Lynwood Workers Compensation Lawyer

Lynwood Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Workplace accidents and injuries can happen to anyone, even if they are extremely careful. A coworker could make a small mistake that leads to an injury, a machine may malfunction and hurt the person operating it, or an individual might slip and fall. Regardless of how it happens, anyone who has been involved in a workplace accident should receive support and guidance. This is necessary to ensure that they can collect the compensation they are entitled to as they recover from their injury.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a workplace incident, Canlas Law Group can help. With decades of experience and knowledge, we have the skills to ensure that our clients receive all the compensation they are entitled to. The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim can be difficult. We can provide the support and guidance you need to be successful with your claim.

The Basics of Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a nationwide insurance policy that was put into place in 1929. It is intended to cover any costs, including medical care and lost wages, for workers who were injured in the course of their work. Employers are required by law to maintain a healthy and safe work environment for their employees, and workers’ compensation goes along with that requirement. Another requirement for employers is to have an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP) in place to ensure that workers are as safe as possible.

Each business and industry will have an IIPP that is structured differently based on the type of work they do. Industries that require more physical work from their employees, such as construction or factory work, will likely have IIPPs that are more in-depth because the risk of injury is higher. Jobs with less risk, like office work or more stationary jobs, will not need as much detail in their plan because there is less risk involved. Regardless of how detailed the plans are, each one is an important way that employees are protected. No matter the specifics of the plan, every workplace is required by law to have one. Employers are required to provide workers’ compensation benefits to their employees, so that is also often incorporated into their IIPP.

Why You May Need Workers’ Compensation

There are multiple events and incidents that may require workers’ compensation. Any injury or illness that is believed to be directly related to an individual’s work could qualify them for California workers’ compensation benefits. There are two overarching categories that a workplace injury may fall into:

• A Single Event: This is the type of workplace injury that most people are familiar with. This is one solitary event, like a fall at work or a machine malfunction, that causes severe injury to at least one employee. Most single-event injuries cause the individuals involved to miss work for a period immediately following the incident. In those cases, the workers’ compensation claim needs to be filed as quickly as possible to ensure that they receive the benefits they need to recover well.
• A Prolonged Exposure: While many workplace injuries are the result of a single event, some build over time. These injuries and illnesses may include loss of hearing from repeated exposure to loud noise at work or an injury to the arm from repetitive motions at work. Prolonged exposure illnesses and injuries may also qualify an individual for workers’ compensation benefits.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding an illness or injury, if it is directly related to an individual’s work, then it is imperative that they receive the support and compensation they are entitled to. As soon as it is clear that an illness or injury at work will keep them from their job or require significant medical care, a workers’ compensation claim needs to be filed.

What to Do If You Are Injured at Work

The first thing you should do if you believe that an injury or illness you suffered was the result of either a single event or prolonged exposure at work is inform your employer. Employers are required to keep claim forms and other necessary paperwork on hand, so they will have it available for you to begin the filing process. All employers are legally required to have workers’ compensation coverage, so you should not face any retaliation for your claim. Once your employer has been informed, and you have received the necessary medical care, you can officially file your claim and begin the process.

The First Steps to Filing for Workers’ Compensation

When filing for workers’ compensation, the process can often feel overwhelming and stressful. The best way to ensure that your claim is filed properly, and that you receive the necessary compensation, is to work with an experienced California workers’ compensation attorney. These five steps must be completed first when you file your claim.

1. Inform Your Employer: The first step after an injury or the need for medical attention is to let your employer know. They should be notified as soon as an injury occurs if it is a single event, even before medical attention is rendered. In cases of prolonged exposure, it is important to tell your employer as soon as you realize that there is a problem and you need medical attention.
2. Receive Medical Attention: If an injury or illness is serious, then medical attention must be sought first. This will help ensure a full recovery. If you realize that you will need more care beyond the initial appointment, it is important that you find a doctor who is experienced with the type of injury you have so that you can recover quickly and return to work.
3. Notify Your Doctor That Your Injury Is Workplace Related: This is an important step for a couple of reasons. First, when your doctor is well informed, they can provide you with the best possible care. Also, they can provide any documentation you need so that you can receive compensation.
4. Complete a Claim Form: You will receive this form from your employer. They should offer the form as soon as they are informed that an injury has taken place, but they must give it to you within twenty-four hours.
5. Find a California Workers’ Compensation Attorney: Once you have received medical attention, and your claim form has been completed, it is in your best interest to contact a California workers’ compensation attorney. They can help you with the filing process. This can ensure that you receive the benefits you need to fully recover from your injury.

There are other steps involved in filing a workers’ compensation claim, but these are the steps you will need to take immediately following an incident. The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim may seem overwhelming, but it must be completed if you or a loved one have suffered a workplace illness or injury. Any of these events can seriously impact your income and your overall life. You are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to help you support yourself and your family as you recover and prepare to return to work.

Workers’ Compensation Settlements in California

When you are filing a workers’ compensation claim in California, it is important to know what benefits you may be entitled to. Workers’ compensation benefits are put in place as a resource to financially help individuals injured at work as they recover. Primarily, there are two different settlements one might receive.

• Temporary Disability Benefits: Those who have been injured in a workplace incident or are ill from long-term exposure may be able to receive temporary disability benefits. These benefits are often available for up to 104 weeks following the injury or illness. In most cases, they are at least two-thirds of the individual’s income prior to the incident. If an individual was making $346 a week or more, they would receive the entire two-thirds. If they made less, they would receive around $231 each week. Temporary disability benefits can also be used to pay for medical services directly.
• One-Time Payment: When an individual wants to settle their workers’ compensation claim more quickly, they may choose this option. All their expenses and medical costs will be calculated, and, in most cases, that amount will be paid to them in a lump sum. A one-time payment will not pay for medical services directly because the individual will be responsible for making that connection.

Whichever option works better will change with each case. However, it is essential that anyone who is ill or injured because of their work receives the benefits and compensation they are entitled to.

Ways a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help

If you or a loved one is facing a workers’ compensation claim, working with an experienced attorney is in your best interest. They can be a great resource throughout the process. There are also things they can offer that you will not receive if you attempt the process on your own.

• Experience: An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer has been working with clients for years and has honed their skills to be the most effective. They can approach your claim in a way that ensures you get the most out of your settlement.
• Organization: Filing and completing a workers’ compensation claim is a time-consuming process that requires extensive documentation. A workers’ compensation attorney will understand the best methods to gather and organize your information so it can be filed properly.
• Support: The legal system can be overwhelming in any circumstance. It is especially frustrating when you are also recovering from an illness or injury. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney understands the difficulties of the process and can offer unique support for their clients.

The process of filing and completing a workers’ compensation claim requires significant time and attention. This can seem overwhelming for anyone who is not familiar with the system. Working with an expert workers’ compensation attorney from Canlas Law Group can provide peace of mind and make the process easier on you.

FAQs About Lynwood, CA Personal Injury Law

When should I hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in Lynwood, CA?

You should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible if you have been injured in a workplace incident. To receive the full settlement that you deserve, it is essential that everything be properly documented and that you follow each step of the process. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the process, provide the resources you need, and ensure that everything is properly documented.

What percentage of a settlement does a workers’ compensation lawyer get in California?

Workers’ compensation lawyers in California charge their clients contingency fees, so there is no single set amount that they will charge. A contingency fee is only paid if the client wins their case, so you will not be responsible for paying your attorney if you lose. Workers’ compensation attorneys in California charge contingency fees averaging between 9% and 12%. The fees are capped at 15%, unless a case is particularly difficult or involved, in which case the fees could be up to 30%.

How much does a Lynwood workers compensation attorney charge in California?

There is not one set fee that a workers’ compensation lawyer will charge in California. They most often charge contingency fees, so they receive a certain percentage of their client’s settlement if they win the case. The percentage that a workers’ compensation attorney in California will charge is based on several different factors:

• Education
• Years of experience
• Specialized practice areas
• The resources required for a case

How do I maximize my workers’ compensation settlement in California?

If you have been injured in a workplace incident, then it is important that you receive the full settlement that you are entitled to. To ensure that you receive the full settlement amount, it is essential that all your documentation be in place throughout the entire process. This means you must keep track of incident details, medical care, any expenses, and more so that you can be compensated for them.

Contact Canlas Law Group

Navigating the legal system can be difficult, no matter the circumstances. Facing a complicated legal process while you are out of work and recovering from an injury can seem impossible. The experts at Canlas Law Group can make the process easier and help you get the settlement you deserve. Contact us today if you or a loved one have been injured in a workplace incident.