Maison Law helps people through the workers’ compensation process in Corcoran. When you get injured or sick at work, it leaves you facing a lot of questions. Workers’ compensation benefits are there to help you, but it takes experience to get the most out of a claim. Our team has the experience and dedication you need. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Why Should You Get a Lawyer?
Anytime you face a situation where you’re hurt or sick, it makes everything more difficult. This includes something that happens at your job, which brings on added stress if you start missing paychecks and feel like your employer isn’t looking at you favorably. You have the right to file for workers’ compensation just by being employed in Corcoran, but you should really think about reaching out to our team if you want to get the most out of your claim. We can help you by:
- Explaining how the process works
- Helping you gather information and evidence for your claim
- Figuring out what caused your injury or illness
- Negotiating with your employer’s workers’ comp carrier for fair benefits
- Guiding you through the claims process
Many people believe workers’ comp is just for high-risk jobs, but any worker in Corcoran may need to file a claim. No matter what your job is or the type of injury or illness, you’re able to get workers’ comp benefits if it’s job-related.
What Are the Available Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Workers’ comp is one of the most important legal protections workers have in Corcoran. Under state law, virtually every employer has to carry workers’ compensation insurance in the event that a worker comes down with an injury or illness relating to their job. But the actual protection comes in the form of the benefits you get when you file your claim:
- Medical costs – This covers the cost of treating your injury or illness, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and other necessary care.
- Lost wages – If you can’t work due to your injury, workers’ comp helps replace part of your lost wages.
- Temporary disability (TD) – This provides you with partial wage replacement if your doctor says you can’t work temporarily. These payments continue until you recover enough to return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
- Permanent disability (PD) – If your injury causes lasting limitations, PD benefits compensate you for your reduced ability to work or perform daily tasks. The amount depends on the severity of your injury or illness, your age, and your job.
- Job retraining – Covers training or education for a new job if you can’t return to your old role. For example, if you’re a forklift operator and can no longer drive one, you could be retrained for a desk job.
- Death benefits – If a workplace accident results in death, these benefits provide financial support for your dependents, and are meant to cover funeral costs and ongoing assistance for your family.
Since workers’ comp benefits typically expire after 104 weeks (in most cases), you might have to take additional steps if you still need help. Most of the time, this means filing a civil claim, but it also requires that you prove negligence. These claims can involve parties like your employer or companies that make dangerous products, and can help recover additional financial support (known as damages) beyond you workers’ comp benefits, like:
- Extra medical costs
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses
As with any claim, there’s certain deadlines you have to meet to properly file these claims. You have one year from the date of your injury or discovering your illness to file a workers comp claim, and two years to file a civil claim.
Why Would You Need to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
It’s not hard to figure out why you’d need to file for workers’ comp–you’ve suffered a job-related injury or sickness. But the reality is that this situation is overwhelming, and the more hurt or sick you are, the tougher the process will be.
What’s more, getting hurt at work isn’t limited to high-risk jobs–any worker in Corcoran might need to file a claim. No matter your job or the kind of injury or illness, if it’s work-related, you have the right to workers’ comp benefits. Most of the time, though, they come out of things like:
- Slip and falls – Hazards like wet floors, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces can cause accidents in offices, warehouses, or any other workplace.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) – Jobs requiring repetitive tasks, such as typing, lifting, or assembly line work, can lead to long-term strain or injury.
- Car accidents – If your job involves driving–whether for deliveries, business travel, or farm work–you’re at risk of accidents that could result in injuries.
- Exposure – Working with chemicals, pesticides, or hazardous materials can lead to respiratory issues, skin conditions, or other serious health problems.
- Machinery accidents – Using heavy equipment or machinery can result in injuries, especially if there are malfunctions or insufficient safety protocols.
- Burns or fire injuries – Jobs in construction, farming, or food service can expose workers to risks like burns, fire-related injuries, or smoke inhalation.
- Construction accidents – Hazards such as falls, equipment malfunctions, or unstable structures are common in construction and other labor-intensive industries.
What sets apart a workers’ comp claim and a regular injury claim is that you don’t have to prove fault or negligence, you simply file your claim and start receiving benefits. But there’s also an insurance company and process that comes with these claims, so it’s important to know what you can do to get the most benefits possible.
What Can You Do to Strengthen Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Even though you don’t have to prove fault in a workers’ comp claim, you still have to take certain steps to protect–and strengthen–your claim for benefits:
- Get medical care as soon as you can – Your health comes first. Get medical care as soon as you can. Start with first aid, then either go to a hospital for emergencies or an urgent care for less serious injuries. Keep all records of treatments and prescriptions to strengthen your claim.
- Report to your employer – In California, you have to report workplace injuries or illness within 30 days, but the sooner, the better. If you get hurt in an accident, tell your supervisor right away and then ask for first aid. Then, go to HR and request the workers’ comp claim form (DWC-1). Once you fill it out and submit it, you can start getting benefits.
- Cooperate with the Investigation – Workers’ comp insurers will investigate your claim by reviewing medical records and asking questions. Be honest, consistent, and provide evidence like medical documents or witness details to help the process move smoothly.
- Follow your treatment plan – Most workers’ comp claims require you to see a doctor (known as a Qualified Medical Evaluator, or QME) chosen by the insurance company. You can also visit your own doctor. Stick to all medical advice and keep up with appointments to show you’re serious about your recovery. Track your progress and treatments for accuracy.
- Be careful with statements – Keep from making detailed statements to your employer or the insurance company when you talk about your injuries or illness–just stick to the facts. Stay off social media and follow your doctor’s restrictions to protect your credibility and claim.
Every situation is different, but following these steps can help you get the benefits you’re rightfully owed. But remember, you can still rely on our team for support and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter what my injury or illness is?
In most cases, no. As long as it happened to you at work or during job-related activities, you can file a workers’ comp claim for benefits.
How long do I have to file for workers’ comp?
You have one year from the date of injury or discovery of an illness to file, but you must report it to your employer within 30 days.
What happens if my claim is denied?
If the insurance company denies your claim, you can file an appeal with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) to review the decision and get better benefits.
Contact Maison Law For Help With a Corcoran Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you’ve been injured or become sick due to your work-related conditions in Corcoran, Maison Law is here to help. Our team of workers’ compensation lawyers will guide you through the process and fight to get you the benefits you need to get back to work. Contact us today for a free consultation.
