Grand Terrace
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Workers’ Compensation Attorney In Grand Terrace, CA
Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to provide a safety net for workers who are unable to attend their jobs due to workplace injuries or illnesses. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to get even valid claims approved. That’s why you need a skilled Grand Terrace workers’ compensation lawyer who knows how to handle tricky workers’ compensation cases.
Trust Kampf, Schiavone & Associates
Here at Kampf, Schiavone & Associates, we take workers’ rights very seriously. We believe that all injured workers should have easy access to the money they need to heal from their injuries and get back to work, or, if that’s not possible, move on with life. We’ve handled both simple workers’ comp claims and complex cases that require multiple appeals. You can trust us to get optimal results in your case.
If your injury was caused by unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, you may find it helpful to understand how California’s workers’ compensation system protects injured employees and their rights to benefits under state law.
Why Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Workplace injuries have become less commonplace in recent decades. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) reports that worker injuries have decreased from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.4 in 2023. Unfortunately, those 2.4 per 100 workers that were injured on the job in 2023 constituted 680,152 claims and still cost the economy $176.5 billion.
If you’re one of the thousands of Californians who have suffered a workplace injury so far this year, you should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you fill out paperwork, keep up with deadlines, attend hearings, and deal with any issues as they arise, such as denials that require appeals. If your claim has already been denied, it’s exceptionally important that you hire a lawyer.
For a clearer understanding of what to expect after filing, see how the California workers’ compensation hearing process works, including what happens at each stage and how appeals are handled.
How Does Workers’ Compensation Work?
When you get injured at work, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy should cover your medical care and lost wages. Since California has a no-fault system, you don’t have to prove that your employer caused the injury, just that it was work-related.
What It Covers
Under California’s workers’ compensation program, injured workers are entitled to certain benefits, which are tax-exempt. They include:
- Treatment costs. Workers’ comp should pay for any expenses related to your medical treatment, including evaluations, surgery, prescription drugs, and transportation costs to see doctors.
- Temporary disability. If you need to take time off due to your injury, you will get temporary disability payments. They’re made based on two-thirds of your average weekly wage, with state-mandated maximums. You can receive temporary disability payments for up to 104 weeks within a five-year period following your injury.
- Permanent disability. If you’ve suffered an injury that will affect your ability to work for the rest of your life, you could get permanent disability payments. You can receive these payments for anywhere from one month to 14 years. The amount you get will be determined by your age, occupation, injury sustained, and doctor’s restrictions.
- Life pension. Workers who are severely disabled as a result of their injuries will get small weekly payments in addition to their permanent disability payments. You can receive life pension payments indefinitely.
- Vocational retraining costs. If you’re unable to return to your previous job, you can get your vocational retraining costs covered by workers’ comp. The retraining benefit will give you up to $6,000 to put toward tuition, fees, and books at state-approved schools.
- Death benefits. If a worker dies on the job, workers’ compensation will pay out death benefits to their surviving family members.
What to Do if Your Claim Gets Denied
Unfortunately, many legitimate workers’ compensation claims get denied the first time through. What you should do if this happens to you is work with a workers’ compensation lawyer to file an appeal. You’ll have to attend a hearing at the Riverside Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board and put forth any evidence you have that proves your eligibility. Your lawyer can walk you through this entire process, which can be complicated.
FAQs
How Much Do Workers’ Comp Lawyers Charge in CA?
How much workers’ comp lawyers charge in California varies depending on the particulars of your case. If you just need help with filling out paperwork and filing a workers’ compensation claim, it won’t cost much at all. If you need to file appeals and require representation through multiple hearings, you can expect to pay more. The only way to find out for sure what it will cost to hire a lawyer is to contact a Grand Terrace workers’ compensation attorney.
What Shouldn’t I Say to a Workers’ Comp Adjuster?
There are several things you shouldn’t say to a workers’ comp adjuster. You should avoid:
- Downplaying the severity of the injury
- Admitting fault
- Leaving out details
- Discussing your past medical history
- Speculating about returning to work
- Recording a statement without advice
- Talking about non-work activities
- Accepting a settlement offer too quickly
When in doubt, consult a lawyer.
Should I Get a Lawyer for Workers’ Comp?
You should get a lawyer for workers’ comp, especially if your claim has been denied and you need to file an appeal, or you have a pre-existing condition that could impact your current claim. A lawyer can protect your rights and provide guidance throughout the complex process of filing for workers’ compensation.
How Much of a Settlement Goes to Lawyer Fees?
Usually, 9% to 15% of a settlement goes to lawyer fees when you hire a workers’ compensation attorney. The judge will need to approve the fee, which won’t be paid up front. It will be taken out of your benefits later once you start getting them. If you’re wondering how much we charge, reach out to discuss our fee schedule as it pertains to your specific case.
Your Grand Terrace Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve been injured at work and you’re struggling with filing a claim or your initial claim has been denied, don’t worry. There is help available. Kampf, Schiavone & Associates has been supporting working people’s rights for years, helping injured workers get access to the compensation they need to heal and recover. We know workers’ compensation laws and how they apply to unique cases, and we can help you understand your options. Contact us today.