Hurt at Work Lawyer Near Me
Every day, thousands of people get injured on the job. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, tragically, over 5,000 workplace accidents ended in a fatality in 2022.
If you or a loved one was injured at work, the Santa Ana workers’ compensation lawyers at Riverview Accident Lawyers are ready to fight for you. Our experienced personal injury law firm in Santa Ana has recovered millions of dollars in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases for those injured by negligence.
Call (657) 655-6045 for a free consultation and information regarding your case.
Finding the Right Lawyer For You
If you sustained injuries in a workplace accident, you may need a California workers’ compensation lawyer to help you recover benefits, such as medical care, temporary disability, permanent disability, supplemental job displacement benefits, and death benefits.
But how do you find the right workers’ compensation lawyer?
1. Referral
You may know a friend, family member, or coworker who was injured at work and can refer you to a skilled hurt at work lawyer near you. You can also ask friends and family members for referrals. Additionally, if you have worked with another lawyer in the past, like a divorce attorney or an estate planning lawyer, you can contact them and ask for a referral to a personal injury attorney.
2. Internet Search
Online searches can be a great way to find work injury lawyers near you. You can also find reviews and testimonials from previous clients by conducting online research. The State Bar of California, AVVO, and LegalZoom are great places to search for a lawyer near you.
3. TV or Billboard Ad
If you drive down a busy freeway or watch TV, you may see an ad for a personal injury lawyer. While you can always call to speak with their team, be wary of these ads. Many large California law firms who advertise on billboards and TV will outsource your case to another firm. Always do your research before selecting a firm to represent you.
Qualities of a Top-Rated Workers’ Comp Attorney
Finding the right workers’ compensation attorney can be challenging, but don’t let that prevent you from seeking legal representation. A lawyer is your best option for recovering compensation for your work injuries.
The right lawyer should have adequate experience, good communication skills, transparency, and compatibility with each client.
Experience
A top-rated workers’ compensation attorney should have specific experience handling workers’ compensation cases, as this expertise helps them navigate complex claims effectively.
Communication
Your attorney should communicate clearly and consistently, helping to guide you through the process and explaining what you might need to learn about your case.
Transparency
A good Santa Ana workers’ compensation lawyer should be upfront about the process and help resolve claims quickly and fairly. They should also be upfront and clear about their fees and costs.
Compatibility
Since a workers’ compensation lawyer is someone you will be working with for an extended period, it’s crucial to find one who specializes in workers’ comp cases and with whom you feel comfortable working.
What Should I Do If I’m Hurt at Work?
There are guidelines set by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) regarding the steps to take after a work injury. Here is what to do if you suffer injuries at work:
- Report your injury: Inform your manager or supervisor of your injury as soon as possible. If your injury or illness was not immediate but happened gradually, report it as soon as you learned it was work-related. If you do not report your injury within 30 days, you may lose the right to recover workers’ compensation benefits.
- Seek medical treatment: In an emergency situation, call 911 immediately and go to the emergency room. Tell the nurse or doctor that your injury happened at work. If you can, contact your employer to inform them of the injury.
- File a workers’ compensation claim: Once it has been determined that you suffered a work-related injury, fill out the claim form (DWC 1) that your employer gives you. This essentially begins the workers’ comp claim process.
- Obtain medical care and wait for benefits: If you have yet to receive emergency medical treatment, your employer must authorize medical treatment. You may receive up to $10,000 in medical care. During this time, your employer’s insurance company will decide whether to approve or deny your claim.
- Contact a workers’ compensation attorney: If your claim is denied or you believe your benefits are insufficient, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation cases and prove that your employer’s actions or inactions led to your injury.
What Does a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Do?
Workers’ compensation attorneys play a crucial role in protecting the rights of injured workers and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve under the law.
Maximize Your Benefits
The primary goal of a workers’ compensation attorney is to secure maximum compensation for injured employees and ensure they receive the necessary medical care, wage replacement, and other benefits they are entitled to under the law.
Collect Evidence to Support Your Claim
If your claim is disputed or denied, an attorney can gather evidence to support your claim, such as witness statements, medical records, videos, pictures, and your own written statement.
Ensure All Deadlines Are Met
Under the California statute of limitations, an injured worker has one year to file a workers’ compensation claim. A lawyer will ensure your claim is filed on time with all the necessary documentation.
Represent You In Trial If Necessary
While rare, some workers’ compensation cases do not settle and need to go to trial before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. An attorney with litigation experience can represent you before the board to prove your case. Before proceeding to trial, all parties must attend a Mandatory Settlement Conference.
Common Questions About Workers’ Compensation Claims
What Is NOT Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
While workers’ compensation benefits cover most work-related injuries, certain situations are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance. These include:
- Injuries caused in a fight that an employee started
- Injuries caused intentionally
- Injuries caused by intoxication
Who Pays for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
In California and across the United States, employers are solely responsible for paying workers’ compensation benefits. Typically, employers pay for workers’ comp benefits through their insurance or self-insuring their company.
Will I Get In Trouble for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Therefore, you cannot get into trouble or be fired for filing a claim.
What If I am an Independent Contractor?
Independent contractors like Uber and Lyft drivers are not eligible for workers’ compensation coverage. However, some employers misclassify employees as independent contractors in order to avoid paying payroll taxes and workers’ compensation premiums.
Talk to a Lawyer In a Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Workplace injuries can be debilitating and life-changing. If an injury disrupts your life, you deserve to be properly compensated. The workers’ compensation lawyers at Riverview Accident Lawyers can help you obtain maximum compensation for your work-related injuries.
Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect upfront legal fees once we win your case.
Contact our Santa Ana personal injury law firm for a free case evaluation, and let us help you return to your normal life.