Orange County Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Though some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others, all workers face some risks while on the job. From office concerns like trips and falls to construction hazards like falls from height or being struck by an object, any number of workplace accidents can cause serious injuries like fractures, internal injuries, and/or brain trauma.

All on-the-job accidents, no matter who is at fault, are covered by workers’ compensation. Employee negligence is not a reason for insurers to deny a claim unless evidence shows that the employee was intentionally misusing equipment or was displaying extreme recklessness, e.g., coming to work intoxicated. If you were injured on the job, workers’ compensation can help pay your medical bills and provide temporary or permanent disability pay if your injury interferes with your ability to perform your job, among other benefits like vocational rehabilitation.

Many employees are forced to perform the same motions repeatedly, whether they involve typing all day or constantly lifting and pulling heavy objects. When these many small actions and impacts add up, they can cause a cumulative injury.

Environmental factors can have permanent health effects, too. For example, loud workplaces can gradually cause hearing loss, especially when ear protection is not provided to workers. Mounting stress and trauma experienced by those in first responder jobs can cause mental health difficulties like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Exposure to toxic elements can cause diseases, cancers, or other serious chronic illnesses.

All these types of injuries are eligible for workers’ compensation, but they may be harder to prove. Insurers will try to argue that your injuries or illness were caused by other factors, not the workplace. With Alvandi Law Group on the case, we can put together medical evidence and strong arguments to support your claim.

Why are claims commonly denied? Workers’ compensation insurers will tell you that they have to be on the lookout for fraud. However, it is also important to acknowledge that the more often an insurer pays out claims for workplace injuries, the less profit it makes at the end of the fiscal quarter. Sometimes this can lead to wrongful denial of claims, and sometimes a wrongful denial happens unintentionally.

Common arguments insurers make against workers include:

• There is insufficient evidence of injury.
• The injury was not caused by your job.
• You do not need medical treatment or disability payments.
• Your workers’ compensation coverage excludes that type of injury.

Insurance adjusters often split hairs when it comes to evaluating claims if they think they can avoid paying for the worker’s treatment and wages. Don’t let them ignore you after a work injury puts you out of commission. Our Orange County workers’ comp team can help you put together a strong appeal to continue pursuing the benefits you need and deserve.

To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, you must notify your employer about any work-related accident within 30 days of its occurrence. For occupational diseases or repetitive stress injuries that don’t show symptoms right away, the report must be made within 30 days of realizing that an injury or illness was likely caused by work, such as through a doctor’s diagnosis.

Though your employer has to report workplace injuries to Cal/OSHA within a week, starting a workers’ comp claim is its own process—one which, due to related costs, your employer has no incentive to start. Your report is the first step of filing a workers’ comp claim. Make sure you do so in the first month after your injury, or you may have to bear the costs of an accident alone.

It is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for filing a workers’ comp claim due to an on-the-job accident.

Unlawful forms of employer retaliation can include:

• Loss of job responsibilities
• Re-assignment to worse shifts
• Position change or demotion
• Unjustified disciplinary actions
• Discrimination or harassment
• Termination

If you faced any of these actions after filing for workers’ comp or getting injured at work, then you may be able to take your employer to court for retaliation while still pursuing your workers’ compensation benefits in a separate claim. A retaliation lawsuit is an employment lawsuit with its own rules and regulations, so be sure you work with an attorney who understands these unique case types, too. Alvandi Law Group has a legal team that is well-versed in all angles of workers’ compensation cases, including those that get complicated by unfair employer retaliation after a workplace injury and insurance claim.

When you have suffered a workplace injury, it is important to consider hiring a workers' compensation attorney as soon as you can. A workers' comp lawyer from Alvandi Law Group can help ensure that your rights are protected. We can also calculate the full amount of benefits and compensation that you may be entitled to under California law, and work diligently to stop that amount from being unfairly reduced. The sooner you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer, the sooner your lawyer can get to work applying their knowledge to your case.

An OC workers' compensation lawyer from our firm can:

• Help you file paperwork before deadlines.
• Ensure that all forms are properly filled out.
• Assist in gathering medical records, bills, and other documents needed for the claim.
• Present an appeal if a claim is denied by the insurance company.
• Negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement or award amount.
• Represent you in court hearings if necessary.
• Provide legal advice on filing a lawsuit against employers who have violated state laws and regulations.
• Prepare written arguments to support your position regarding claims made against you by your employer or their attorney.
• Educate you about your rights under California law related to workplace injuries.
• Build strong cases using evidence obtained from witnesses, photographs, videos, and more.
• Follow-up if an insurance company is failing to respond to your injury report.

Your workers' compensation coverage begins immediately the moment you begin working. Almost all California employees are covered under workers' compensation. There are a few exceptions, such as if an employee is an independent contractor. You can speak with our lawyers to see if your injuries are covered.

If you have been injured while on the job in Orange County, CA, it is important to understand your rights and the benefits available to you through California's workers' compensation system. Unfortunately, navigating this complex legal process can be difficult without help from a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in workers' compensation law.

A workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm will have an understanding of the laws governing worker's comp claims and can provide experienced legal guidance so that you receive maximum benefits for your injuries or illness. Furthermore, they may even be able to negotiate higher settlement amounts if necessary. Don't go it alone - get the help of an experienced professional today!

If you've been injured while on the job in Orange County, it is essential that you find a knowledgeable attorney who specializes in workers' compensation law so you can receive maximum benefits for your injuries or illness. With their help, you can ensure that all aspects of your case are handled properly and efficiently.

Here are some tips on how to find the right workers' compensation attorney:

• Identify the type of injury suffered: To find a workers' compensation attorney who can best assist you, it is important to first identify what type of work-related injury or illness you have sustained.
• Research attorneys specialized in workers’ compensation law: Once you’ve identified your injury, look for lawyers who specialize in workers’ compensation cases and ask them questions about their experience handling cases similar to yours.
• Check qualifications and reviews: Review the qualifications and reviews of any attorney before engaging them in legal representation. Look for these workers' compensation attorneys on online resources such as Avvo or Yelp for ratings from former clients. Check out sites like Lawyers.com for background information about an attorney's area of expertise or reputation within the legal community.
• Consult potential attorneys: Before hiring an attorney, make sure to schedule a consultation with a few different ones, so you can get a feel for how they handle cases. This will also help you find out if they have enough knowledge on the subject matter that applies to your case.
• Make sure all fees are transparently discussed beforehand: During your initial consultation with potential attorneys, be sure to inquire about their fees upfront so there won't be any surprises down the line with unexpected costs associated with your case.