Maison Law helps injured workers in Dinuba when they have to file a workers’ compensation claim. Getting hurt or sick is never easy, and it’s even tougher when it happens at work. You might miss paychecks and worry about how your employer sees you. While you have the right to file for workers’ compensation in Dinuba, our team will be there to support you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
You don’t need a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim, and you don’t even need to prove fault to get benefits—you simply fill out the claim form and submit it. But like any situation, having a lawyer can help you get the most benefits possible, especially when you work with our experience team. If you decide to hire us and go forward, here’s how we’ll help you:
- Breaking things down – We’ll explain how the workers’ comp process works so you’re not left guessing.
- Getting evidence – We’ll help you gather the paperwork and evidence you need to support your claim.
- Figuring out what happened – We’ll work with you to understand what caused your injury or illness.
- Standing up for your claim – We’ll deal with the insurance company to make sure you get what you’re owed.
- Supporting you at every step – From start to finish, we’ll guide you through the process so you’re never alone.
Workers’ comp isn’t just for risky jobs–it’s for anyone who gets hurt at work in Dinuba. No matter what your job is, if your injury or illness is work-related, we can help you get the benefits you need to start getting better.
What Steps Protect Your Workers Compensation Claim?
Probably the best way to look at a workers’ compensation claim is that it’s just like a regular injury claim, but with one big exception: it happens at work, while you’re doing job-related activities. So, even though you don’t need to prove fault or negligence, you still have to take the right steps to make sure your claim is protected and you get the most benefits possible:
- Getting medical care – Your health is the priority. Start with first aid, then head to a hospital for serious injuries or urgent care for minor ones. Keep all medical records, treatment details, and prescriptions–they’re key to building a strong claim.
- Reporting the injury – In California, you must report a workplace injury or illness within 30 days, but it’s best to do it immediately. Tell your supervisor right away and request first aid. Then, ask HR for a workers’ comp claim form (DWC-1), fill it out, and submit it to start receiving benefits.
- Working with the investigation – The insurance company will review your claim by looking at medical records and asking questions. Be honest, consistent, and provide any evidence, like doctor’s notes or witness information, to keep things moving smoothly.
- Following your treatment plan – You’ll probably need to see a doctor chosen by the insurance company, called a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME), but you can also visit your own doctor. Stick to their advice, keep up with appointments, and track your recovery to show you’re serious about getting better.
- Being careful with your statements – When talking to your employer or the insurance company, stick to the facts. Keep from making detailed statements or posting about your injury on social media, and follow your doctor’s restrictions to protect your claim.
Every case is different, but these steps can help you get the benefits you deserve. If you need help along the way, our team is here to guide you and make sure your claim (and benefits) are as strong as possible.
What Would Cause You to Need Workers’ Compensation?
Obviously, when you face a workplace injury or illness, it’s pretty overwhelming. It’s important to remember that workers’ comp isn’t just for high-risk jobs. Whether you work in an office, on a farm, or anywhere else in Dinuba, you have the right to file a claim if your injury or illness is work-related.
Here are some common reasons workers need to file a claim:
- Slip and falls – Wet floors, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces can lead to accidents in any workplace.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) – Repeated tasks like typing, lifting, or assembly work can cause long-term injuries.
- Car accidents – Jobs that involve driving for deliveries, business travel, or farm work put you at risk of accidents.
- Exposure to hazardous substances or materials – Working with chemicals, pesticides, or dangerous substances can cause respiratory issues or skin conditions.
- Accidents with machinery – Operating heavy equipment or machinery can lead to injuries, especially if safety measures aren’t in place.
- Fire and burn injuries – Construction, farming, or food service jobs often come with risks of burns or smoke inhalation.
- Construction accidents – Falls, equipment malfunctions, and unstable structures are common hazards in construction.
Obviously, it’s pretty easy to see why you’d need workers’ comp benefits when you look at these accidents and causes. At the same time, though, every situation is different. So, the benefits that are available to you–and what you’ll need–is important to understand to get the full picture.
What Benefits Can You Get from Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Another important part of filing for workers’ comp is the actual benefits you can get. Like any other injury claim, it depends on what actually happened and how hurt or sick you are. But unlike an injury claim, you know going in exactly what you can get–it’s just a question of how much. So, when you file for workers’ comp, you can get the following benefits:
- Medical expenses – This gives you coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other treatments needed for your recovery.
- Temporary Disability (TD) benefits – If your doctor says you can’t work temporarily, TD benefits offer partial wage replacement until you’re able to return to work or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
- Permanent Disability (PD) benefits – If your injury results in lasting limitations, PD benefits compensate you for your reduced ability to work or perform daily tasks. The amount depends on factors like the severity of your condition, your age, and your job.
- Training or rehab costs – If you can’t return to your previous job, workers’ comp can cover the cost of retraining or educational programs to help you transition to a new role that fits your abilities.
- Death benefits – In the event of a fatal workplace accident, death benefits provide financial support to your dependents, including funeral expenses and ongoing financial assistance to help your family cope with the loss of income.
These benefits are designed to help you recover and move forward, but actually going through the system with a claim can be tricky. Our team is here to guide you through the process and make sure you receive the full benefits you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim?
You have one year from the date of your injury or the discovery of your illness to file a claim. Additionally, you must report the injury or illness to your employer within 30 days.
Can I appeal the decision on my benefits?
Yes. If your claim is denied or you disagree with the decision, you can file an appeal with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board for a review.
Do I need to tell my employer about my claim?
Yes. Your employer has to be informed about your injury or sickness, as well as your decision to file a claim. Luckily, this happens directly when you report your injury and then go to HR to get the claim form.
Experienced Support From Dinuba Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Your job plays a huge role in your daily life, but sometimes, work-related injuries or illnesses can disrupt everything. If you’ve been injured or gotten sick due to your job, Maison Law is ready to help you. Our experienced Dinuba workers’ compensation lawyers will guide you through the claims process and fight to get you the benefits you need so you can recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
