Workplace accidents and job-related illnesses often happen when you least expect them. They can cause financial stress, and everyone in this position deserves to receive workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost earnings.
If you have suffered a work-related injury or illness, never hesitate to reach out to an Anaheim workers’ compensation attorney. We represent the rights of injured workers and fight for the full benefits you are eligible for under California law.
Common Conditions on the Job
There are many different workplace injuries and illnesses that employees in California might sustain. Some examples include:
- Concussion or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Burns
- Contusions and lacerations
- Soft tissue sprains, strains, and tears
- Bone fractures
- Vision or hearing loss
- Illness from exposure to toxic substances
- Back or spine injuries
- Crush injury or amputation
- Repetitive strain injuries
These conditions often require immediate medical attention, and anyone who suspects they suffered a work-related condition should get the help they need right away. Then, look into your rights to benefits to cover your expenses.
California Workers’ Compensation – An Overview
The CA Division of Workers’ Compensation oversees the workers’ comp program in California and enforces state laws that protect injured or ill workers. The following are some important aspects of the workers’ compensation program and your rights should an accident or illness occur:
- Every employer in California must carry workers’ compensation insurance, even if a company only has one employee.
- Workers’ comp is available to full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers.
- This is a no-fault system that entitles workers to benefits, no matter who or what was to blame for the medical condition.
- Workers give up their rights to sue their employers for negligence in exchange for no-fault benefits.
While you cannot file a negligence claim against your employer, you might be able to file a third-party injury claim if another party unassociated with your employer was negligent and at fault. The right attorney can evaluate all of your options in your situation.
Benefits Available to Injured Workers in Anaheim
There are two major aspects to workers’ compensation benefits - medical expenses and lost wage replacement. First, the insurance company should cover all costs of treatment that you need for your injuries, which might include:
- Emergency transportation and emergency medical care
- Hospitalization or stays in the intensive care unit (ICU)
- Doctor and specialist appointments
- Surgeries and other medical procedures
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative care
- Medication and medical equipment
- Home health care or stays in a rehabilitation center
While you are receiving medical treatment or recovering, you might not be able to work. You might require rest to heal, or your injuries might present limitations and restrictions that keep you from performing your work. To help in this situation, workers’ compensation should provide:
- Temporary partial disability
- Temporary total disability
- Permanent partial disability
- Permanent total disability
To ensure you receive the full disability benefits you deserve, always have a workers’ compensation lawyer review your case.
Filing Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
When you have been injured, you cannot expect to automatically receive workers’ compensation benefits. To start getting proper coverage, you need to submit the proper claim form to your employer, either in person or through certified mail. Your employer must then complete their portion of the claim and file it with their insurance company.
Once the insurance company has your claim, an adjuster will investigate the matter and review your eligibility. While you might expect to have a straightforward case, this is not always what happens. Many workers run into roadblocks with the insurer when it comes to getting their full benefits approved.
If you need assistance with the claim process or are experiencing any difficulties from the workers’ comp insurance company, never wait to seek legal help and representation. Many people benefit from legal assistance during their workers’ compensation claims.
Potential Issues You Might Encounter with Your Claim
The insurance companies that are reviewing your claim do not always have your best interests in mind. Insurance companies aim to pay as little out on claims as possible, and this is no different during the workers’ compensation process. Too often, an insurer will focus on its own profits over the well-being of injured claimants.
For your claim to be approved, it must pass the careful scrutiny of insurance adjusters. Investigators might look into every aspect of your claim to find inconsistencies or reasons to challenge your benefits. When you file your own claim, it is natural that you might not know what information and evidence the insurance company is going to specifically be looking for, increasing the risk of delays or denials.
There are a number of issues that workers’ compensation insurance companies might bring up to minimize your payment or deny your claim, including:
- Insufficient information or evidence to support your claim
- Challenging the cause of your claim and whether it was work-related
- Claiming that your injury was pre-existing
- Stating that you did not require all the medical treatment or time off work you claimed
It can be difficult to know how to respond to insurance company inquiries or denials. Too often, claimants say or do something that might even jeopardize their claim even further. The best course of action in this situation is to seek legal help right away. A workers’ comp lawyer can identify the reasons for any delays or denials and work to get your claim back on the right track.
Reach Out to an Anaheim Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Now
The workers’ compensation claim process is complex, and there are a number of reasons why you might encounter problems with your claim. You want to make sure that you receive the full coverage and benefits you deserve as soon as possible. This can relieve your financial concerns, so you can focus on your medical treatment and physical recovery.
The most effective way to ensure that your claim and your rights are protected is by reaching out to an Anaheim workers’ compensation attorney today. Consultations are always free, so please contact us for more information.
