How We Help
SoCal Workers Comp provides comprehensive service for injured workers. Balancing your treatment and your insurance claim is a full-time job. Our process is intended to make life easier for you by professionally managing both. And if necessary, we will aggressively fight for your rights and never back down from representing your best interests.
The workers’ compensation process can be complex. Our goal at SoCal Workers Comp is to make your claim easier, successful, and financially meaningful.
First, you deserve to know the basics of the workers’ compensation process and how a workers’ compensation attorney can help you.
Immediately after the incident
Report the accident and your injuries to your employer. If you can, document the accident by talking with witnesses and photographing the scene and your injuries. But it is very important to see a doctor as soon as possible, no matter how minor the injury may seem. Your employer may be responsible for paying your medical bills until the insurance company makes a decision on your claim.
You should next strongly consider consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney to manage your claim and provide treatment options.
For a successful workers’ compensation claim, quick and accurate timing and documentation matter. Mistakes can be costly, as your claim may be denied.
An attorney can:
- Plan a strategy for your case
- Organize and gather information to support your case
- Connect you with medical providers who share your best interests
Filling Process
Submit a completed version of the Division of Workers’ Compensation Form 1 to your manager. Within 30 days of the accident.
Submit a completed version of the Application for Adjudication of Claim to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. Also submit a Declaration Pursuant to Labor Code. Include the DWC cover sheet and document separator sheet. Within 1 year of the accident.
The insurance company decides to approve or deny your claim. Within 90 days following notice of the accident to your employer.
If your claim is approved
You begin to collect workers' compensation benefits:
- Paid medical care
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Supplemental job displacement benefits
- Death benefits
If at any time you disagree about your doctor’s report with the insurance company, a medical evaluator can intervene to resolve the matter.
An attorney can assist with the resolution process.
If Your Claim is Denied
You have the right to challenge this decision by filing a case. It entails meeting filing deadlines with the Division of Workers’ Compensation and your claims administrator, and scheduling a hearing before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. This is like a trial before a judge.
You have the right to challenge this decision by filing a case. It entails meeting filing deadlines with the Division of Workers’ Compensation and your claims administrator, and scheduling a hearing before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. This is like a trial before a judge.
An attorney can handle the filing process and argue your case at your hearing.
While you wait on your appeal, it is important to continue treating. You can pay these costs and seek reimbursement later if the decision is overturned.
An attorney can refer you to doctors who agree to treat you for no cost upfront through a “medical lien.” Workers’ compensation attorneys work with doctors to produce helpful reports for your hearing.
At the hearing, you and the claims administrator (or their attorney) meet with a judge to discuss a possible settlement. If there is no settlement, there will be a trial. After the trial, the judge will issue a written decision. Between 30 and 90 days after the trial.
An attorney can help prepare your trial by documenting the dispute, presenting evidence and witnesses, and arguing your case.
A settlement or award will determine the amount of temporary or permanent disability payments you will receive, the medical care that will be paid for, and whether your payments will be made periodically or in a lump sum.
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