Orange County Workers' Compensation Lawyer
Injured at work? At the California Work Injury Law Center, we fight relentlessly to ensure Orange County workers like you get the compensation, care, and justice you deserve—because when it comes to protecting your future, you shouldn’t settle for less.
If you live or work in Orange County and have been hurt on the job, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. California’s workers’ compensation laws are here to protect you, and it’s important to know your rights. At CWILC, our dedicated team of Orange County workers’ compensation attorneys is here to help you and your family secure the benefits you deserve. As an injured worker, you may be entitled to:
- The cost of medical treatment included associated expenses
- Temporary disability payments for work missed as a result of the injury
- Vocational retraining if you can’t return to your previous job and your employer doesn’t offer a suitable alternative
- Permanent disability payments for workers who cannot participate in the job market as a result of their injuries
- Death benefits paid to the spouses or dependents of workers who die on the job
No matter the circumstances, your employer is required to provide medical care for your work-related injury—even if you don’t miss a single day of work.
Why Choose Orange County's California Workers Injury Law Center?
If you are looking around for a new workers compensation lawyer in Orange County but don’t know where to start, we are here for you. Recently, the team at CWILC closed down an old case from 2020 that had not been moving and the client was frustrated with the adjuster and insurance company. We took over the case and obtained a $152K settlement, leaving our client very happy. Our team is ready to take on your case too, whether new or old.
At the California Work Injury Law Center (CWILC), we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of workers in Orange County who have suffered workplace injuries. Our mission is simple: to help you secure the benefits and compensation you’re entitled to under the law. With an experienced team focused solely on workers’ compensation cases, we devote our time, resources, and expertise to crafting a winning strategy tailored to your unique situation.
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us a dime unless we win your case and you receive the benefits or settlement you deserve. In short, we don’t get paid until you get paid.
Clients who have recommended the California Work Injury Law Center often note the knowledge and professionalism of its staff and how diligently they pursue settlements that provide both the benefits and monetary compensation they need. The firm’s clients have also said its reassuring staff provided them with the confidence necessary to pursue the benefits they needed to recover from their injuries and move on with their lives.
Common Causes of Work Injuries in Orange County
The team of experts at CWILC work with many different types of workplace injuries in Orange County such as:
- Construction Accidents: Falls, equipment malfunctions, and electrocutions are common hazards on construction sites.
- Carpal Tunnel: Repetitive tasks or vibrating tools often lead to painful wrist and hand conditions. This is particularly common in office settings where employees spend long hours typing or using computer mice.
- Back Injury: Heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or long hours of sitting contribute to back problems.
- Neck Injury: Similar to back injuries, poor ergonomics or sudden trauma can cause neck pain and related issues.
- Slips and Falls: Slippery floors, cluttered walkways, and inadequate safety measures can result in slips, trips, and falls in various workplaces.
- Vehicle Crashes and Collisions: Workers who operate vehicles as part of their job duties, such as delivery drivers, truck drivers, or construction equipment operators, are susceptible to accidents on roads and highways.
- Toxic Substance Injuries/Illnesses: Exposure to hazardous chemicals, fumes, or materials in workplaces such as factories, laboratories, or construction sites can cause a range of injuries and illnesses.
- Wrongful Death: Tragically, some work-related incidents result in fatalities due to negligence, unsafe working conditions, or unforeseen accidents.
How Does Workers' Compensation Law Work in Orange County?
If you work in California, your employer must pay for your worker’s compensation benefits if you are injured on the job by carrying a workers’ compensation policy no matter how many people they employ. Workers’ compensation covers you regardless of whether you were injured in a single accident or if you suffered an injury from repetitive motions or prolonged exposure to harmful conditions. California also requires coverage of some stress-related or psychological injuries.
California has a no-fault workers’ compensation system that covers employees who have been injured while performing their jobs, regardless of who is responsible for the injury. However, in many cases, you will not have the right to sue your employer for the injury to recover additional damages.
Senate Bill 863, passed in 2012, brought significant reforms to California’s workers’ compensation system, impacting both injured workers and employers in Orange County. Key changes include the introduction of an Independent Medical Review (IMR) system for medical disputes and a new formula for determining permanent disability benefits. These reforms aim to streamline the claims process, reduce litigation, and ensure prompt and fair compensation for injured workers.
Workers’ compensation benefits are tax-exempt, including cash payments. That is different from other government benefits–like unemployment benefits–where you must pay taxes on the payments you receive.
What is the Average Workers’ Comp Settlement in ORANGE COUNTY?
The average workers’ compensation settlement in Orange County and all of California varies depending on the severity of the injury, the extent of medical treatment required, and whether the worker can return to their job. On average, settlements range from $20,000 to $80,000, but cases involving severe or permanent injuries can result in much higher payouts. Factors such as lost wages, future medical needs, and vocational retraining also influence the final amount. Every case is unique, so it’s essential to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to better understand the potential value of your claim and secure the full benefits you’re entitled to.
When Should I Apply for Workers' Compensation?
If you are injured on the job you should report the injury to your employer and seek emergency treatment, if necessary. California law requires employers to make sure their employees have immediate access to emergency medical care. When you receive treatment you should notify the medical staff that your injury was work-related so it is included in your records.
You should also ask for a claim form from your employer as soon as possible after you were injured or discovered that you were injured. If your employer refuses to give you a claim form at the time of the accident you should consult with an attorney. You cannot report an injury after receiving notice that you will be fired or laid off.
If you are already receiving benefits for a minor injury that gets worse, it may be possible to reopen your case, so long as it is within five years of the injury.
Who is Eligible to File a Claim in Orange county
While most people believe that workers’ compensation only covers those who have suffered injuries while working as full-time employees, California also provides benefits to some temporary and part-time workers. Additionally, some independent contractors are also eligible. Whether you work in construction, healthcare, transportation, or any other industry, our attorneys are here to help. Finally, there is no requirement that an injured worker be a legal U.S. resident to receive benefits in California.
Many workers’ compensation claims are resolved without any problems, but the insurance company that provides your employer with its workers’ compensation policy will sometimes choose to deny your claim. Some of the most common reasons for rejecting a claim include:
- The injury did not require medical treatment
- There is insufficient evidence that you suffered an injury
- The injury was not work-related or occurred while working another job
- You can return to your job
If your claim is denied, you still can bring the matter before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. If you appeal to the board, it is generally a good idea to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Orange County, such as CWILC, represent you because your employer and its insurance company will have attorneys representing them. Our attorneys who specialize in workers’ compensation law are familiar with all of the rules and procedures for bringing a case before the appeals board, will help you collect supporting evidence, and ensure that all of your legal rights are protected.
Get in Touch with OUR Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Orange County
If you or a loved one have experienced a work-related injury in Orange County, don’t hesitate to seek the legal guidance and support you deserve. Contact CWILC today to schedule a consultation with our experienced team of attorneys who are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation claims and securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Orange County Office
California Work Injury Law Center
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