Orange County, CA Workers' Compensation Lawyer
If you live or work in Orange County and have suffered a work-related injury, you should know that under California’s workers’ compensation law injured workers are entitled to:
- The cost of medical treatment included associated expenses
- Temporary disability payments for work missed as a result of the injury
- Vocational retraining for workers unable to return to their previous job and their employer does not offer them modified employment
- 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
Your employer must provide for your medical care if you are injured on the job, regardless of whether you miss any work. At CWILC, we are a team of trusted Orange County workers compensation attorneys here to get you and your family the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
Why Choose Orange County's California Workers Injury Law Center?
Our firm focuses on helping the people who live and work in Orange County that have suffered workplace injuries to get the benefits to which they are entitled by law. Our skilled staff focuses all of its resources and experience on helping to plan an effective strategy for winning your case. We fight hard for our clients’ rights and we only charge a fee when you receive your money or benefits. In other words, we don’t get paid until you get paid.
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.
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. We have worked with many different types of workplace injuries such as hearing loss, slip and fall, back and neck injuries, psychological trauma, workplace death, and much more.
Common Causes of Work Injuries in Orange County
Work injuries in Orange County are often attributed to various factors including:
- Construction Accidents: Orange County, like many areas, experiences a high incidence of work-related injuries in the construction industry due to the inherently hazardous nature of construction sites. Accidents such as falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, and electrocutions are prevalent.
- Carpal Tunnel: Work-related tasks that involve repetitive hand movements or prolonged use of vibrating tools can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful condition affecting the wrist and hand. This is particularly common in office settings where employees spend long hours typing or using computer mice.
- Back Injury: Jobs that require heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or prolonged periods of sitting can contribute to back injuries among workers. In Orange County, industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and construction often see a high number of back-related injuries.
- Neck Injury: Similar to back injuries, neck injuries can occur due to poor ergonomics, repetitive motions, or sudden trauma. Jobs that involve prolonged periods of looking down at screens or performing tasks with poor posture can increase the risk of neck injuries.
- Slips and Falls: Slippery floors, cluttered walkways, and inadequate safety measures can result in slips, trips, and falls in various workplaces across Orange County. These incidents can lead to injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or head trauma.
- 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. Factors like fatigue, distracted driving, and poor road conditions can contribute to these collisions.
- 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. These may include respiratory issues, skin irritation, or long-term health conditions like cancer.
- Wrongful Death: Tragically, some work-related incidents in Orange County result in fatalities due to negligence, unsafe working conditions, or unforeseen accidents. These cases may lead to legal proceedings seeking compensation for the deceased worker’s family and dependents.
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 California?
The typical workers’ compensation settlement varies significantly. The range of financial settlements is different for each worker and reflects the impact of factors like the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the accident. Individuals with severe injuries such as those affecting the brain or spinal cord generally receive higher compensation compared to those with less severe injuries like cuts, lacerations, or broken bones. For a clearer understanding of potential compensation from a workers’ comp case, it’s advisable to consult with one of our skilled attorneys at California Work Injury Law Center.
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. An attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation law will be familiar with all of the rules and procedures for bringing a case before the appeals board, help you collect supporting evidence, and ensure that all of your legal rights are protected.
Paying for an attorney to represent you should not be an issue because most Orange County workers’ compensation attorneys are paid on a contingency basis, usually a percentage of the award. That means you do not need to pay for the attorney unless your case is successful.
Get in Touch with An 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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