At Koszdin, Fields & Sherry , our Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyers field many questions from injured workers. Here, we want to address some of the most common questions that we receive on a regular basis. If you or somebody you love has sustained a workplace injury, please reach out to us for a free initial consultation of your case today.
1. What is workers’ compensation?
The term “workers’ compensation” refers to a system of laws under the Labor Code of California outlining specific benefits to which injured employees are entitled, and the procedures for obtaining such benefits.
The workers’ compensation system in California is considered a “no-fault” system. This means that an employee who is injured at work should be entitled to receive compensation, regardless of who caused the injury. There are very few exceptions to this no-fault system.
Workers’ compensation benefits are available for workplace physical injuries as well as internal illnesses that occur on the job or while a person is performing their work-related duties. Sometimes, these injuries are considered acute and immediately apparent. However, work injuries and illnesses may also develop over longer periods of time, sometimes months or even years. All work injuries are supposed to be covered by the workers’ compensation system in California.
2. Does my employer need to have workers’ compensation insurance?
In California, every business must have some form of workers’ compensation insurance to cover injured employees. If your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, you are still entitled to workers’ compensation benefits provided by the state of California. You may also be able to bring a civil suit against your employer.
3. What if I don’t want to sue my employer?
Filing a workers’ compensation claim is similar to filing an insurance claim; it isn’t a lawsuit against an employer, but rather a request for benefits.
Because every employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees, filing a claim will generally not mean that your employer faces any out-of-pocket costs. Work injuries are going to occur, which is why state law requires that employers carry this type of insurance.
4. Why do I need an attorney?
The workers’ compensation laws within the Labor Code of California are extremely complex. No two cases are the same. If you have been injured at work, attorneys experienced in workers’ compensation law can explain the complexities of workers’ compensation and help you secure the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. It is the best way to ensure your rights will be protected.
A Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyer will also be incredibly beneficial if your claim is delayed or denied by the employer or the insurance carrier. The appeals process can be very complex, but an attorney will help you navigate through it so you can receive the compensation you are entitled to.
5. How do I know if my injury falls under workers’ compensation?
To determine whether you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, you should contact the experienced Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorneys at Koszdin, Fields and Sherry.
6. What kind of benefits am I entitled to through California workers’ compensation?
If you or somebody you care about has been injured on the job in Los Angeles, you should be entitled to various types of benefits period this includes the following:
If you or somebody you care about has sustained an injury in the workplace, you should be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ comp system in California is a “no-fault” system, but there are times when employers or insurance carriers deny legitimate claims. At Koszdin, Fields & Sherry , our Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyers are standing by to help. You can reach out to us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 1-800-747-3447.