California Workers’ Compensation is a no-fault system for injuries connected with your employment, whether they are specific injuries or an injury that developed over time due to your repetitive job duties. California employers must provider workers’ compensation benefits to employees by paying workers’ compensation insurance from one of the many licensed insurers in the state. All employers must purchase workers’ compensation insurance, regardless of the number of employees. As an employee, you are entitled to medical treatment of your injuries, lost wages, disability payments while you are unable to work, job retraining, permanent disability benefits if you do not fully recover from your injury and other benefits.
Any retaliatory action taken by your employer as a result of you filing a workers’ compensation claim is against the law. Firing, demotion, reducing your work hours, or hostility in the workplace may be considered a retaliatory act and you could be entitled to an increase in benefits.
It is against the law for any employer to inquire about any prior workers’ compensation claims you may have filed or try and search for your workers’ compensation claims history. This applies at the time of hiring and while you are employed.
Generally, attorneys will handle your case with no upfront cost to you. Instead, once a claim is successfully settled, the attorney will take a percentage of the settlement as their fees. All costs including legal work, doctor’s bills, MRIs, X-Rays and physical therapy while you are injured are at no cost to you.
Once you file a workers’ compensation claim, your attorney will typically refer you to a doctor to receive an evaluation and treatment for your injuries. It is possible that the insurance company may require you to take a deposition. Although very few cases end up going to trial, if yours does, you may need to be available to testify.
The settlement you may receive depends on the extent of your injuries, how long the injury has disabled you, and future medical care and treatment. The workers’ compensation system is designed to compensate you for how much the injury has disabled you. When it comes to future medical care and treatment, you may either have a choice to have the insurance company pay for future medical treatments for your injuries or have them provide you a lump sum settlement that projects the costs.
If you have a work-related injury, your employer is required by law to pay for workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers' CompensationPersonal injury law provides monetary compensation to victims due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness.
Personal InjuryEmployment law is a practice in place to protect you from improper actions or violations by your employer.
Employment LawDeborah: “I love Steve and his team. I had previously settled my case by Stipulation leaving my medical treatment open for the duration of my life, all with my prior attorney. After the settlement, my Attorney became unresponsive. I continued to be in need of further medical treatment. They did NOT respond to phone calls or emails. Steve took over my case and has been very attentive to my ongoing medical treatment as well as any concerns that I have. I highly recommend Injured Workers Law Group to anyone in need of any attorney.”
Regina: “Once Steve took over my case, everything went smoothly. My previous attorney did not return my phone calls, respond to emails and kept me in the dark about the case process. Steve addressed all of my concerns, explained the life of the case thoroughly and was very responsive via phone and email. Steve took my case to Trial and we were able to complete it on the first day. The judge ruled in our favor and found that my injury was as a result of work. Within a few months, Steve was able to settle my case for an amount that left me very satisfied. I have recommended and will continue to recommend Steve’s services to anyone looking for a great workers’ comp attorney.”
Tanya: “Steve took over my case before Trial. My previous attorney was pushing me to take a $10,000 settlement offer that was essentially a slap in the face and that I did NOT want. My previous attorney kept telling me that I would lose. Steve proved to be very knowledgeable and professional. He reviewed my medical reports thoroughly and advised that I proceed to Trial. He explained to me exactly what was required from a legal standpoint and in great detail. He took over the case and was able to complete the Trial on the first day. We won the Trial and I was awarded permanent disability, temporary disability and future medical care for the rest of my life. The value of the permanent disability award alone was over $50,000. I walked away extremely happy. Thanks Steve."
Lee: “Steve and his team at IWLG provided me with invaluable guidance and counsel throughout my case. I chose Steve after interviewing 5+ W.C. lawyers, the determining factor was how aggressive his action plan was in seeking financial retribution for my injuries. Steve presented options and avenues of recourse and a willingness to litigate that the other lawyers lacked, in other words he was willing to go to bat for his clients. Steve and his team were also incredibly patient and responsive in answering all of my questions. He would take the time to thoroughly explain the process of filing a W.C. lawsuit and what that would entail. He guided me through the myriad of paperwork, QME exams, Dr. Consultations and prepped me for my deposition with a calm, steady hand. I'm happy to report that we were able to hold my company accountable for my injures and settled for an amount that made me financially solvent again. I highly recommend his services."