Top 7 Questions People Have About California Workers’ Compensation
At Carter Law Center, we have a long record of success in workers’ compensation cases. Our founding attorney, Justin Carter, fights for injured workers to get them all the workers’ comp benefits they deserve. For a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, call our law office in Elk Grove at 916-794-4006 or contact us by email. Carter Law Center fights for injured workers throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Se habla español.
What is workers’ compensation and who is eligible?
People often ask about the basics: what workers’ compensation actually covers and who is eligible to receive it. In California, workers’ compensation is a system of laws designed to provide financial and medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, regardless of who might have been at fault for the injury. In other words, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that is generally available to most employees with few exceptions. Workers’ compensation benefits are also available to injured workers regardless of their immigration status.
What types of injuries or illnesses are covered?
There’s frequently confusion about what types of injuries or illnesses qualify for workers’ compensation. In California, any injury or illness that is caused by or related to an employee’s job can potentially be covered. This includes sudden accidents, repetitive stress injuries and occupational illnesses.
How do I file a workers’ compensation claim in California?
The process for filing a claim can be complex, and workers often need legal guidance from a dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer. In California, an injured worker must report the injury to their employer and complete a claim form (DWC-1) as soon as possible. The employer is then responsible for submitting the claim to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. At Carter Law Center, we can guide you and handle every step of the process. Our goal is to make the workers’ comp process as smooth as possible, and to maximize the benefits you receive.
What benefits can I receive under workers’ compensation?
Questions about the types of benefits one can receive are also common. In California, workers’ compensation benefits can include medical care, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, supplemental job displacement benefits, and death benefits. See our overview of workers’ comp benefits to learn more.
Can I see my own doctor, or must I see a company doctor?
Many workers want to know about their rights regarding medical treatment and whether they can see their own doctor. In California, the rules state that you may be treated by your personal physician if you have predesignated them before the injury occurs. Otherwise, you may have to see a physician within the employer’s medical provider network initially. See our blog post on California Medical Provider Networks (MPNs) to learn more.
How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in California?
Timeliness is crucial in workers’ compensation cases. In California, the statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim is generally one year from the date of injury. However, there are some exceptions and specific circumstances that can extend this period. It’s important for workers to report their injury to their employer as soon as possible and to understand the deadlines to ensure their rights are protected. If you have questions about these matters, contact our law office in Elk Grove today. See our overview of what to do after a work-related injury to learn more.
What if my workers’ compensation claim is denied?
Workers whose claims are denied often want to know what their options are. In California, if your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to challenge the decision. You can file an application for adjudication of claim with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). To navigate the appeals process, it’s a good idea to put an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side as soon as possible.
Contact A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer For A Free Consultation
You never pay out-of-pocket costs when you work with Carter Law Center. We are here to help you get the maximum available benefits for your work injury or illness. Call us at 916-794-4006 or complete our contact form. Our office is in Elk Grove, California, and we serve clients throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Se habla español.