25Sep 2020 by Pat Geddie
Workers’ Compensation Issues for Truck Drivers

Workers’ Compensation Issues for Truck Drivers

Workers Compensation
Driving a commercial truck can be a physically and mentally exhausting job. From long hours on the road to loading heavy cargo, being a truck driver can take its toll. In addition, there is the constant risk of involvement in a serious, accident-causing injury. Fortunately, in most cases, truck drivers who are hurt on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This is true even if a truck driver caused an accident himself or herself. To learn whether you have a claim, call us today to speak with a Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyer. Truck Drivers Can Suffer Traumatic Injuries Some common ways that truck drivers can hurt themselves while working include accidents handling heavy equipment, falls from loading docks, traffic accidents, and loading cargo, just to name a…
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24Aug 2020 by Pat Geddie
What Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover?

What Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover?

Workers Compensation
Workers’ compensation is intended to help injured or ill workers recover without overwhelming financial stress. However, if you are injured on the job, what exactly do your workers’ compensation benefits cover? How do they help you and your family during your recovery? Medical Benefits Many work-related injuries need extensive medical treatment, and we all know how expensive medical care can be. Importantly, workers’ compensation benefits should cover all of the medical treatment needed for your work-related injury or illness. This can include: Emergency treatment and transportation Hospital stays and ICU Surgeries Home nursing services Stays in burn or rehab centers Medical equipment and assistive devices Medication Rehabilitative therapy Wage Replacement If you must miss work for treatment and medical appointments, or if your doctor recommends rest at home for your…
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24Aug 2020 by Pat Geddie
Can You Still Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits if You Lose Your Job?

Can You Still Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits if You Lose Your Job?

Workers Compensation
Employers have the duty to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover the costs of job-related injuries to employees. However, what happens if you are receiving workers’ compensation benefits, and then you lose your job? Is it legal for your employer to terminate you? Will your benefits end immediately? The following is some general information about this issue, and you should contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in Sherman Oaks directly to discuss your specific situation. At-Will Employment Most people have jobs on an at-will basis, which means your employer can terminate you for any lawful reason at any time. Your employer cannot, however, fire you for filing a workers’ compensation claim or receiving benefits. If you think your termination was in retaliation for your workers’ compensation claim, you should speak to…
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05Jul 2020 by Pat Geddie
Workers’ Compensation Claims Following a Traffic Crash

Workers’ Compensation Claims Following a Traffic Crash

Workers Compensation
Many jobs involve driving a motor vehicle. Whether you are a delivery driver who is behind the wheel for an entire shift, you make sporadic trips for your boss, or you drive large equipment to construction sites in the morning, you are at risk of being involved in a traffic crash every time you are on the road. What are your rights to compensation if you are injured in a traffic accident while working? The following is some brief information, and to discuss your specific case, you should consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Sherman Oaks directly. Workers’ Compensation Benefits If an accident and injury happen on the job, you should qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, no matter who was at fault for the crash. These benefits should cover…
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02Jun 2020 by Pat Geddie
Appealing a Workers’ Compensation Claim Denial

Appealing a Workers’ Compensation Claim Denial

Workers Compensation
Employers are required to inform employees of their rights to workers’ compensation benefits for job-related injuries and illnesses. For this reason, when you are injured at work, you should rightfully expect to start receiving benefits on your workers’ compensation claim. Unfortunately, too many people who are already dealing with injuries then must deal with the stress of a denied workers’ comp claim. Denials are Not Final It can be concerning to learn that your workers’ compensation claim has been partially or completely denied. How will you cover your medical bills? What about the income you lost while you were recovering? The good news is that a denial by the insurance company is not the final say in your case - not at all. It is entirely possible to appeal a…
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31Mar 2020 by Pat Geddie
Industries with a High Risk of Injuries

Industries with a High Risk of Injuries

Workers Compensation
Workplace accidents and injuries can happen to almost anyone in any job setting. Even if you work at an office, which seems perfectly safe, you can still slip and fall and sustain injuries on the job. That being said, there are definitely some industries that present a higher risk of worker injuries than others. The following are some industries that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) deems as particularly high-risk. Construction Mining Healthcare Manufacturing Transportation Accidents happen in the above industries on a regular basis, and people in these industries should know what to do if a workplace injury occurs. First, you should always get the emergency medical attention that you need if you are seriously injured. If possible, report the accident and injury to your employer, though if…
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21Nov 2019 by Pat Geddie
Even Office Workers Need Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Even Office Workers Need Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Workers Compensation
When you think where work-related injuries occur, you might first think of construction sites or other work environments known for their risks. You likely do not immediately think of office buildings, though office workers are at risk of accidents and injuries just like anyone else. When an accident happens at work, office workers should be able to rely on workers’ compensation lawyer in Sherman Oaks to fight for the compensation they deserve. Slip and Falls Slip and falls are a highly common office-related accident. They often happen in kitchen areas, stairwells, cafeterias, bathrooms, or walkways. These accidents can cause serious injuries, including soft tissue injuries, concussions, back injuries, fractures, and more. You do not have to prove that your employer was negligent or that there was an unreasonable hazard to…
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23Aug 2019 by Pat Geddie
Did Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits End Too Soon?

Did Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits End Too Soon?

Workers Compensation
After a work-related injury, obtaining approval for workers’ compensation benefits can be a huge relief. You can focus on your physical recovery and not on your financial situation once you know your medical expenses are covered and that you will receive some wage replacement benefits while you are out of work. However, many injured workers suddenly receive notice that their benefits have been canceled or reduced. There are different reasons why your benefits may be suddenly cut off, including: The insurance company claims that certain medical treatment was not necessary for your injury Your employer or the insurer believes you are able to return to work Learning that your benefits have suddenly stopped can be concerning, especially if you are still dealing with a serious injury. Always be careful what…
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17Jun 2019 by Pat Geddie
How Social Media Might Affect Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits

How Social Media Might Affect Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Workers Compensation
When you suffer injuries due to a work-related accident, you may be tempted to discuss the matter on various social media platforms. People may use social media to keep family members and friends updated about their condition, or perhaps just as an outlet to vent and relieve stress. In any situation, you should be extremely careful about what you post - or you should consider staying off social media altogether. This is because certain social media posts may negatively impact your workers’ compensation benefits or claim. Insurance Investigations Workers’ compensation insurance companies will not simply trust your claims that you suffered serious injuries and cannot work. Instead, they will generally investigate whether your claims are valid. This can include reviewing medical records, treatment recommendations, prognosis notes, and more. These investigations…
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11Apr 2019 by Pat Geddie
What if Your Employer Does Not Have the Required Workers’ Compensation Coverage?

What if Your Employer Does Not Have the Required Workers’ Compensation Coverage?

Workers Compensation
California law requires all drivers to have auto insurance, though many people get into accidents with uninsured drivers on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the same can be true for workers’ compensation insurance. California law requires employers to either carry workers’ compensation coverage or be self-insured, though many workers suffer injuries only to learn there is no insurance coverage available for them. If you learn that your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, the first thing you should do is contact an experienced Sherman Oaks workers’ comp attorney. A lawyer can review the details of your situation and identify your options. The State of California can impose civil penalties on companies for not have the necessary insurance - up to $100,000 depending on the circumstances. It is also a criminal…
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