Accidents can happen when you least expect them, sometimes even when performing your duties at work. What happens then? Who is responsible? California employers are legally required to maintain workers’ compensation coverage. It is designed to compensate employees who sustain injury while on duty. For instance, a food delivery driver involved in a road accident during their shift may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Read on for more insights.
Delving Into Workers’ Compensation
“Broadly speaking, an attorney will help an injured person with the complex legal process of filing the claim, appealing it if denied, negotiating a fair settlement with insurance companies, and taking a case to trial if needed,” says workers’ compensation attorney Scott Silberman of Silberman & Lam LLP.
Worker compensation is intended to create a no-fault system by providing a safety net for injured employees while preventing the number of lawsuits filed against California employers.
Whereas comprehensive coverage is there to help compensate for damages like medical rehabilitation and lost wages, the path to filing and winning a claim can be difficult.
There are many deadlines to keep up with, and complex legal doctrines dictate the trajectory of your case. That is the fundamental reason why you should hire a worker’s compensation personal injury attorney for guidance and assistance.
Benefits Available Under Workers’ Compensation
If you have been injured while on the job, here is a list of potential awards you may be entitled to:
- Medical Expenses – Medical care is expensive. If you have incurred medical expenses for doctor appointments, hospital stays, physical therapy, and medicine, workers’ compensation will reimburse you for all these costs.
- Temporary Disability – You may be forced to take time off work to recuperate or when the injury renders you unable to perform your duties. Filing a workers’ compensation claim will cover compensation for the wages you missed out on due to your injury.
- Permanent Disability Benefits – If your injury leaves you with some permanent residuals, workers’ compensation will compensate you for losing your earning capacity. Here, it is best to consult an attorney to assess the settlement you are entitled to.
- Vocational Training – In California, workers’ compensation coverage offers victims a supplemental job displacement benefit voucher to help in training or education.
- Death Benefits – If a workplace injury results in the death of an employee, their dependents may be entitled to death benefits.
Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Here is a simplified checklist to help you determine whether you’re eligible for workers compensation benefits;
- You must be hurt or unwell because of your line of work.
- Your injury must have happened while you were on duty or because of your workplace environment.
- You must have disclosed your injury or sickness to your employer timely.
- You must have filed a workers’ compensation claim with the appropriate agency or insurance company.
Why You Should Hire an Attorney
You deserve compensation if you have suffered injury due to your job and its environment. Enlisting the service of a qualified California workers’ compensation attorney can put the odds in your favor.
These professionals have handled cases like yours before. They know what strategies work best and can help you make the right decisions. With their expertise, they can guide you through every step of the claims process, ensuring you receive the maximum benefits. Don’t go through the complex legal system alone—let a trusted attorney fight for the compensation you deserve.
Final Notes
In conclusion, workers’ compensation is a crucial safety net for injured employees, ensuring they receive the necessary support for recovery.
However, the process can be complex, with various legal requirements and deadlines. Whether you are dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or permanent disability, having a skilled workers’ compensation attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
With their expertise, you can focus on recovery while they handle the legal complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve.
