Downey Workplace Injury Lawyer

Downey Workplace Injury Attorney

If you have been injured at work, you know how much a workplace injury can affect your life and your professional outlook. Between medical bills and lost wages, you may feel overwhelmed and stressed. Workers’ compensation benefits are supposed to function as a safety net for workers who are injured on the job. If you live in Downey and need to file for benefits, or if your benefits were denied, you may benefit from the help of a Downey workplace injury lawyer.

About Canlas Law Group

At Canlas Law Group, we help our clients safeguard their rights by providing confident, straightforward legal representation. We are deeply familiar with workers’ compensation laws, and we can help you navigate the process of filing a claim. No matter how complex your case is, we can work tirelessly to reach a satisfactory resolution on your behalf. Our Downey clients can access our office on Studebaker Road in Cerritos, right off the I-605 highway.

What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

Workers’ compensation insurance is an employment insurance that the vast majority of employers are legally required to carry in the state of California. The insurance covers medical expenses associated with workplace injuries and illnesses.

It also partially covers wages workers lose when they are injured or recovering. If a worker is killed or becomes disabled because of a workplace injury or illness, workers’ compensation policies have coverage for those scenarios, as well.

What Is Considered a Workplace Injury?

Injuries or illnesses in the workplace are extremely common, especially in environments like construction sites or factories. In 2024, there were over 2.5 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in the United States. California alone reported nearly 680,000 injuries through workers’ compensation that same year.

Workers’ compensation insurance can cover a wide variety of workplace injuries or illnesses. For an injury or illness to be covered, the following must be true: 

• The injury or illness occurred or developed during work hours on the employer’s property or at a location the employee is required to be for work.
• The injury or illness developed or occurred during the course of work or work-related activities.
• The injury or illness was directly caused by work activities.

What to Do if You Are Injured at Work in Downey

If you have a workplace-related illness or injury in Downey, there are several steps to take so that you have access to the workers’ compensation benefits you need. The following are the actions you should take to get coverage for your injury and protect yourself: 

• Get emergency care. If your illness or injury requires medical care on an emergency basis, seek the care you need before you do anything else.
• Report the injury. The next step is to report the injury or illness to your employer. You must do this within 30 days to make sure you are eligible for benefits.
• File a workers’ compensation claim. File a formal workers’ compensation claim detailing the injury and the circumstances surrounding it.
• Get approved medical treatment. When you file your claim, your employer will probably ask you to be seen by their approved physician. This physician will evaluate you and propose a treatment plan.

Sometimes, workers’ compensation claims are denied. When this happens, the worker can appeal the decision. In these cases, it can be beneficial to have some legal help.

Hire a Workplace Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured at work and need to file for workers’ compensation benefits, it may be a good idea to hire a workplace injury lawyer before you even file your initial claim. Your attorney can help you make sure that all of your documentation is in order, which can give you a better chance at a quick claim approval.

If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, a lawyer can help you in the appeals process by communicating with the insurance company on your behalf. Sometimes, a letter from an attorney is all it takes to encourage an insurance company to do the right thing.

Should your case require further negotiations or a trial, a lawyer can represent you in court and present evidence in your favor.

FAQs About Downey, CA Workplace Injury Law

What if My Employer Fires Me for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If your employer fires you for filing a workers’ compensation claim in good faith, when you truly believe your illness or injury is the result of work activities, this constitutes retaliatory action and is illegal. In this situation, you should seek legal representation and file a wrongful termination claim for damages.

If I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim, Can I Also File a Personal Injury Claim?

In most cases, if you file a workers’ compensation claim, you cannot also file a personal injury claim against your employer. There are rare exceptions to this rule. One example would be if your employer intentionally created hazardous conditions that they knew were likely to result in serious injury or death, such as removing safety equipment in order to accelerate the pace of production.

How Much Does a Workplace Injury Lawyer Cost in Downey?

The cost to hire a workplace injury lawyer in Downey can vary widely depending on the complexity of your case and the individual rates and fee structures set by attorneys. However, most attorneys who take workers’ compensation cases do so on a contingency basis, meaning they do not require an up-front fee for their services. Instead, they receive a percentage of whatever settlement they secure for the client.

Can a Mental Illness Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in California?

Yes, in some cases, a mental illness can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in California. If the worker can prove that the mental illness was directly attributable to work activities or unusual and undue workplace pressures, benefits may apply. These cases are difficult to prove, but it is not impossible with the help of mental health professionals.

Contact Canlas Law Group Today

If you have been injured or have developed an illness related to workplace activities, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The path to collecting benefits can be complicated, and sometimes, claims are denied. Throughout the process, it helps to have the support of an experienced and knowledgeable legal team. Contact Canlas Law Group today to discuss your needs.