If you sustain an injury at work during your day-to-day job responsibilities, the workers’ compensation system of California can provide some economic relief. Workers’ compensation exists to help injured employees with their medical expenses and cover some of the lost income they will face as they recover.
There are specific rules to follow when it comes to filing for and collecting workers’ compensation benefits. A Desert Hot Springs workers’ compensation attorney can help you make sense of the process and streamline your experience with the California workers’ compensation system. Your attorney can also help you in the event you encounter any undue resistance to your workers’ compensation claim.
Why You Should Choose English, Lloyd & Armenta
When you need a reliable Desert Hot Springs workers’ compensation lawyer, look for a legal representative who has the skill and experience necessary to navigate your case successfully. The team at English, Lloyd & Armenta has a stellar track record of successful workers’ compensation cases in the Desert Hot Springs area and throughout the Coachella Valley. We will help you develop your workers’ compensation claim, gather the documentation you will need to apply for benefits, and assist during your hearings with the California Division of Workers’ Compensation.
We understand that handling a workers’ compensation claim while dealing with the effects of your workplace injury can be very difficult. Your Desert Hot Springs workers’ compensation attorney will help you with your initial claim paperwork, handle insurance issues on your behalf, and overcome any obstacles between you and the benefits you need to recover from your injury. If an employer interferes with your claim in any way, a Desert Hot Springs workers’ compensation lawyer can help you explore your options for legal recourse for their retaliation.
Desert Hot Springs Workers’ Compensation
Which Employers Need to Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
California has very strict workers’ compensation laws. Every employer in the state must purchase and maintain workers’ compensation insurance coverage, even businesses with just one employee. This coverage functions like any other insurance policy. The policyholder pays a monthly premium to maintain coverage for their employees.
Workers’ compensation insurance carriers typically base their premium rates on policyholder’s perceived level of risk and the number of employees they must cover. A policyholder who operates a dangerous workplace like a factory or warehouse will typically have a higher workers’ compensation insurance premium cost than an employer who runs a small office with a few employees.
When an employer has multiple employees sustain injuries and file for workers’ compensation benefits, the employer’s insurance premium may rise. This could indicate a systemic issue with safety at the workplace in question. It’s also possible for an employer to interfere with an employee’s claim process to avoid paying higher future insurance premiums.
First Steps After a Workplace Injury
If you suffer an injury at work, report the injury to your employer right away. Seek emergency care if necessary, and ask your employer to start the workers’ compensation claim process. While you can receive life-saving emergency care from the first available doctor after an injury at work, you will need to undergo examination from a workers’ compensation doctor to proceed with your claim for benefits. In some cases, you may be able to see the workers’ compensation doctor right away for treatment and assessment. However, severe injuries typically require immediate medical care at the closest hospital.
Do not delay in reporting your workplace injury. Report the incident to both your employer and the Division of Workers’ Compensation. You will need to submit a complete and detailed report of your injury and provide various pieces of documentation, such as incident reports from work and the medical report from the workers’ compensation doctor who examined you. When you begin the workers’ compensation claims process, your employer should provide you with a list of approved workers’ compensation doctors you can visit for evaluation. This doctor will provide you with a disability rating, and this rating will heavily influence the amount of benefits you ultimately receive.
Potential Problems Your Claim Might Face
The process of filing for workers’ compensation requires timeliness and accuracy. If there are any errors with your claim, you could face denial or reduced benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits provide medical coverage for your treatment costs and lost wage benefits that equal a percentage of your average paycheck. If you have suffered an extreme injury that requires extensive recovery or have developed a permanent disability from your injury, an attorney can help ensure you get the most benefits possible to cover your losses.
Unfortunately, your employer may interfere with your claim. If your employer refuses to provide you with the materials and forms you need to file a workers’ compensation claim, this is a violation of California state law. It is also unlawful for an employer to engage in retaliation against an employee who files for workers’ compensation benefits, such as firing or demoting the employee.
Ultimately, the workers’ compensation claim system can be difficult to navigate, especially when you are recovering from a painful injury. When you encounter problems of any kind with your workers’ compensation claim, a Desert Hot Springs workers’ compensation attorney can be an incredibly helpful ally.
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