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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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 benefits just like anyone else. 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 seek workers’ compensation benefits after a…
Read More
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…
Read More
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 claim or benefits. 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…
Read More
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…
Read More
12Mar 2019 by Pat Geddie
Workers’ Compensation Claims after a Head Injury

Workers’ Compensation Claims after a Head Injury

Workers Compensation
Head injuries can happen on the job in many ways. Some of the most common causes include falls, explosions, getting hit by falling objects, motor vehicle or heavy machinery accidents, and more. No matter how a head injury happens, the workers compensation claim that follows can be complicated and frustrating. You should contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in Sherman Oaks for assistance as soon as possible after your accident. Effects of Head Injuries Head trauma can result in a variety of injuries, including the following: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) Skull fractures Eye or ear injuries Facial and jaw injuries Perhaps the most complex injury from head trauma is a TBI. These injuries can range from mild to severe, though they are always a serious medical issue that requires immediate medical…
Read More
11Jan 2019 by Pat Geddie
How Does a Pre-existing Condition Affect a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

How Does a Pre-existing Condition Affect a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Workers Compensation
Most of us have had some type of injury in the past, and the effects of certain injuries may be lingering. If you hurt yourself at work, a pre-existing condition may complicate your workers’ compensation claim. If you had an injury before a work accident caused new injuries or aggravated old ones, you should seek legal assistance from a workers’ compensation attorney right away. There are different situations in which a pre-existing condition may be an issue in your claim: You had a previous injury that had completely healed, and your workplace accident reaggravated the same type of injury again. You had a previous injury and still have some symptoms, and your workplace accident significantly worsened the injury and symptoms. You had a previous injury (whether or not you still…
Read More