Employers are required to carry insurance coverage or be self-insured for workers injured in the course of their jobs. While workers' compensation benefits are established by California state law and regulated by the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, many injured workers find it necessary to hire an experienced lawyer to protect their rights to full workers' compensation benefits.
If you have been injured in a workplace accident or developed an occupational disease, the Law Offices of Thomas Hoegh will help ensure that you are approved for all the benefits that you are entitled to receive.
You will owe no attorney's fees unless we win your case.
Our firm represents clients throughout the San Fernando Valley and Southern California.
Primary Benefits Under Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation is designed to provide financial stability to injured workers and their families as they recover. Specifically, the system covers:
- Medical expenses: Provided that you are treated by a doctor that is part of the medical provider network established by your insurance carrier or employer, all medical bills are covered by workers' compensation.
- Partial wages: If your workers' compensation doctor determines that you are unable to perform your usual tasks during recovery, and a lighter, modified duty is not available, you will receive 2/3 of your weekly wage up to a maximum of $980 per week.
- Permanent disability benefits, if applicable: Once you have reached maximum medical improvement, you will be evaluated by a neutral doctor to determine the long-term effects of your injury on your ability to work. If necessary, you will receive permanent disability benefits that will be paid regularly according to a payment schedule. Alternatively, you could also receive a lump sum settlement, commonly referred to as a compromise and release.
- Future medical expenses: If you receive benefits for a permanent disability on a payment schedule, you will also receive benefits for future medical care to the extent you are eligible for such benefits.
Are You Eligible for Other Benefits?
Depending on the nature and extent of your injuries, you may be eligible for additional benefits beyond workers' compensation. We will review your case and discuss other potential benefits or claims you may have, such as:
- Social Security Disability benefits
- Short-term or long-term disability if you have this insurance either individually or through your employer
- A third-party claim for your personal injuries if someone other than your employer was responsible
- Disability retirement if you are a public employee or a member of a union with a defined benefit retirement plan
- A Labor Code 132a discrimination penalty if your employer discriminates against you for filing a workmen's comp claim
- A serious and willful misconduct penalty if your injuries were caused by the willful misconduct of your employer. Generally, a citation for violation of California safety regulations is required to establish such a claim.
- Possible damages for disability discrimination if you experience any return to work issues because of your injury
Additionally, spouses, minor children and other dependents are entitled to death benefits or partial death benefits if a worker dies as a result of a workplace injury, occupational illness or fatal workplace accident.
Our firm takes a comprehensive approach to handling employment law matters. We pride ourselves on analyzing all your options and revisiting them to see if additional claims are warranted should you experience any negative changes in your employment situation.
Contact Our Los Angeles Injured Workers' Benefits Attorney
To discuss your case in a free consultation with our Woodland Hills workers' compensation benefits attorney, contact the Law Offices of Thomas Hoegh. Send us an e-mail or call our offices at 818-337-4470 or toll free at 800-434-4631.
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