FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
what is workers' compensation?
Your employer is required by California Law to pay for workers' compensation benefits. If you get hurt while you are on the job you are entitled to those benefits. You can hurt yourself from repetitive motions for example being a cashier and scanning items constantly, or a teacher having to write on a white board and erase repeatedly.. OR you can get hurt by a single incident like a slip and fall, a chemical burn, a car accident on the way to make deliveries..and so on.
What are the benefits i can get?
Medical Care
Doctors' Visits, Prescription Medication, Pain Therapy, Acupuncture, Medical Devices such as CPAP Machines, Wheel Chairs, Surgeries, Counseling and more.
Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits such as Job Retraining Programs, Vocational Tuition Programs, Chiropractic Services such as Massage and Adjustments
Disability Benefits are payments you receive if you don't recover completely..
Temporary total disability is one that prevents you from working at all, but only for a limited amount of time. You can get up to $1,128.43 per week.
Temporary partial disability is one that prevents you from doing some of the duties of your job for a limited amount of time.
Permanent total disability is one that prevents you from ever returning to work.
Permanent partial disability occurs when the damage is permanent, but it only partially impairs your ability to work.
Death Benefits
Workers Compensation also provides death benefits to the families of workers who have had severe accidents on the job that resulted in death. Burial expenses for up to $10,000. If there are 3 or more dependents up to $320,000.00
Doctors' Visits, Prescription Medication, Pain Therapy, Acupuncture, Medical Devices such as CPAP Machines, Wheel Chairs, Surgeries, Counseling and more.
Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits such as Job Retraining Programs, Vocational Tuition Programs, Chiropractic Services such as Massage and Adjustments
Disability Benefits are payments you receive if you don't recover completely..
Temporary total disability is one that prevents you from working at all, but only for a limited amount of time. You can get up to $1,128.43 per week.
Temporary partial disability is one that prevents you from doing some of the duties of your job for a limited amount of time.
Permanent total disability is one that prevents you from ever returning to work.
Permanent partial disability occurs when the damage is permanent, but it only partially impairs your ability to work.
Death Benefits
Workers Compensation also provides death benefits to the families of workers who have had severe accidents on the job that resulted in death. Burial expenses for up to $10,000. If there are 3 or more dependents up to $320,000.00
What should i do if i get hurt at work?
If you get hurt on the job tell your supervisor/boss right away. If your injury is something that develops over time like hearing loss or muscle spasms tell them as soon as you notice it or believe that it was caused by your job.
If it's a medical emergency go to an emergency room right away and tell your health care provider it was job related.
After you have told your employer about your injury, they are required BY LAW to give you a claim form called a DWC-1, they have one day to do this after learning about your injury. This is what you will be using to obtain workers' comp benefits. If your employer didn't give you a claim form California Law Associates can help you request one.
If it's a medical emergency go to an emergency room right away and tell your health care provider it was job related.
After you have told your employer about your injury, they are required BY LAW to give you a claim form called a DWC-1, they have one day to do this after learning about your injury. This is what you will be using to obtain workers' comp benefits. If your employer didn't give you a claim form California Law Associates can help you request one.
can i get fired for filing a claim?
No. It is illegal for your employer to fire you because you filed a workers' comp claim and if they do they can suffer penalties. Make sure to tell your attorney if this happened to you.
can you tell me how much my claim is worth?
No, the only way to determine your future medical care expenses is by getting proper medical treatment from a qualified medical doctor. There is no way of guessing your compensation simply by each injury because everyone is unique. We have helped clients get proper medical care and disability payments for their injuries no matter what the situation is and fight to make sure your compensation is fair.
do i have to be a legal resident of the u.s. to get workers' compensation?
NO you do not have to be a legal resident of the united states to receive most workers compensation benefits
what if it's my fault that i got hurt at work?
You receive benefits no matter who was at fault for your job injury.
What other financial assistance can i get?
State Disability Insurance (SDI) paid for by EDD.
Social Security Disability benefits
Union Benefits such as sick leave, long term disability insurance (LTD) and salary continuation
A claim or lawsuit if your injury was caused by someone other than your employer.
Social Security Disability benefits
Union Benefits such as sick leave, long term disability insurance (LTD) and salary continuation
A claim or lawsuit if your injury was caused by someone other than your employer.
what can california law associates do for me?
Protect your rights
Be your advocate
Gather information to support your case
Keep track of important deadlines
Plan a strategy unique to your case and obtain all the benefits available owed to you
Represent you in hearings before a workers' compensation judge
Represent you during depositions with your employer's insurance company
Inform you about additional claims and benefits that you may have available
Give you a free consultation
Be your advocate
Gather information to support your case
Keep track of important deadlines
Plan a strategy unique to your case and obtain all the benefits available owed to you
Represent you in hearings before a workers' compensation judge
Represent you during depositions with your employer's insurance company
Inform you about additional claims and benefits that you may have available
Give you a free consultation
how do i know i need an attorney?
You may need an attorney if you believe your employer or the claims administrator are treating you unfairly or withholding benefits you are owed or if you have a permanent disability that limits your ability to work or causes you pain or if you are not sure how to proceed with your claim/case and no one else with help.
how much will it cost me to hire you?
Nothing. You get a free consultation with our office to determine the issues of your case. Once you hire us you don't pay right away, we work on contingency based fees which is usually 9 to 15% of your personal disability settlement or award and a workers compensation judge must approve the fee. We never ask for money upfront to begin your case.