When you are injured or become ill on the job, you should be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Receiving the benefits you deserve can be complicated, and you already have enough to worry about. Let a Riverside personal injury attorney handle the entire claims process for you. If you have already received a claim denial, reach out immediately so we can start on your appeal.
When Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Workers’ compensation benefits are available to all employees – whether full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal – who suffer a work-related injury or illness. California law requires every company with even one employee to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage, which is what will provide benefits to injured workers.
You do not have to prove that your employer – or anyone else – was to blame for your condition to qualify for benefits. This is a no-fault system that covers a wide range of worker conditions, which include (but are certainly not limited to):
- Fall injuries
- Chemical exposure
- Back injuries from heavy lifting
- Vehicle accident injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Vision or hearing damage
Such injuries can happen in any work environment, and even office workers need to file workers’ comp claims from time to time. Anyone who believes they should file a claim can reach out for help from a Riverside workers’ compensation attorney.
What to Do After a Work Injury
Following a work injury, what you do or don’t do can impact the success of your claim. First, always let your employer know as soon as you realize you suffered injuries. If you need to call 911 and require an ambulance transport, report the injury to your employer at your first possible chance once your health is stable.
Make sure you receive a full diagnosis of your injuries and keep up with all the treatment you need. Failing to attend treatment appointments can cause insurance companies to question the severity of your injuries.
Finally, seek help from a workers’ compensation lawyer in Riverside who can prepare and file your claim information. Workers’ compensation insurance companies can be challenging and difficult to deal with, just like any other type of insurer. These companies look for ways to challenge valid claims and avoid payments, but having the right legal help can significantly improve your chance of success. The sooner the insurance company grants your claim, the sooner you can begin receiving benefits for:
- All of the medical treatment you need for your job-related injury or illness
- Disability payments if your injury or illness prevents you from working
What Should I Do If My Claim is Denied?
Even people who have seemingly straightforward claims can receive denials for one reason or another. As mentioned, insurance companies can find many ways to challenge valid claims, including:
- Stating your injury happened off the job
- Questioning the severity of your injuries
- Claiming certain treatments or missed workdays were unnecessary
If you have filed an initial workers’ compensation claim and it has been denied – in part or in full – reaching out to a workers’ compensation attorney right away is critical. Our law firm will ensure that your appeal proceeds in a manner that best sets you up for success.
We can determine the reason for your denial and present the necessary arguments and evidence to support your eligibility for benefits. Reach out today if you received a denial of your initial workers’ compensation claim.
Handling the Complex Appeal Process
Appeals can have many steps and can drag on for some time. Achieving success as soon as possible is important so you can begin receiving the benefits you need for financial stability. First, we can discuss the matter with the insurance company and provide any missing evidence to support your claim. We can negotiate and defend your eligibility for benefits.
If this is unsuccessful, we can bring your claim before the California workers’ compensation appeals board. Just because California is a worker-friendly state does not necessarily mean that workers will prevail in front of the board. It is important to have the right legal representation during any reviews by the board.
If your appeal is still unsuccessful, you have the opportunity to file a lawsuit in civil court. These cases follow all standard litigation procedures, which are highly complicated and require the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. If your case reaches this stage and you still do not have an attorney, now is the time to call.
What a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Do for You
When you have a workers’ compensation attorney on your team, the likelihood that your claim will succeed increases significantly. Having legal help with your initial claim means you can rest assured that you will present the most compelling argument possible for your benefits eligibility.
Insurance companies take you more seriously when you have a lawyer, as they know that you have someone who understands the law advocating for you. Insurance companies know they cannot get away with their usual tactics when a claimant has the right legal representation. We help ensure that companies follow the terms of insurance policies and workers’ compensation laws completely and accurately.
If your initial claim was denied, having an attorney on your team for the appeal will ensure that all the evidence you need to support your case is included, and if necessary, can be used in support of your claim in court. You can be certain we will follow all procedures and meet the deadlines for a successful appeal.
Finally, having the right lawyer means you can focus on what is most important – your health and well-being following a serious accident or injury.
Connect with a Riverside Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Now
Suffering an unexpected work-related injury or illness can disrupt your life in many costly ways. With the right legal help, you can receive the benefits you need to move forward from this injury. Contact an experienced Riverside workers’ compensation lawyer at The JLF Firm today to schedule a consultation to discuss how we can help you make the most of your workers’ compensation claim and help you receive your benefits as soon as possible.
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