Whittier Workers Compensation Lawyer

Whittier Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Workplace injuries can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are. You may slip and fall while at work, there may be a machine malfunction that causes an injury, or someone else’s mistake could cause an accident. Whatever the circumstances, if you are injured while at work, it is important that you receive the support and compensation you need while you are recovering in Whittier, CA.

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney from Canlas Law Group can help. With decades of combined experience, our team knows the best ways to ensure that you receive the workers’ compensation settlement that you deserve. We want to be sure that you have the support, guidance, and resources you need throughout your filing process in Whittier, CA.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a nationwide insurance policy that will cover costs, either for medical care or lost wages, if an employee is injured while at work. Employers are required by law to ensure that their workplace is safe and well maintained. They are also required to have an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) in place.

This will be executed differently depending on the type of work that is done at the site, but it is still an essential safety measure. Businesses that require more physical labor from employees will need a more robust IIPP to minimize risk as much as possible. Office work and careers that do not require as much physical work may have a less strenuous plan, but they will still have information and plans in place to guarantee that employees are protected. California workers’ compensation is a part of that plan, as your employer must pay for workers’ compensation benefits.

Reasons You May Need Workers’ Compensation

There are many reasons you may need to file for workers’ compensation benefits. Any time that you are injured or experience an illness that is directly related to your job, you may be eligible for California workers’ compensation. There are two primary categories that your injury or illness could fall into.

• A Single Event: This is the most familiar type of workplace injury. A single event, such as a fall or an accident with a machine, causes a significant injury. These events will often force you to miss work immediately after they happen, so you will need to file a workers’ compensation claim as quickly as possible to ensure that you receive benefits.
• A Prolonged Exposure: Some workplace injuries develop over time rather than as the result of a single event. If your work requires you to repeat the same motions all day, or if you are exposed to constant loud noise that damages your hearing, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.

Regardless of the circumstances, if you believe that your injury is the result of your work environment, it is important that you receive proper support. As soon as you realize that your injury will require significant medical attention and could keep you from work, you will need to file a California workers’ compensation claim.

What to Do If You Have Been Hurt at Work

Any time you have been injured at work, or believe that long-term exposure has caused an illness, the first thing you will need to do is let your employer know. They should have a form on hand that you will fill out and submit to get the process started. Every employer is legally required to have workers’ compensation coverage, so you should face no retaliation for filing this claim. Once you have informed your employer of your injury, you will need to officially file your workers’ compensation claim.

Filing for Workers’ Compensation

The process of filing for and receiving workers’ compensation benefits can be confusing and time-consuming. Your best course of action is to work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. There are five major steps you should take when you first file a workers’ compensation claim.

1. Inform Your Employer: Telling your employer that you are injured and need medical attention is the first thing you should do. If the injury is the result of a single event, then you should inform your employer as soon as it happens before you seek medical care. If your illness or injury is the result of long-term exposure, then it is important to inform your employer as soon as you recognize the problem and begin receiving medical care.
2. Get Medical Treatment: If your injury is severe, you will need to find immediate medical attention to ensure that you are able to recover. For any extended medical care, you will need to find an approved provider who is familiar with your specific type of injury to ensure you receive proper care and are able to return to work.
3. Tell Your Doctor Your Injury is Work-Related: This will help your provider know how to treat you. It will also provide additional documentation for all your symptoms.
4. Complete a Claim Form: Your employer is required to provide you with a claim form within twenty-four hours of the injury. They should have this form available for you once you inform them that you have been injured.
5. Contact a California Workers’ Compensation Attorney: Once you have received your initial medical treatment and completed the claim form from your employer, you should contact a California workers’ compensation attorney. They will be able to guide you through the entire process to ensure that you receive the compensation you need as you recover from your injury.

California Workers’ Compensation Settlements

If you are filing a workers’ compensation claim, it is important to know what you might receive as a settlement. In many cases, the settlement you receive for your workers’ compensation claim will be enough to cover any necessary medical costs. You may also be eligible for temporary disability benefits that will pay two-thirds of your previous weekly pay. The current minimum payout is about $200 weekly, while the maximum is about $1,600 a week.

FAQs About Whittier, CA Workers’ Compensation Law

When should I hire a workers’ compensation lawyer?

Making sure that you receive proper workers’ compensation benefits while you are also recovering from your injury can be a difficult process. You may not be familiar with the proper procedures, which could cause delays and problems with receiving your benefits. It is best to find a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as you experience an injury. This will ensure that you have the support, information, and guidance you need as you complete the process and receive the compensation you deserve.

Do I need a workers’ compensation attorney in California?

You are not required to work with an attorney if you have been injured and believe you are entitled to workers’ compensation in California. All the paperwork and processes could be completed on your own. However, a workers’ compensation attorney can be a huge benefit to you as you complete the filing process. They have experience with the system and the necessary procedures to ensure that your claim is filed quickly and correctly, so that you can receive the compensation you need.

What is the average workers’ compensation claims settlement in California?

There is no set amount that you will receive in a workers’ compensation settlement. The payment amount will be calculated based on your specific needs. In most cases, workers’ compensation will pay for the costs of any medical care that you need due to your workplace injury. You may also be eligible for temporary disability benefits if you are required to be out of work, or work a less rigorous schedule, because of your injury. Those benefits are two-thirds of your weekly pay prior to the injury.

How much do workers’ compensation lawyers charge in California?

The amount that you will pay a workers’ compensation attorney in California is often dependent on how much you receive in a settlement. Currently, there is a cap of 15% on how much your attorney can receive from your settlement payout. It is also important to note that this 15% fee does not apply to temporary disability benefits in most cases.

How can I obtain the highest possible workers’ compensation benefits settlement in California?

If you have been injured at work, it is important to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. The healing process may take time and may keep you from working the way you used to, and you need to be supported during that time. The best way to maximize your settlement is to work with an attorney to make sure all of your paperwork, filings, and records are well kept. There are several things to keep track of to make sure you receive the benefits you deserve:

• When your injury occurred
• The medical care you require
• How much time you must take away from work
• All your paperwork

Contact Canlas Law Group

Workplace injuries can cause physical, mental, and emotional strain. You must deal with the process of recovering from your injury, potentially losing income because you need to be away from work and putting unintentional stress on your loved ones. The support and guidance of the experienced team at Canlas Law Group can make the process easier. We will work alongside you to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve as you heal. If you have been injured at work, contact our team today for assistance.