treatment can be anything you need such as doctor’s visits, a new bed, wheelchairs, and transportation to and from the doctor or other places, such as the grocery store. The insurance company contractually agreed to provide you with these benefits, and now it is seeking to ignore its responsibilities by denying you your workers’ compensation claim.
We can discuss with you how these benefits are affected depending on how you settle the case or how you treat the case in court. We will advise you as to the pros and cons of various approaches to workers’ compensation benefits: lump sum settlements, lifetime medical care and more. Our experienced lawyers will confidently guide you through the complex interplay of workers’ compensation laws with other laws and benefits. We will explain to you any role that temporary and permanent disability benefits may play in your case. If your deceased loved one was the one injured on the job, we can help you apply for death benefits through workers’ compensation.
To bridge the gap between approval of your claim and actually receiving the check, the state of California has benefits available.
FAQs Regarding The Benefits Of Workers’ Compensation
We hear these inquiries a lot from our clients:
What common misconceptions do people have about applying for benefits?
The most common misconceptions include:
- You can’t get benefits if you were partially at fault: California workers can generally be eligible for workers’ compensation, even if you are at fault for your injuries. However, you typically can’t qualify if the injury was caused by being intoxicated on the job.
- You have to be a full-time employee to qualify: In California, workers’ compensation benefits cover most employees, including part-time, seasonal and temporary workers.
- You can only see a doctor chosen by the insurance company: Workplace insurers may have a preferred provider network. However, in California, you have the right to choose your own doctor after a certain period or under specific circumstances.
- Applying for workers’ compensation will get you fired: It is illegal for California employers to retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
- You have to accept the first settlement offer: In California, you should not feel pressured to accept an offer that does not adequately compensate you for your injuries.
It can be easy to get confused about what’s true and what isn’t, as employers and insurance providers may try to confuse you to protect their bottom lines. If you have additional questions you need addressed regarding your workers’ compensation needs, call us at 800-488-4813.
How long do workers’ comp benefits last in California?
How long workers’ compensation benefits last in California can depend on a number of circumstances. Typically, workers’ comp or temporary disability can last for up to two years, or until you return to your job. Additionally, factors such as the severity of the injury and assessments from a licensed medical provider can determine how long your benefits could last.
How can a workers’ comp attorney help me with the process?
A California workers’ compensation attorney can help you by:
- Gathering evidence regarding your case
- Negotiating with your employer and their insurance company
- Working with medical professionals to provide credibility to your case
- Submitting legal documents in a timely and accurate manner
- Representing your interests in court
- Helping you understand your rights as an injured worker
You can count on us to provide you with the legal advocacy and representation you need.
Contact A Los Angeles Medical Treatment Attorney
For a completely confidential and free initial consultation with a Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm, please call our California office at 800-488-4813. You can also schedule your appointment by contacting us online.