Sycamore Accident Lawyers
Workers' Compensation Attorney Riverside
If you suffered a serious injury at work, a qualified workers' comp lawyer can make sure you are rightfully compensated. Find out more by scheduling a free consultation with us.
Were You Injured on the Job?
Were you injured in a workplace accident? Do you need to apply for workers’ compensation benefits, or were denied benefits? When employees sustain work-related injuries, the workers’ compensation system is meant to protect the employees’ rights to receive benefits to recuperate losses including medical bills and lost wages. During this difficult period, you should be able to focus on your family, well-being, and recovery, not dealing with financial strain. However, the workers’ compensation system is complex and it’s vital to consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer who can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
At Sycamore Accident Lawyers, we serve injured workers in Riverside County and neighboring areas. Our workers’ compensation attorneys understand that a workplace accident can be devastating and can potentially result in lifelong consequences. Injured workers may be unable to work for an extended period of time or may lose the capacity to earn income. We handle each workers’ compensation case with individualized care and fight to obtain the best possible outcome. Our law firm offers free initial consultations and is available 24/7 by call, text, email, or online chat. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Hire Sycamore Accident Lawyers For Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
At Sycamore Accident Lawyers, we have extensive knowledge of workers’ compensation law and have the resources necessary to conduct thorough personal investigations and collect evidence and expert witnesses’ testimonies. Our Riverside workers’ comp lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis which means we do not charge any legal fees until we win your workers’ compensation case.
We will provide aggressive legal advocacy and protect your best interests. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys will deal with the insurance company on your behalf and work to resolve your case in a timely manner.
How Can a Workers’ Comp Attorney Help?
A workers’ compensation lawyer fights for the rights of injured workers. If you sustained injuries on the job, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under California law. Employers are legally required to provide their employees with workers’ compensation benefits. When you file an injury claim it’s vital that it is done correctly because there could be delays, complications, or an employer may deny a claim.
A Riverside workers’ compensation lawyer will communicate directly with the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider to negotiate fair compensation. The insurance company will want to avoid a high settlement and may try to find reasons to deny your claim. Your workers’ compensation attorney will fight to obtain the benefits you are entitled to, and protect your rights.
When Should I Hire a Workers' Comp Lawyer?
Your employer denied your workers’ compensation claim or your employer isn’t properly paying your workers’ comp benefits.
- According to California Law, employers must offer workers’ compensation benefits. If your employer denies your benefits or doesn’t pay them properly, a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you hold them accountable.
Your injuries or illness prevent you from returning to work or limit your earning capacity.
- If you are suffering from a partial disability or a total disability, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages and lost earning capacity.
Your employer does not cover all of your lost wages or medical bills.
- When pursuing a fair settlement offer it’s crucial to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Injury Cases We Handle
In dangerous industries including construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, work injuries are common. If there are inadequate safeguards, insufficient warnings, and poorly trained workers, it only makes the risk of sustaining a work-related injury higher.
Most Common Workplace Accident Injuries
Common work injuries suffered in work accidents include:
Muscle Strains – Muscle strains can occur when workers overexert themselves, do a lot of heavy lifting, or make repetitive movements over an extended period of time.
Lacerations – Cuts and lacerations can be caused by improper training and the use of machinery and equipment. If safety procedures are not implemented or followed it increases the risk of sustaining injuries. Lacerations can also result from slips and falls, low overhangs, and exposed sharp objects or surfaces.
Traumatic Brain Injuries – When workers fall, are struck by an object, or are in a motor vehicle accident traumatic brain injuries can occur. According to the CDC, falls account for about 48% of traumatic brain injuries.
Burns – Burns can occur on the job when workers are exposed to fire, electric currents, radiation, steam, hot objects, dangerous chemicals, and hot liquids.
Inhaling Toxic Chemicals – Workers who are exposed to harmful chemicals can sustain serious work-related injuries when they don’t have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Vision Loss – When workers are exposed to harmful substances they may be at risk of eye reactions and injuries. It’s important to use proper PPE like safety goggles when handling hazardous chemicals.
Hearing Loss – Continually being exposed to loud noises on the job can result in occupational hearing loss.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by repeated and forceful movements of the hands and wrists. The use of hand-held powered vibratory tools can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Most Common Types of Workplace Accidents
Some common types of workplace accidents include:
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are a top cause of workplace accidents. Every year, there are more than 2 million fall injuries in the U.S. These kinds of accidents usually occur in adverse weather conditions or working conditions.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Auto accidents are the leading cause of injuries and fatalities across the United States. Over 5 million auto accidents occur annually in the U.S.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Injuries can develop when a worker performs repetitive motions over an extended period. These kinds of workplace injuries are common in the construction, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. Repetitive stress on joints and ligaments can result in long-term complications including permanent structural damage.
Overexertion
When workers are required to lift, carry, move, and throw heavy objects for extended periods they can develop serious injuries, especially in hot or humid conditions.
Hit by Objects or Machinery
When objects or machinery falls on workers, it can severely injure a worker.
Falling From Heights
When workers work from heights such as roofs, utility poles, buildings, and skyscrapers there is a potential risk of sustaining an injury due to falling. These accidents may occur due to adverse weather, slippery surfaces, poor lighting, poor visibility, and the lack of necessary safety equipment like railings or harnesses.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation can cover losses including:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing medical care
- Temporary disability
- Permanent disability
- Cost of retraining
- Wrongful death benefits
What is a Third-Party Claim in a Workers’ Comp Case?
A third-party claim is a separate injury claim that is outside of the workers’ compensation system. You can pursue this kind of claim if you sustained injuries on the job that were caused by a third-party, and not your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can I Stay on Workers’ Comp?
Typically, benefits from a workers’ compensation claim can be provided for 104 weeks or about 2 years. These benefits can be provided consecutively or parceled out over a period of 5 years. In some cases with severe injuries, workers’ comp claim benefits can be provided for 240 weeks.
What Injuries Are Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
- Intentional harm to oneself
- Pre-existing illnesses or injuries
- Sustaining a work injury while breaking the law
- Being intoxicated and getting injured
- Fist-fighting and engaging in a violent altercation with another party
Can I Sue My Employer For a Workplace Injury?
All employers in California are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer doesn’t, you may be able to sue them. You may also be able to sue your employer if they caused you to sustain an injury or committed fraud to hide their association with the injury.
Can You Be Fired While on Workers’ Comp?
An employer cannot fire an injured worker just because they sustained a work injury or filed a workers’ comp claim. However, an employer may decide to fire an employee for another reason. If there is a strong indication that your employer fired you due to being on workers’ comp, it is vital to consult an injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Contact Us to Schedule Your Free Consultation
After a workplace injury occurs, you may be dealing with medical expenses, ongoing medical care, lost income, mental distress, pain, and suffering. A Riverside workers’ comp attorney can help you get the benefits you deserve.
At Sycamore Accident Lawyers, we will fight to obtain the maximum compensation available for injured employees. We will guide you throughout the entire claims process and ensure you get the medical treatment you need. Our experienced Riverside workers’ compensation lawyers can help you navigate the complex workers’ compensation arena and will keep you informed every step of the way.