Make Sure You Know Your Rights And Options
If you have recently suffered an injury or illness because of your job, you may be dealing with the California workers’ compensation system for the first time. Many people who have a workplace accident encounter a bureaucratic system about which they know very little. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding of the workers’ comp system can cost you the money that you need if you are out of work. Certain mistakes can cause your workers’ comp claim to be denied, delayed, or halted.
Meechan Rosenthal & Karpilow PC helps workers obtain the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve under the law. If you have concerns about your workers’ comp claim or you have been denied benefits, contact us for assistance today.
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What You Should Know About Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is an insurance program administered by the state of California. The purpose of workers’ comp is to protect both employers and their employees. By law, employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance, even when they have only one employee.
Most employers obtain coverage through private insurance companies, though some self-insure. Employees do not pay for workers’ compensation coverage. This type of insurance is simply part of the cost of doing business.
In exchange for the guarantee of workers’ compensation benefits for workers who suffer occupational injuries or illness, the law protects employers from liability for negligence. The employer must pay benefits (through insurance coverage) to the worker. In exchange for these benefits, the employee cannot sue the employer, regardless of fault or the extent of harm.
What Does Workers’ Comp Cover?
Workers’ compensation pays for the employee’s medical expenses connected to the qualifying injury or illness and a portion of the worker’s wages while you are unable to work. If an employee became permanently disabled, they may receive a lump sum or regular payments for a specified time. Families who have lost a loved one in a work accident or to an occupational illness can also receive monetary benefits.
Employers And Insurance Companies Do Not Always Play Fair
Workers’ compensation is a costly program. Like other insurance programs, policyholders’ premiums tend to rise if the insurer has to pay more in claims. This creates an incentive for employers and their insurers to reduce workers’ compensation payments. If employers use work safety programs to decrease accidents to keep costs down, that’s a good thing. But some employers and insurers find it easier to deny or minimize claims. Because insurance companies and larger employers have much more experience with the workers’ compensation program than most employees, they have the upper hand.
The Importance Of Hiring A Lawyer
Workers’ compensation is a complicated system with many regulations. This can make it difficult to navigate, especially if you have never dealt with it before and if you are doing it while recovering from an injury.
You have to meet several requirements to obtain workers’ compensation. For example, you must report your injury or illness to your employer immediately or you could lose eligibility. You must seek medical treatment within 24 hours of filing a claim. When you work with lawyers like ours, you can trust that you will meet all the deadlines, do the steps correctly, and have a strong chance of recovering compensation.
Get More Of Our Guidance For Your Workers’ Comp Claim
You do not have to navigate workers’ compensation claims on your own; allow Meechan Rosenthal & Karpilow PC to guide you. For a free, confidential initial consultation with a caring attorney, please call our Santa Rosa office at 707-528-4409 or use our online contact form. Hablamos español.
