Every holiday season, you work for a couple of months at a retail store to help with the seasonal rush. On Black Friday, a shopper rushing to get to an item knocks you over, causing you to hit your head and sustain a traumatic brain injury. You know you need medical treatment and time to rest before you should return to work, but you are concerned about the costs of medical care and losing income from missing weeks on the job. Fortunately, seasonal workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for work-related injuries just like any other employee. California law requires employers to provide workers’ compensation coverage for employees who are hurt while they are working. This includes seasonal and temporary workers, as you do not have to work for…

California law requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover the medical expenses and the lost income of employees who suffer workplace injuries. So why is it that some workers who suffer on-the-job injuries receive a denial of their workers’ compensation claim? A denial can happen right away, or the insurer may cancel your benefits too soon. In any case, it is important to understand why claims get denied and to call an experienced employee defense attorney as soon as possible. Mistakes when filing your claim - While a workers’ compensation claim may seem straightforward, many people make errors that lead to a delay or denial. We can be denied if you failed to report the injury to your employer in a timely manner, did not provide the required…

When you’re hurt on the job, you probably want to do everything in your power to get better and be able to manage your life. For many injured workers, winning their workers compensation claim is a key piece of that recovery process. However, there are plenty of people who end up with their claim being denied or dismissed, dashing their chances at the kind of compensation they need to get back on their feet again. Every case is different, but there are several key areas where people tend to slip up and make mistakes. While it’s rare that someone would intentionally sabotage their claim, it’s not uncommon for people to unwittingly jeopardize the outcome! If you have recently been hurt at work, here are several things to keep in mind,…

Your employer’s workers compensation insurance covers a wide variety of potential incidents. Much of the time, this type of coverage includes injuries from all job-related activities, including work-related illness and travel. In all the possible scenarios that may result in harm to someone, those involving travel and vehicles are some of the most serious. However, when it comes to the logistical end of things, coverage for traveling employees can be complicated. Many jobs require some kind of travel in a company-provided vehicle, but what happens if you are injured while doing this part of your job duties? It’s been estimated that nearly a third of all employees travel for work, and studies have shown that those who travel are more likely to be injured than those who don’t. Unfortunately, insurance…

The vast majority of people today know that their employers are required to carry workers compensation insurance, and that they have the right to file a claim for a job-related injury. However, most employees don’t fully understand the limits of that coverage, and how to actually file a claim when the time comes. Because millions of people will be hurt on the job each year, this is something that everyone should know how to do! If you have been injured at work, you need to file a claim, so that you can get the benefits you need (like medical care and paid time off, if applicable) to get back on your feet again. Some employers may try to talk you out of filing a claim, or you may fear retaliation…

While some jobsite injuries can’t be ignored and must be dealt with right away, the vast majority of injuries aren’t life-threatening. Many employees fail to address their workplace injuries soon enough, or take them seriously, and this can compromise their ability to receive workers compensation benefits. How many times have you strained your wrist or threw out your back, and continued working without telling anyone? It’s a common thing to do, but not always the best idea. Some work environments make it confusing or intimidating to file a claim, even if you have every right to do so. Some people are afraid of retaliation, or losing their job, by stepping forward and reporting an injury. Others simply don’t want to be bothered by it, or be seen as weak. All…

Like with most legal issues, workers compensation comes with a whole host of potentially confusing terms. Many people who have been hurt on the job just want to focus on their recovery, not have to read complicated legal paperwork. Thankfully, your workers compensation attorney in Sherman Oaks will be able to handle much of that for you, and will offer steady guidance through each step of your case. However, it never hurts to familiarize yourself with some of the most common terms that you’ll see in your case paperwork, and may notice in your exams and hearings. Here are seven key terms that will help you better understand your workers comp case: Average weekly wage (AWW) The AWW is often used to determine your rate of temporary or permanent disability.…

While certain jobs are more dangerous, like construction or healthcare, people in all industries are prone to injury. Millions of employees file workers compensation claims each year, and there are some patterns to these types of claims. There are things that both employers and employees can do, to make the workplace safer for everyone, as many of these injuries are preventable. However, accidents do happen, and things like workplace hazards, improper safety training, and other dangers can contribute to your jobsite risk. Here are ten of the most common workplace injuries: Overuse/overexertion Many claims involve injuries caused by overuse or overexertion, whether that’s related to pushing, lifting, pulling, or some other motion. Slips and trips When there are hazards like slippery floors, debris on walkways, or other dangers, employees are…

For an injured employee, every step of the worker’s compensation process presents its own challenge. In order to give yourself the best possible chance at winning your case, it’s important to follow all instructions, and to hire a qualified worker’s compensation attorney in Sherman Oaks. Because the outcome of your case weighs heavily on medical information, your healthcare choices carry a lot of weight. In the state of California, workers who are injured and who file a worker’s comp claim, are required to undergo what is known as an IME, or independent medical examination. This appointment is typically set with a healthcare provider that your employer or their insurance company approves of. Many people are nervous about their IMEs, and it’s okay if you are too. Here are a few…

When you get hurt on the job, there are several legal protections in place to ensure that you receive the medical and financial help that you need and deserve. While you should be protected for your workplace injury, it can be difficult to win a workers compensation lawsuit, especially if you attempt to represent yourself. Workers can run into claim denials and other snags, which can exacerbate an already stressful situation. When you have a severe injury that warrants ongoing medical care, disability benefits, and time off of work, you need an advocate to go to bat for you in your case. When you’re looking for a workers compensation attorney it is important to hire one that has: Workers comp specialization: Even though many lawyers claim to do workers comp…