Costa Mesa Workplace Stroke Injury Lawyer

Costa Mesa Workplace Stroke Injury Attorney

When blood vessels burst or blood flow to the brain is otherwise blocked, this induces a medical emergency known as a stroke. Strokes are incredibly serious, and there are several benefits for which you may be eligible if one happens to you in the workplace. A knowledgeable Costa Mesa workplace stroke injury lawyer can help explain your legal rights and options under California law.

Choose Canlas Law Group to Advocate on Your Behalf

The legal professionals at Canlas Law Group have spent years advocating for the rights of California workers. When you’ve put time and energy into your job, only to experience a workplace injury, it can make things feel unstable. Our firm has worked to secure:

• $372,000 for an employee of an industrial parts supplier who suffered a stroke while at work
• $425,000 for a sales clerk who suffered multiple injuries after falling at work

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different. When you work with Canlas Law Group, you’ll be treated with empathy from the first handshake.

California Workers’ Compensation Benefits

In 2023, 64,600 workers were living in Costa Mesa. That same year, the top job industries in Costa Mesa were retail trade, professional, scientific, and technical services, and health care and social assistance.

There were also 472,500 cases of workplace injuries and illnesses throughout California. The industries with the most incidents included local government with 87,600 cases, goods-producing with 77,800 cases, and education and health services with 77,300 cases. If you’ve suffered a stroke at work, there are several key benefits you’re entitled to, including:

1. Partial wages. These wages begin two weeks after you first take time from work for your recovery process. They’re paid every two weeks until you’re able to return to work and are two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
2. Medical treatment. This includes doctor and hospital visits, medical supplies and devices, medications, travel costs for medical care, and home health care, if needed.

Maximal Medical Improvement

Strokes can lead to long-term disability. After going through the workers’ compensation process, the final stage is when an injured worker reaches maximal medical improvement. This means that your doctor believes you won’t get any healthier with further medical treatment.

When this happens, your doctor will write a report, including:

• Any work restrictions you’ll need
• Your specific medical problems
• Any future medical treatment you may require
• Whether or not you can return to your original job
• How much of your disability was caused by your job, compared to outside factors

You’ll then be rated on a disability rating system. This system assigns a percentage to injured or ill workers, based on their medical condition, the date of the incident, their age, the nature of their job, and how much of their disability was caused by work.

Most disabled workers in California are rated below 100%, making them permanently partially disabled. These workers are eligible to receive permanent disability payments, and their individual rating affects the amount they receive in payments.

Permanent Disability Payments in California

The amount you receive in disability benefits is based on:

1. Your permanent disability rating
2. The date of your injury
3. The amount of money you made before your injury
4. Whether or not your employer offers you alternative work

If you have a permanent partial disability, these payments are paid to you over a fixed number of weeks. If you were rated 100%, this means you have a permanent total disability and can receive payments for the rest of your life.

If you were receiving temporary disability benefits, your first permanent disability payment will be paid to you within 14 days after your final temporary disability payment.

FAQs About Costa Mesa, CA Workplace Stroke Injury Law

What Is a Settlement in a Workers’ Compensation Case?

In a workers’ compensation case, a settlement is what happens when a worker has their disability officially rated. The insurance company may then contact you to finalize your case by offering custom payments, medical care, and to discuss changes in benefits if your condition worsens or improves. You’ll want to hire a workplace stroke injury lawyer to help you during settlement meetings. They’ll help make sure your rights as a California employee aren’t violated at any point.

How Will My Permanent Disability Payments Be Affected if I’m Offered Alternative Work?

Your permanent disability payments may be affected if you were injured between 2005 and 2012 in a job with over 50 employees and you’re offered alternative work. If the alternative work pays the same wages and has the same benefits as your original job, meets your work restrictions, lasts at least one year, and is within commuting distance, your permanent disability payments will decrease by 15%. If they don’t offer you alternative work, your permanent disability payments increase by 15%.

What Evidence Should I Gather for My Workers’ Compensation Case?

You should gather extensive evidence for your workers’ compensation case that proves your stroke was related to your work. Before doing so, you’ll need to inform your employer of the incident within 30 days, both verbally and in writing. Then, you can collect copies of your medical records, incident reports, surveillance footage of the incident, relevant 911 call transcripts, photos and videos related to the incident, and proof of your financial and emotional losses.

Can I Choose My Own Doctor After a Workplace Injury in California?

You may be able to choose your own doctor after a workplace injury in California if you’ve previously informed your employer of your provider in writing. You can also choose your own doctor if your employer fails to provide one after 30 days of you first informing them of your stroke. You’ll need to stay vigilant in your care and not expect your employer to follow the correct timeline. Strokes require immediate and dedicated care in order to recover.

Hire a Workplace Stroke Injury Lawyer Today

Contact Canlas Law Group now to learn how our attorneys can help you. We offer confidential consultations to new clients at our office in Cerritos. During your consultation, you’ll have the space to explain your situation and concerns in full detail. From there, our lawyers can offer transparent legal advice so you can make informed decisions about your case.

We’re proud to represent residents of Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and throughout Southern California.