
Balancing your urgent medical treatment and the complex, stressful insurance claim process is a full-time job. But right now, as you read this, know that the insurance company is using this time to build a case against you. The longer you wait, the harder it is to protect your rights.
The stakes are high. Every second you waste jeopardizes your and your family’s future financial well-being.
SoCal Workers Comp is a workers-only law firm exclusively devoted to protecting employees like you who have been hurt on the job.
Don’t let valuable time and evidence slip away. While you recover, we aggressively fight for your maximum compensation against any California employer who has violated your rights.
One quick, simple call to (657) 251-3922 today can secure a lifetime of recovery.
Injured workers must submit a completed version of the Division of Workers Compensation Form 1 to a manager within 30 days of the accident. File this form ASAP.
Filing also includes submitting a completed version of the Application for Adjudication of Claim to the Workers Compensation Appeals Board and submitting a Declaration according to the Labor Code. The submittals must include the DWC cover sheet and document separator sheet and be filed within one year of the accident.
The insurance company must approve or deny your claim within 90 days following notice of the accident.
Failure to complete these forms in compliance with the law and by crucial deadlines can result in costly mistakes or even claim denial. We will handle the filing process and ensure deadlines are met.
“When employees wait to contact us, they often miss crucial deadlines or make simple mistakes on paperwork that the insurance company uses to deny the claim,” says Associate Attorney Jeff Guarrera. “We take control of the filing process from Day One to ensure every deadline is met and your paperwork is airtight.”
If your claim is approved, you can begin to collect workers’ compensation benefits that may include:
To ensure you receive the full package of benefits you deserve, contacting us as soon as you have been injured is of the utmost importance.
If you disagree with your doctor’s report with the insurance company at any time, a medical evaluator can intervene to resolve the matter.
We will assist with the resolution process as well.
If you waited too long to contact an attorney and your claim is denied, the workers' comp process for California employees includes the right to challenge a decision by filing a case.
Similar to the initial filing process, an appeal requires immediate action and adhering to strict deadlines and compliance requirements.
Filing a case entails meeting filing deadlines with the Division of Workers Compensation and your claims administrator, and scheduling a hearing before the Workers Compensation Appeals Board (i.e., a trial before a judge).
We can handle the filing process and argue your case at your hearing.
While you wait for your appeal, it is important to continue treatment. You can pay these costs and seek reimbursement later if the decision is overturned.
SoCal Workers Comp can refer you to doctors who agree to treat you for no cost upfront through a “medical lien.” Workers' compensation attorneys also work with doctors to produce helpful reports for your hearing.
At the hearing, you and the claims administrator (or your attorneys) 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. We can help with 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.
Contact SoCal Workers Comp for help with treatment & compensation