Workman’s Compensation is a right for all employees in California. It seems like a simple idea, and one designed with the workers’ best interests in mind. The truth, unfortunately, can be a lot more complicated than that. Avoid learning this lesson out the hard way by hiring a qualified attorney as soon as you are sick or injured on the job.
The way the system works begins with your employer. They are required to cover Workman’s Compensation insurance privately or through a state or federal (in the case of federal employees) entity. The system is really set up with your place of work in mind and relates to you as far as you are a part of it.
This means that after you are injured, your claim will go through with the following objectives: to help you heal so you may return to work, to cover your medical expenses, and to compensate you for the wages you may have missed from your injury. This can also apply to illnesses encountered on the job from exposure to toxins, germs, etc.
In fact, we can break down the most common kind of Workman’s Comp claims into two groups:
One-Time Event:
Continuous Action or Exposure:
While the one-time event type of injury or illnesses may seem more apparent, you would be surprised how many people don’t come forward immediately, trying to “tough it out,” or “wait and see.” This can be a disastrous approach as, primarily, you may be causing further or permanent damage to yourself by not taking time to heal or seek medical help. Unfortunately, though, that is not the only risk you are taking if you wait: you may also miss your opportunity to benefit from this insurance that is literally designed for you. If you do not report your accident within 30 days, you may become ineligible for compensation.
Once you have submitted your claim, your employer is responsible for your medical care. You are also protected from retaliation, in the form of firing or reduced hours, if you need to miss work to heal or to go to medical appointments. Another thing to keep in mind is that you may be eligible for these benefits even if you are a temporary or part-time worker.
If you are facing any kind of intimidation or misleading advice about these rights, or about the process in general, make sure you contact an attorney right away. However, even if everything seems to be going smoothly with the process, you may be better off with legal advice all the same. The thing is- the way the payouts are designed is very complicated, and your employer or their insurance company do not actually have your best interests at heart. They could be motivated to downplay your injuries and assign you less compensation than you actually deserve by law. Also of concern is the fact that once you file these claims, you are effectively giving up your right to sue for personal injury. For all these reasons, make sure you contact an established attorney as soon as you are considering workman’s compensation.
blogs
Getting the Best Price on Your Auto Insurance Policy
Keeping everything with your vehicle in the best shape can seem like a job with a lot of moving parts. Maintenance, safety, registration, insurance, etc.! While keeping your insurance on auto-draft every billing cycle is a great way to keep it out of sight and out of mind, it can also be a great way […]
Common Causes of Car Accidents – and Ways to Avoid Them
Car accidents are an increasingly common source of injuries and loss of property and life. Every year, there are estimated to be over six million car accidents, in the US alone. We drive everywhere, and even short distances pose a hazard to drivers, as well as pedestrians and people on bicycles. The loss of property […]
Benefits of a Dashboard Camera
As we all know, the streets and highways of California can be a wild place and accidents can happen. Collisions can range from disorienting to terrifying, and reconstructing the events around a crash can be a challenge in some cases. While there are more street and traffic light cameras than ever before, obviously not every angle of […]
Five Apps Every Trucker Should Have
Driving a tractor trailer or any other large vehicle isn’t just about long hours, lots of miles and making sure you’re still driving safely after those lengthy days. It’s a lifestyle, and like any other connected lifestyle in the 21st century, there are plenty of apps to go around designed to help make a truck […]
Five Safety Products for Motorcycle Riders
Approximately ten percent of motor vehicle deaths in the United States can be attributed to motorcycleaccidents. Safe riding and defensive driving are important to all motor vehicle operations, of course, but making sure you’re stocked up on the right equipment to make your ride as safe as possible is critical to avoiding accidents or, in […]
Looking Out for Motorcycles
In 2019, the number of deaths caused by motorcycles was found to be 29 times that of deaths caused by cars. Motorcycles can go very fast, they have no sides to protect the rider, they are more difficult to see on the road and they do not perform well in bad weather. While it is […]
Mold and LA Renters — Know Your Rights
You may have heard of “mold growth” in passing. Depending on the situation, the story you heard may have been about a simple annoyance, a house deal that fell through, or a sneezing fit. However, there are a lot worse stories than that out there; mold can cause severe allergies, incapacitation, and even worse health […]
Types of Damages in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycles are an easy, exhilarating way to get around. No getting stuck in traffic and you can hit the gas pedal to the max. Exciting, right? Well, here’s the catch; although exciting, motorcycles are incredibly dangerous. A report by the Insurance Information Institute shows motorcyclists are usually 27 times more likely to lose their lives […]
Driving on the 101
Living in California, there is a big focus on driving. With everyone rushing off to work, sitting in traffic, or getting around to see people, it can be easy to forget how much fun the open road can really be. As we swing towards the end of summer, you want to set aside some time […]
Common Land Rover Problems: When to Apply the Lemon Law
Range Rovers have an irresistible allure. One characterized by a sporty appearance, high performance, and luxurious interior. They also have a high safety rating, but it’s not uncommon for them to experience problems that render them as lemon. Some of the issues have led to recalls, and others are yet to be addressed by the […]
contact form
