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Spanish California law protects workers hurt in their Inland Empire workplaces. However, getting the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve following an accident or incident is not always as easy as it should be.
An Inland Empire personal injury lawyer from KJT Law Group can help you understand your rights and benefits following a workplace injury. We can handle any issues with your claim and let you focus on your treatment and healing during this difficult time. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Benefits Can an Inland Empire Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Secure for Me?
Under California’s workers’ compensation laws, almost all employees who suffer on-the-job injuries, have work-related chronic use injuries, or get sick because of a workplace exposure qualify to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Depending on the circumstances, these benefits could include:
Covered Medical Care
Any necessary medical tests, treatments, surgeries, hospitalization, ongoing support, and follow-up care related to your workplace injuries should be covered in full.
Assuming you file a claim and your treating physicians know you suffered injuries at work, you should not receive a bill. Your employer’s workers’ compensation coverage should pay these costs directly.
Wage Loss Payments
You can also receive payments for your lost income until your doctor releases you to return to work. For most people, this comes in the form of temporary disability benefits. Employees in these cases have treatable injuries and can recover and return to their same position.
Some injured workers qualify for permanent disability benefits. They have long-lasting impairments, and their maximum medical improvement (MMI) will not allow them to return to their previous hours, shift length, or tasks. Some cannot return to the workforce in any capacity.
Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits
Workers who do not heal fully and cannot return to their previous position may qualify to receive vouchers for education and training in new skills, retraining, or skill enhancement to help them return to the workforce in a new capacity.
Death Benefits
When a worker passes away from on-the-job injuries, their family can receive compensation for reasonable burial and funeral costs and other expenses.
Why Should I Hire KJT Law Group for My Workers’ Compensation Case?
At KJT Law Group, our Inland Empire workers’ compensation lawyers understand how frustrating a work-related injury can be. Being unable to work and earn a living, even for a short time, is stressful. This makes securing your workers’ comp benefits as soon as possible essential to your healing.
Our experienced attorneys have the knowledge and resources necessary to develop a strong argument to support your workers’ compensation claim and get the settlement and/or benefits approval you deserve. We have a long track record of positive case results for our clients, including:
- $2,000,000 recovered following extended litigation for a worker living with lasting disabilities
- $270,000 secured for a long-time worker hurt on the job
- $120,000 settlement for a client who hurt their back at work in a medical facility
- $105,000 settlement for a worker who hurt her shoulder in a workplace slip and fall
Choosing KJT Law Group for your workers’ compensation case means putting your future in the hands of a firm that Practices the Art of Law with precision, compassion, and proven results. KJT Law Group has earned a reputation for fierce advocacy and personalized service.
We are not a high-volume, impersonal law firm. At KJT, every client is treated like our only client. We limit our caseload to ensure each client receives the care, attention, and direct access to their attorney that they deserve. Our legal services are available in English, Spanish, and Armenian, making it easier for the Inland Empire’s diverse community members to get the help they need without barriers.
Unlike many firms that pass cases off or avoid trial, we fight. No case is too small, and no insurance company is too intimidating. Our team rolls up our sleeves and builds customized legal strategies tailored to your goals, because your case isn’t just paperwork, it’s your livelihood.
If you want a team that’s committed to you and ready to win, KJT Law Group is ready to help.
You Pay Nothing Upfront for Our Help
We do not ask our clients to pay anything upfront or cover any case-related costs. Instead, we charge only a percentage of the backpay we recover for our clients who are fighting to get the benefits they deserve after an on-the-job accident.
Contact us today to discuss your case and next steps with our Inland Empire legal team.
Our Inland Empire Workers’ Comp Attorneys Know How These Benefits Work Under California Law
All companies in California must provide workers’ compensation benefits if they have any part-time, full-time, salaried, seasonal, or temporary employees. This insurance coverage comes from:
- A private insurance company, or
- The State Compensation Insurance Fund
Injured workers should report their injuries as soon as possible and seek immediate medical care. This begins the claims process and should allow the worker to begin receiving benefits for medical care or medical care plus missed income.
When this process does not go smoothly, it could delay benefits. This could make it difficult to get the necessary care and impossible to make ends meet while you cannot work due to your injuries. If this happens to you, our workers’ comp attorneys from KJT Law Group can help.
What Can I Do If I Have a Problem With My Inland Empire Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If you encounter issues with your workers’ compensation claim in the Inland Empire, you have options. The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) oversees the administration of all claims and has a process for resolving disputes. However, injured workers often cannot easily navigate this process. This is especially true if you are also receiving treatment and cannot work because of your injuries.
You do not have to do this on your own. Our Inland Empire workers’ comp lawyers can help you fight for the benefits you need and deserve. We know how this process works and can challenge a denial, miscalculated benefits, or other issues. We may be able to get you approved or negotiate a settlement based on your case facts.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury or Illness
If you’ve been injured at work or diagnosed with a job-related illness, it’s important to act quickly and follow the proper steps to protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve. Here’s what to do after a workplace injury or illness under California workers’ compensation law:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If it’s an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For non-emergencies, see an approved provider from your employer’s Medical Provider Network (MPN).
- Report the Injury or Illness to Your Employer: You must report your injury within 30 days of the incident or discovery of the illness. We recommend doing so in writing. Delaying could result in a loss of benefits.
- Request and Complete a DWC-1 Claim Form: Your employer is required to give you this form within one working day of being notified of your injury or illness. Fill out your portion and return it promptly to start the claims process.
- Document Everything: Keep copies of all forms, medical records, incident reports, and correspondence. Take photos (if applicable) and keep a personal journal of symptoms, treatment, and recovery progress.
- Follow All Medical Advice and Attend Appointments: Missing appointments or not following doctor recommendations may delay or jeopardize your claim.
- Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney (Optional but Recommended): An attorney can help ensure your claim is properly filed, benefits are calculated fairly, and any disputes are resolved quickly.
- Watch for a Response from the Insurance Company: The claims administrator has 14 days to send a status letter after receiving your DWC-1 form.
When Should I Call an Inland Empire Workers’ Compensation Lawyer About My Case?
Deadlines exist at each step of the California workers’ compensation process. You should notify your supervisor of your injuries immediately and without delay. You could lose your right to benefits if you wait too long.
If you receive a denial or there are other issues with your claim, you could run out of time to appeal or challenge an incorrect decision, too. You need to act quickly to contact our team if you receive notification about a benefits denial or encounter another problem with your claim. The sooner we know about your case, the faster we can go to work on your behalf.
Discuss Your Inland Empire Workplace Injury Case With Us for Free
KJT Law Group provides free case consultations for injured workers struggling to get the benefits they need after an on-the-job injury. Our workers’ compensation team can assess your case and talk about how our team can fight for you. Call today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation Cases
How long does it take to start receiving workers’ comp checks in the Inland Empire?
In California, workers’ compensation insurers generally have 14 days after your employer files your DWC-1 claim form to begin paying temporary disability benefits if your injury keeps you out of work. Delays are common when paperwork is incomplete or when liability is disputed. An Inland Empire workers’ compensation lawyer from KJT Law Group can push the insurer to release benefits quickly and challenge any unnecessary delays.
What happens if my workers’ compensation injury aggravated a pre-existing condition?
California law allows compensation even if your work injury made an existing health issue worse. For example, if repetitive motion on the job worsens arthritis or an old back injury, you may still qualify for medical and wage-replacement benefits. Insurance companies often try to deny these claims, but an Inland Empire workers’ comp lawyer can gather medical evidence to prove your worsening condition is work-related.
Can I work a light-duty job while receiving workers’ compensation benefits in Inland Empire?
Yes. If your doctor clears you for modified or light-duty work in the Inland Empire, your employer must try to provide a role that fits those restrictions. If they cannot, you may continue receiving temporary disability payments. Our Inland Empire workers’ compensation attorneys ensure you aren’t pressured into unsafe duties and that benefits continue when your employer fails to accommodate.
Do I need to keep seeing the company doctor during my Inland Empire workers’ comp claim?
You may need to continue treating with a doctor in your employer’s Medical Provider Network until your case progresses. However, if you disagree with your treatment plan or diagnosis, you can request a Qualified Medical Evaluator review. Our Inland Empire workers’ compensation lawyers can walk you through this process and protect your right to fair, unbiased care.