Maison Law guides Livermore workers through the claims process when they need workers’ compensation. No one expects to get hurt or sick because of their job, but it can happen–especially when you spend so much of your time at work. If it does, know that you’re not alone. Contact our team for a free consultation to discuss your options and take the first step toward getting the help you need.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer?

Getting hurt or sick because of your job is always challenging. It’s not just about the physical pain–you might be missing paychecks and wondering what the future holds.

Workers’ compensation is there to help, but the process can be confusing and overwhelming. That’s why having a lawyer can make a big difference. At Maison Law, our Livermore team can:

Walk you through the workers’ comp process so you know what to expect
Figure out what caused your injury or illness and prove it’s work-related
Gather important evidence and medical records to build a strong claim
Negotiate with your employer’s insurance to make sure you get fair benefits

Dealing with a workplace injury is never easy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Let us handle the claims process so you can focus on getting better and getting back to work.

What Options Do You Have After Getting Hurt or Sick at Work?

You spend a majority of your time at work, and no matter what type of job you have or what industry you work in, you have certain protections if you’re injured or become ill because of your work conditions. First and foremost, you will probably need to file a workers’ compensation claim to recover benefits. This is usually your first and best option, since every employer in Livermore is legally required to have workers’ comp insurance. You simply fill out the claim form (DWC-1), turn it in, and start getting benefits like:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Temporary disability (TD) benefits
Permanent disability (PD) benefits
Job retraining costs
Death benefits (for fatal accidents)

You have one year to file a workers’ comp claim, and once approved, you’ll either receive a lump-sum settlement or ongoing benefits, depending on your situation. Temporary disability typically lasts for 104 weeks, so it’s always possible that even maximum workers’ comp benefits won’t cover everything you need.

Civil claims process

If you reach the point where your workers’ comp benefits run out and your injury or illness was caused by someone else’s negligence, you might also have the option to:

File an insurance claim
File a civil lawsuit

While your main focus should be the workers’ comp claims process, the evidence from your claim–like medical records and accident reports–can be used to support your civil claim. Through a lawsuit or insurance claim, you may be able to recover additional financial support, or “damages” like:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Medical bills not covered by workers’ comp
Other losses related to the injury

If you’re unsure about your options, our team is here to help you understand your rights and guide you through either process. Regardless of your decision, you’re going to need to know what you can do to protect your claim.

How Can You Protect Your Claim to Get the Most Benefits?

Getting hurt at work can happen when you least expect it, no matter where you work. At the same time, even though you don’t want it to happen, you have to take the right steps when something does happen. And even though you don’t need to prove fault in a workers’ comp claim, taking the following steps will protect your claim:

Report things to your employer – Tell your employer as soon as you get hurt or sick. The faster you report things, the quicker your claim can move forward and you can start getting benefits. Ask for a copy of your claim form to double-check the details.
Get medical care – Like any injury or illness, visit a doctor right away. This shows that your condition is linked to something at work. Keep track of every appointment and treatment.
Follow doctor’s orders – Do what your doctor says and follow their treatment plan. If you skip treatments, the insurance company might say you aren’t serious about your recovery, which can hurt your claim. Also, if your doctor says to take time off, do it. Going back to work too soon could make your condition worse and hurt your claim.
Keep track of records – Hold onto everything–medical bills, doctor’s notes, pay stubs, and any time you miss from work. The more proof you have, the stronger your benefits will be.
Be careful – Insurance companies might offer you less benefits in the hopes you’ll accept. Talk to our team before you agree to anything or make any statements. Tell the truth about how you got hurt and how you feel. If your story changes, it could hurt your claim.

By following these simple steps, you’ll have a better chance of getting the workers’ comp benefits you need to recover. Every situation is different though, so it’s important to be prepared.

When Would You Need Workers’ Compensation in Livermore?

Many people think workers’ compensation is only for high-risk jobs, but that’s not true. Most work-related injuries or illnesses, no matter what job you have, can qualify you for benefits. Even though most every injury or illness allows you to get benefits, it’s still important to look at some of the more common reasons why you’d need to file:

Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) – Jobs that involve repeating the same motion–like typing, lifting, or using tools–can lead to pain or long-term injuries.
Equipment accidents – Using heavy equipment can be dangerous, especially if it malfunctions or if safety training wasn’t provided.
Fire and smoke injuries – Jobs in construction, food service, or any industry involving heat or flames can expose you to burns or fire-related injuries.
Exposure to hazardous substances – Working with chemicals or dangerous materials can lead to serious health issues over time.
Slip and falls – Slippery floors, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces can cause accidents in any workplace, from offices to construction sites.
Car accidents – If you drive for work–whether it’s deliveries, business trips, or commuting between sites–you’re at risk of being in an accident. Even if no one else is involved, you can file a claim for injuries.

No matter where you work–whether in construction, food service, or an office in Livermore–you have the right to file a workers’ comp claim if you get hurt or sick on the job. However, the benefits you get are going to depend on the circumstances and how well you present your claim. That’s where our team can step in and protect your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a claim?

You usually have one year from the date of your injury or illness to file your workers’ compensation claim.

Can I file a claim if I develop cancer?

Yes, you can file a workers’ comp claim if your cancer is linked to your job. In California, workers’ comp covers illnesses caused by workplace conditions, like exposure to harmful chemicals or environments.

Should I get a lawyer?

You don’t have to, but having our lawyers on your side can make the claims process easier.

Contact Maison Law for Help with a Livermore Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you were injured or became sick because of your job in Livermore, Maison Law is here to help. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers will handle the claims process, deal with the insurance company, and fight to get you the benefits you need to get better.

Livermore Workers’ Compensation Lawyer