Whittier Workers' Compensation Lawyer
Whittier Workers' Compensation Attorney
If you were hurt on the job in California, you might be able to get workers’ compensation. However, it can be hard to understand how to apply for these benefits. Our firm is here to help you. We are dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers who know how hard things can be for you. If you get hurt at work, a Whittier workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through every step of the process.
Why Choose Diefer Law Group, P.C.?
The lawyers at Diefer Law Group, P.C., have decades of experience between them. Our clients have come to us for years for assistance with their workers’ compensation issues and getting paid. Our experienced lawyers give each case their full attention. We can offer you personalized plans that are right for your needs and clear communication throughout your case.
We want to keep your rights safe. Our lawyers work together to give you the high-quality legal help you need. To make sure you get the justice you deserve, Diefer Law Group, P.C., can assist you whether your situation goes to court or not. We can aid you in this process so you can focus on your recovery.
Workers’ Compensation in California
Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated program in California that helps protect workers who get hurt or sick on the job. Employers in California must have insurance that covers medical bills and missed wages caused by accidents at work. This no-fault method ensures that workers can get the benefits they need, no matter who caused their injuries. This makes the process easier for both workers and employers.
Employers are responsible for reporting injuries and helping with claims, but workers must report accidents right away to get benefits. This also protects workers from being fired for filing claims, so they don’t have to worry about losing their jobs.
Workers’ compensation may pay for medical expenses and provide temporary disability payments while the worker recovers. If the accident causes permanent impairments, the worker may also receive permanent disability benefits. California’s workers’ compensation system focuses on finding a balance between protecting businesses from having claims filed against them and helping workers who have been hurt on the job.
Different Kinds of Benefits
Workers’ compensation helps hurt workers get better and go back to work in many ways. You may be able to get the following types of benefits:
- Health benefits
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Job displacement benefits
- Death benefits
Health Benefits
benefits pay for all your medical expenses after getting sick or hurt at work. This covers all the medical care you need to get better, like trips to the doctor, stays in the hospital, surgeries, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and other treatments.
Temporary Disability Benefits
You might be able to get temporary unemployment benefits if your injury keeps you from working while you heal. These perks are meant to make up for some of the money you lost at work. One kind of temporary disability payment is temporary total disability, and the other is temporary partial disability. If you can’t work while you’re recovering, you can get temporary total disability. If you can do some of your job, you can get temporary partial disability.
Permanent Disability Benefits
If an accident or illness makes you permanently disabled and unable to work, you may be able to get permanent disability payments. The amount of your permanent disability income is based on your age, your job, your impairment rating, and how much you can earn in the future. Permanent total disability (if you can’t work at all) and permanent partial disability (if you can still work in certain ways) are the two types of permanent disability payments.
Job Displacement Benefits
You may be able to get an extra job displacement benefit if your injury makes it impossible for you to go back to your old job and your boss doesn’t offer you modified or other work. You can use this benefit to learn other skills, retrain, or study to get a new job.
Death Benefits
There may be death benefits available for family members of an employee who dies because of an illness or accident at work. The children of the deceased worker will continue to get money from these benefits, and the costs of the funeral will also be covered.
FAQs
Q: Does Workers’ Comp Pay for Pain and Suffering in California?
A: Pain and suffering are not covered by California workers’ compensation. The system pays for medical bills, lost wages, and disability, but it doesn’t pay for damages that aren’t related to money, like mental distress or pain and suffering. This is one of the downsides of the no-fault system, which lets people get benefits quickly without having to show fault.
Q: Do All Workers’ Comp Cases End in a Settlement in California?
A: No, not every California workers’ comp case ends in a settlement. Many cases are settled out of court. In some cases, the worker may get ongoing benefits without an official settlement. This is especially true if the injury needs long-term care or leaves the worker permanently disabled. When both sides agree on how much to pay for the injury, settlements are often made.
Q: How Long After a Settlement Do I Get Paid in California?
A: In California, payment for a workers’ compensation settlement is normally issued within 30 days of approval. Depending on the details of the case and how quickly the insurance provider processes the payout, the timetable may change. There may be delays but, if the injured worker doesn’t receive their money on time, the insurer can be penalized.
Q: What Are the Options for Workers’ Comp Settlement in California?
A: Workers’ compensation settlements in California can be classified into two main categories:
- Compromise and Release: This is a lump-sum payment that ends the legal dispute completely.
- Stipulated Findings and Award: This includes continuing benefits and medical care.
Which type an individual may receive is based on the needs of the employee as well as the particulars of the injury.
Contact Diefer Law Group, P.C., Today
If you have been injured at work, workers’ compensation may be an option for you. Contact Diefer Law Group, P.C., today for guidance about your situation.
Whittier Practice Areas
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