If you were injured at work or as a result of your job duties, you are protected under the California’s Workers Compensation System. Whether your accident and resulting injuries while working were caused by negligence, you have rights as an injured worker that must be protected. As an employee, you are entitled to pursue workers’ compensation benefits for work-related injuries or illnesses, no matter who was at fault.
Filing for a worker’s compensation claim can be a complicated and confusing process. Having an experienced Southern California workers’ compensation attorney on your side defending your rights and interests throughout the process is vital to the outcome of your claim. A zealous attorney on your side can help protect your legal rights and ensure you get the treatment and just compensation you deserve.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is insurance that provides cash benefits and/or medical care for workers who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job.
In California, all employers are required to have Worker’s Compensation insurance to provide workers’ compensation benefits to their employees under California Labor Code Section 3700. Employers pay for this insurance and shall not require the employee to contribute to the cost of compensation.
Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide you with the medical treatment you need to recover from your work-related injury or illness, partially replace the wages you lose while you are recovering, and help you return to work. However, these benefits do not include damages for pain and suffering or punitive damages.
Your Rights Under California’s Workers’ Compensation Laws
If you were injured in a work-related injury, you have certain rights under California laws. Below is an overview of some of these rights:
- The right to file a workers’ compensation claim for any work-related injuries or illness
- The right to see a physician and receive medical treatment
- The right to return to work when approved by your doctor
- The right to receive some form of disability compensation if you are unable to return to work (either permanently or temporarily)
- The right to appeal a decision made by your employer or their insurance company
- The right to say “no” to an employer attempting to coerce you into not filing a workers’ compensation claim
- The right to say “no” to an employer who tries to get you to pay your work injury-related bills through your own health insurance
- The right to not be bullied, harassed or fired by your employer for filing a claim
- The right to have a workers’ compensation attorney represent you with regards to your claim of injury in the worker’s compensation process
An experienced Orange County workers’ compensation attorney can better explain all of your legal rights based on the specific facts of your case. This is why it is important to immediately consult with an attorney after sustaining a work-related injury.
Important Steps to Take If You’re Hurt at Work
If you are injured in the workplace, it is imperative for you to immediately notify your supervisor or whoever is in charge. You must follow all of the required procedures for reporting these incidents and request a complete copy of all written documentation of the accident or injury.
After you have completed the necessary paperwork, you should immediately seek medical attention for your injuries. Getting prompt medical care and treatment is key in ensuring proper recovery from your accident.
You should also immediately contact and hire an experienced Orange County workers’ compensation attorney. Having the right legal representation can make all the difference in getting the compensation that you deserve, and can help relieve some of the stress that comes with getting hurt on the job.
Our Team Is Here For You
When you have suffered a work-related injury, your recovery and healing are the only things you should have to focus on. Leave the rest ON us.
We take great pride in helping you navigate through this difficult time, and in ensuring you receive the care, treatment, and benefits you are entitled to under the law.
If you or a loved one has been injured on the job or have developed a serious health condition that may be related to work conditions, you need to immediately hire an experienced Orange County workers compensation attorney to protect your legal rights and help you get the full benefits to which you are entitled.
Take the first step in protecting your rights by calling the legal team at Aoudi Law for a free consultation. Contact us online or call us at 714-386-9874.
For your convenience, you can now also text us at 714-386-9874, and we will get back to you within 24 hours of your inquiry.