South Gate Workers Compensation Lawyer

South Gate Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Anyone can fall victim to a workplace incident or injury, regardless of how careful they are. A machine may misfire and cause an injury, you may slip or fall while working, or a coworker may make a mistake that injures you. No matter the circumstances, it is essential that anyone who has been involved in a workplace accident receives the support and compensation they deserve so that they can fully recover.

If you have been injured at work, the team at Canlas Law Group is here to help. Our team has decades of experience, so we have the knowledge and skills to guarantee that our clients get the full settlement for their workers’ compensation claim. We will provide the guidance, resources, and support you need throughout the entire process.

Workers’ Compensation Basics

Workers’ compensation is an insurance policy that is put in place to cover all costs associated with workplace injuries, including lost wages or medical care. This is a nationwide policy and goes hand in hand with the requirement that employers maintain their workplace and keep the space clean for their employees. It is also a requirement for employers to have an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) in place for their business.

An IIPP will be structured differently depending on the type of work that is done at each particular organization. However, it is still an important part of ensuring that workers are kept safe. Any work that requires employees to participate in more physical labor, such as construction, will require an IPP with more detail. Less physical jobs, such as office work, will not necessitate an in-depth IIPP. Regardless, each workplace must have this plan in place. Workers’ compensation is part of any Injury and Illness Prevention Plan because employers are required to provide workers’ compensation benefits.

Reasons Why Workers’ Compensation May Be Necessary

Any number of events may require an employee to file for the necessary workers’ compensation benefits. Any illness or injury that is the direct result of your job may mean that you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in California. A workplace injury will fall into one of two primary categories:

• A Single Event: Most workers are familiar with this type of injury in the workplace. These incidents involve one event, such as a machine malfunction or a slip at work, that seriously injures a worker. In many cases, the injured party will have to miss work immediately following the event. It is important that a workers’ compensation claim be filed as quickly as possible following the injury. This will ensure that they receive all the compensation and benefits they are due.
• Prolonged Exposure: Not every workplace injury is the result of a single incident. In some cases, an injury or illness may develop over time. These injuries and illnesses are also eligible for workers’ compensation. Some examples of prolonged exposure are repetitive motions in work that cause an injury or regular exposure to loud noises that may cause hearing damage.

No matter what circumstances led to the injury, if you believe that it is the direct result of your work, then it is essential that you receive the support you need. You should file a workers’ compensation claim in California as soon as you realize that your injury or illness will keep you from work and may require major medical care.

How to Respond If You Are Injured at Work

If you believe that an illness or injury is the result of prolonged exposure at work, or if you have been injured while working, you will need to inform your employer immediately. They will have the necessary paperwork for you so that you can get the filing process started. You should face no retaliation for filing your claim because every employer is legally required to have workers’ compensation protection. You may file your workers’ compensation claim and officially start the process once you have informed your employer.

The Filing Process for Workers’ Compensation

The process to correctly file a workers’ compensation claim is often time-consuming and can feel overwhelming. Working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is the best way to ensure that the process is handled correctly. When you are first filing a workers’ compensation claim, there are five steps that must be completed.

1. Tell Your Employer: As soon as you have been injured or are in need of medical attention, you need to inform your employer. For single-event injuries, the employer should be informed before you seek medical care, ideally as soon as the injury occurs. If the injury or illness is the result of prolonged exposure, then your employer should be informed as soon as you recognize an issue and seek treatment.
2. Seek Medical Care: If your injury is serious, medical care may be an immediate necessity so that you are able to recover fully. If you need medical care beyond the initial appointment, then it is important that you find a doctor who is familiar with your specific type of injury. This will help to ensure that you heal properly and can return to work.
3. Inform Your Doctor That You Were Injured at Work: Telling your doctor this up front is helpful for two reasons. First, they will know how to provide the best care when they are well informed. Also, they will give you the necessary documentation following your appointment.
4. Fill Out a Claim Form: This is the form that you will receive from your employer. It must be given to you within twenty-four hours of them being informed. This form should be offered to you as soon as possible after the injury occurs.
5. Hire a California Workers’ Compensation Attorney: After you have been seen by a doctor and the claim form has been filled out, you should contact a workers’ compensation attorney in California. An experienced attorney can help you with the full filing and settlement process. This can ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to so that you can make a full recovery.

These are not the only steps that will be necessary to complete your workers’ compensation claim, but they will get the process started. Filing a claim for workers’ compensation may seem daunting, but it is necessary if you have been injured or are ill due to your work. Any workplace injury or illness can have a significant impact on your life and your income. Workers’ compensation benefits can help ensure that you can support yourself and your family while you are waiting to return to work.

Average Workers’ Compensation Settlements in California

You will want to know what benefits you may receive when you file a workers’ compensation claim in California. These benefits are intended to help the injured individual financially while they are recovering from their injury. In many cases, there are two types of settlements you can receive in California.

• Temporary Disability Benefits: An individual who has been injured at work or is ill because of their work may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. Depending on the injury, temporary disability may be available for up to 104 weeks. These benefits typically cover two-thirds of the income that they were making prior to the injury, but there are limitations. If the weekly income is over $346, then they will receive the full two thirds. If it is any less, they will receive a set amount of approximately $231 weekly. These benefits are often also used to cover the costs of medical care.
• One-Time Payment: This is most often the case for individuals who want to settle their workers’ compensation claim quickly. The settlement amount to cover all of their expenses will be calculated, and they will typically receive that amount in a lump sum. In these instances, the benefits no longer pay for medical care directly but can be used for that purpose.

Whether temporary disability or a one-time payment is the better option, it is important that anyone who has been injured or has become ill because of their workplace receive the necessary compensation.

How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help

An experienced California workers’ compensation lawyer can be an invaluable resource if you are facing a workers’ compensation claim. They will be able to help throughout the entire process, but there are a few ways they can be particularly helpful:

• Experience: The right workers’ compensation attorney will have several years of experience guiding clients through the filing and settlement processes. This means that they will know the best way to approach your claim so that you receive the settlement you deserve.
• Organization: A workers’ compensation claim can require a significant amount of paperwork and documentation. A workers’ compensation attorney will know the best way to collect and organize all the information to ensure that nothing is misplaced and there are no mistakes in the filing.
• Support: Dealing with the legal system while also recovering from an injury can be difficult. A workers’ compensation attorney will offer support for their clients as they navigate the claims process.

Filing a claim to request compensation when you have been injured at work can be stressful and seem overwhelming. Having the experience and expertise of a workers’ compensation attorney, like the team at Canlas Law Group, can help make the process of filing a claim much easier to manage.

FAQs About South Gate, CA Workers Compensation Law

When should you consult a workers’ compensation lawyer?

If you have been injured in a workplace incident, you should contact a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. It is vital that every part of the process is fully documented and submitted to the courts properly. When you hire a workers’ compensation attorney immediately following your accident, they can navigate you through the claims process. They can ensure that there are no errors in your filing and that you receive the full settlement that you are entitled to.

What percentage does a workers compensation attorney get in California?

Workers’ compensation attorneys in California charge different fees, but they also work on contingency. This means that you will only be responsible for paying your workers’ compensation lawyer if you win your case. You will not pay any fees if you lose. In California, workers’ compensation lawyers typically charge a contingency fee of 9% to 12%, but they are often capped at 15%. This means that, unless your care is extremely complex and requires significant work and resources from your attorney, you will not pay more than 15% to your workers’ compensation lawyer.

Do I need a workers’ compensation attorney in South Gate, California?

You are not required to hire a workers’ compensation attorney in California. It is possible to complete the filing process on your own, but it is not recommended. The process for filing a workers’ compensation claim can be lengthy and confusing. Everything must be documented and submitted properly to ensure that the process is completed. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will guide you through the process and ensure that you receive the settlement that you deserve.

What is the average workers’ compensation settlement in California?

It can be difficult to estimate the average amount for workers’ compensation settlements in California. Several key factors can contribute to a workers’ compensation settlement amount. The severity of any injuries, any medical care needed, and the time required away from work will all contribute to how much you may receive in your settlement. In most cases, an injured person will receive two-thirds of the pay they were making prior to their injury for up to 104 weeks. In some circumstances, it may be easier to receive a single lump sum to settle the claim earlier.

Contact Canlas Law Group

Recovering from an injury or illness is a difficult process, regardless of the circumstances. It is made even more difficult when the illness or injury is caused by your work or forces you to miss work. Getting the compensation that you deserve should not contribute to that stress. Contact the team at Canlas Law Group today for help with your workers’ compensation claim.