Thousand Oaks Longshore Workers Compensation Attorney

Thousand Oaks Longshore Workers Compensation Lawyer

If you are an employee in California and sustained a work-related injury, you can seek compensation from your employer’s workers’ compensation program. The system provides benefits that aid your recovery and missed time from work. Injured workers may even be eligible for compensation for permanent disabilities.

Although workers’ compensation benefits can be substantial, navigating the state system is complicated. Some insurance companies may be inclined to reject your claim or offer far less than you need to recover. With the help of a Thousand Oaks longshore worker’s compensation attorney, you can protect your rights to access this important source of compensation.

Do I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

In order to qualify for workers’ compensation in California, the injury must be related to work. The one exception would be if the injury is self-inflicted or due to gross misconduct on the part of the worker.

When minor repetitive tasks lead to an injury or when work-related activities exacerbate a pre-existing condition, the worker may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Common work-related injuries include:

• Slip and fall accidents: Any trip or fall can lead to tumbles that can leave workers with serious head injuries, cuts, or broken bones. A trip-and-fall accident can cause traumatic brain injuries that require immediate medical attention and long-term care.
• Burns: Workplace burns could include thermal burns from hot surfaces or fire, chemical burns from hazardous substances, electrical burns from contact with electrical sources, and radiation burns. These injuries often occur in kitchens, labs, construction sites, and healthcare settings.
• Repetitive stress injuries: Any repetitive motion can lead to an injury. These could include small movements or large movements that engage the back muscles. Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) from work are caused by repetitive motions or overuse of specific body parts. Common RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis. These injuries often affect workers in jobs requiring repetitive tasks, such as typing, assembly line work, or using tools. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and reduced range of motion, and they can lead to long-term disability if not addressed.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder: The work environment could lead to mental health problems like post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety disorder. PTSD could come from witnessing someone else being injured on the job. Repeatedly returning to a hostile work environment could also cause mental health problems. Certain mental health conditions could qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

Certain workers, such as longshoremen, may qualify for benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), which provides medical treatment and compensation for injuries on navigable U.S. waters or adjacent areas like docks and shipyards.

If you have any questions about your eligibility to receive benefits, you can consult with a Thousand Oaks workers’ compensation attorney who can review your case and help you file your claim.

Benefits of Working with an Attorney

If you live in Thousand Oaks, California, and were hurt on the job, you are likely in a stressful position and need to focus on your health and recovery. Working with experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can provide relief and peace of mind during an uncertain time.

Your workers’ comp lawyer can handle the paperwork so you receive benefits promptly and without delays that could come from filing errors. As your claim is filed and approved, your attorney will keep you updated every step of the way.

Workers’ compensation programs are in the business of making profits, sometimes at the expense of injured workers. Having an attorney representing you will improve the chances that your employer and workers’ compensation insurance company will not try to deprive you of your lawful right to compensation.

If any part of your claim is delayed or rejected, your attorney will take steps to address any filing issues. In the rare case that your claim needs to be appealed, your attorney can handle that as well.

A good attorney will do more than file paperwork on your behalf. You can benefit from having a trusted and reliable source of information if you have questions about which doctors you can use and which steps you need to take to remain in compliance with workers’ compensation guidelines.

FAQs

Q: Can I Sue My Employer?

A: It is unlikely that you will be able to sue your employer in most cases. By accepting workers’ compensation, you are effectively waiving the option of suing your boss. One exception to that rule would be if your employer does not carry workers’ compensation insurance. In that case, you could work with an attorney to sue your employer for the compensation you need to recover. Another possibility for the sign would come if a third party who does not work for the company injured you while you were on the job.

Q: Which Profession Has the Highest Workers’ Compensation Claims?

A: Due to the presence of heavy machinery and elevated walking platforms, construction jobs lead to a high number of workers’ compensation claims. Falling objects, malfunctioning equipment, and vehicle accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and even death. Workers and even independent contractors who work on construction sites can claim workers’ compensation benefits.

Q: Who Pays for Workers’ Compensation in CA?

A: Individual companies and businesses pay for workers’ compensation policies. State law requires any business with three or more employees to pay for workers’ compensation insurance, meaning the program is privately funded. Although the program is privately funded through monthly premiums or annual payments by the employer, the insurance system is publicly regulated by the State of California.

Q: How Much Does a Workers’ Comp Defense Attorney Make in California?

A: A workers’ compensation attorney in California often works on a contingency basis. This means that they do not get paid until you are paid. The specific percentage that they work for is usually worked out early on when the client signs on with an attorney. Consider working with an attorney who is open and transparent about their fees and billing practices.

Schedule Your Workers’ Compensation Consultation Today

If you were injured while working in Thousand Oaks, you can claim compensation through your employer’s workers’ compensation program. Many employees find that working with an attorney can make the claim process more manageable and predictable.

Barry Law Group has helped many injured workers find the compensation they need to pay for medical bills and other expenses that can pile up following an accident. We can also help you. To schedule your consultation, please contact our law firm online.