Why You Need a Worker Comp Attorney in Los Angeles
Workers compensation is one of the oldest social insurance programs in the United States, dating back to the early 20th century. InCalifornia, all employers must carry workers compensation insurance, even if they have only one employee. Under Section 3700.5 of the California Labor Code, failure to have workers compensation coverage is a criminal offense punishable by a $10,000 fine, imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year, or both.
The Division of Workers Compensation (DWC), within the California Department of Industrial Relations, has an elaborate, complex system set up to handle all aspects of workers compensation claims, reviews, and benefits. Workers who are hurt on the job or become ill as a result of unsafe work conditions are not required to have an attorney to receive workers compensation benefits. Benefits for temporary and permanent disabilities are set and awarded based on strict statutory guidelines, and medical treatments must meet a peer-reviewed standard of care.
But sometimes the job-related injury is severe and the necessary medical treatment and care are costly. Doctors picked by the workers comp insurance company could try to minimize the severity of your injuries, and insurance company case managers could delay or deny your claim as well as pressure you to accept a low-ball settlement offer.
How Los Angeles workers comp lawyers can fight for you
When you are disabled or infirmed due to a job-related accident or illness, you are not in the strongest position to navigate the workers comp system or to fight for the care and benefits you deserve. In such circumstances, it is advantageous to have a Los Angeles workers comp lawyer step in and handle all the paperwork and challenges of your case for you. Your Los Angeles workers comp lawyer can make sure you explore all your options including the following:
- Medical examination by a qualified medical evaluator (QME) or agreed medical examiner (AME) for a second opinion
- Taking your case to the Workers Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB), where a judge can decide what medical treatment should be provided to you
- Challenging unfair physical disability ratings that hurt your benefits
- Negotiating and evaluating lump-sum settlements
- Suing negligent third parties that contributed to your illness or injuries
We’ll Fight For You!
If you or a loved one was hurt on the job, we’ll fight for you. If there is no recovery, there is no fee. For workers compensation matters, we have a partnership with The Law Firm of Perona, Langer, Beck & Serbin, which is exceptionally qualified and experienced in successfully handling all types of workers comp cases.
If you have a workers compensation case in California, we have offices across the state to serve you. Please contact us today at 800-333-0000 or use our online contact form to arrange for your free initial consultation.
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