Workers' Compensation
Protecting Injured Employees and Their Families
Lost a Loved One Due to Negligence?
We Stand With Workers and their Families.
Work injuries can disrupt your health, income, and future. California’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide medical treatment, wage replacement, and support for employees hurt on the job, regardless of fault. These claims often involve complex rules, strict deadlines, and insurance company resistance. Having experienced representation ensures that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to, whether for medical care, disability payments, or permanent impairment.
Types of Worker's Compensation Cases We Handle
Fighting for Justice in Every Situation
Workplace Accidents and Injuries
Many workers are hurt in sudden accidents on the job. Falls, equipment malfunctions, vehicle collisions, and other workplace hazards can cause serious injuries that keep you from working and earning a living. California’s workers’ compensation system is meant to provide immediate medical care and wage replacement, but employers and insurers often minimize or delay claims.
We help injured employees document their accidents, obtain proper medical treatment, and secure the benefits they deserve. Whether your injury occurred on a construction site, in a warehouse, or in an office setting, you have the right to fair compensation under the law.
We represent injured workers on a contingency fee basis. You owe no attorney’s fees unless we make a recovery for you.
Repetitive Stress and Cumulative Trauma
Not all work injuries happen in a single accident. Many employees develop serious medical conditions over time from repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or long-term exposure to harmful environments. Carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries, joint damage, and respiratory illnesses are common examples of cumulative trauma claims.
These cases are often disputed by insurers who argue that the injury was not work-related or that it developed outside of employment. Proving the connection between your job and your condition requires careful medical documentation and strong legal advocacy.
We represent injured workers on a contingency fee basis. You owe no attorney’s fees unless we make a recovery for you.
Occupational Illness and Disease
Some of the most serious work-related injuries in California are illnesses that develop from long-term exposure to hazardous conditions. Workers in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare may face risks such as asbestos, toxic chemicals, loud noise, or infectious diseases. These exposures can lead to cancer, lung disease, hearing loss, or other lasting health problems.
California workers’ compensation law recognizes occupational illnesses and provides benefits for medical care, lost wages, and permanent impairment. However, these claims are often challenged because the illness may take years to appear, and employers or insurers may argue it was caused by factors outside of work. Building a strong medical record is critical to establishing the connection between the job and the illness.
We represent injured workers on a contingency fee basis. You owe no attorney’s fees unless we make a recovery for you.
Third-Party Liability Claims
Workers’ compensation provides important benefits, such as medical treatment and wage replacement. However, it does not fully cover all losses an injured worker may face. In some cases, another party outside of your employer may share responsibility for your injury. These are called third-party claims.
Examples include a negligent driver who causes a crash while you are driving for work, a defective machine that injures you on the job, or a property owner who fails to maintain safe conditions at a worksite. In these situations, you may pursue both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.
A third-party claim can provide additional compensation beyond workers’ comp, including damages for pain and suffering and the full scope of future losses. Having an attorney ensures that both claims are handled properly and that your rights are protected at every stage.
We represent injured workers on a contingency fee basis. You owe no attorney’s fees unless we make a recovery for you.
Workers’ Compensation Claims in California
What Injured Workers Should Know About the Process
California’s workers’ compensation system is governed by state law and provides benefits to employees injured or made ill on the job. The process can be complex, involving deadlines, paperwork, and medical evaluations. Having an experienced attorney helps ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to and that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Filing Deadlines:
Employees must report a workplace injury to their employer within
30 days and generally must file a workers’ compensation claim within
one year of the injury or diagnosis.
Eligible Workers:
Most employees in California are covered, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. Immigration status does not affect eligibility.
Available Benefits:
- Medical Care: Treatment costs related to the injury or illness
- Temporary Disability Payments: Wage replacement while you recover
- Permanent Disability Benefits: Compensation for lasting impairment
- Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits: Vouchers for retraining if you cannot return to your job
- Death Benefits: Payments to dependents if a workplace injury or illness results in death
Common Wrongful Death Questions
Helping Families Understand Their Legal Options
Who is eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim in California?
In California, almost all employees are covered by workers’ compensation, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. Eligibility does not depend on your job title, hours worked, or immigration status. Independent contractors generally are not covered, but some workers misclassified as contractors may actually qualify. To be eligible, you must show that your injury or illness arose out of and occurred in the course of your employment. Even if you had a pre-existing condition, you may still qualify if your job aggravated or accelerated that condition. An attorney can help clarify whether your situation qualifies under California law.What benefits can I receive through workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation provides several categories of benefits. These include medical treatment at no cost to you, temporary disability payments to cover lost wages while you recover, permanent disability benefits if you suffer lasting impairment, and supplemental job displacement benefits if you cannot return to your prior job. If a workplace injury results in death, dependents may also qualify for death benefits. Unlike a personal injury lawsuit, workers’ comp does not provide damages for pain and suffering. However, it is designed to ensure injured workers have financial stability and access to necessary care as quickly as possible.How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim?
California law requires employees to notify their employer of a workplace injury within 30 days of the incident. You must also file a formal workers’ compensation claim (DWC-1 form) within one year of the date of injury, illness diagnosis, or the last day you received benefits. Missing these deadlines can lead to your claim being denied, even if the injury is legitimate. Some exceptions apply for cumulative trauma or occupational disease cases that develop slowly over time. Because timing is critical, it’s best to report the injury as soon as possible and consult with an attorney right away to preserve your rights.Can I choose my own doctor for treatment?
In California, your employer usually has a Medical Provider Network (MPN), and you may be required to see a doctor within that network for treatment. However, you may have the right to predesignate your personal physician before an injury occurs, which allows you to see your own doctor if you get hurt at work. If you are not satisfied with your treatment, you can request a change of doctor within the network. Disputes over medical care are common in workers’ compensation cases, and legal representation can help ensure that you get access to appropriate and timely treatment.What if my claim is denied by the insurance company?
It is not uncommon for workers’ compensation claims to be denied initially. Insurance carriers may argue that the injury did not occur at work, that it was caused by a pre-existing condition, or that the claim was filed too late. A denial is not the end of the process—you have the right to appeal and request a hearing before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). At this stage, evidence such as medical reports, witness statements, and employment records becomes critical. An attorney can build a strong case, represent you at hearings, and fight to overturn the denial so you can obtain the benefits you are entitled to.Can I sue my employer instead of filing for workers’ compensation?
In most cases, workers’ compensation is considered the exclusive remedy against your employer, meaning you cannot sue them directly for negligence. This trade-off ensures that employees receive guaranteed benefits without having to prove fault. However, if a third party caused or contributed to your injury—for example, a negligent driver, equipment manufacturer, or property owner—you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to your workers’ comp claim. These third-party claims can provide broader damages, including compensation for pain and suffering, which are not available under workers’ comp.What happens if I cannot return to my old job after an injury?
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may be eligible for Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB). These benefits come in the form of a voucher that can be used for education, retraining, or skill development to help you transition into a new career. Additionally, if your disability is permanent, you may qualify for ongoing disability payments. Navigating these benefits can be complicated, especially when employers dispute your work restrictions. An attorney can help you maximize the resources available to secure your financial future.Will I be paid for time off while recovering from my injury?
If your doctor determines that you cannot work due to your injury, you may receive temporary disability (TD) payments. These benefits generally equal two-thirds of your average weekly wages, up to a statutory maximum. Payments usually begin within 14 days after your employer is notified of your disability. TD benefits continue until you return to work, your condition improves enough that you can resume your duties, or you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). It’s important to note that these payments are not taxed, which helps offset the reduced wage percentage.Do I need an attorney to handle my workers’ compensation claim?
Technically, you are not required to have a lawyer to file a claim. However, many claims are delayed, underpaid, or denied due to errors, missing documentation, or aggressive tactics by insurance companies. An attorney ensures your paperwork is filed correctly, deadlines are met, and medical evidence is properly presented. More importantly, an attorney can represent you in hearings and negotiations to secure the maximum benefits available. Since most workers’ compensation attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless they recover benefits for you.
