Workers’ Compensation Attorney In Ventura
Your employers are obligated to provide a safe working environment. But accidents can still happen, particularly in high-risk jobs like construction. If an injury occurs while you’re on the job, you are entitled to seek workers’ compensation benefits to help pay your bills and expenses while you recover. However, this system does not always work as it should. The workers’ comp system is not always straightforward and people may face challenges when seeking medical attention and compensation. When this happens, they need help from a skilled workers’ compensation attorney with the experience and knowledge to tackle these claims successfully.
Deirdre Frank has over 40 years of experience helping employees figure out their workers’ compensation claims. She can advocate for your rights and help ensure you receive the compensation you need. Deirdre Frank Personal Injury Ventura was established in Ventura County to be there for workers who need help. Let her take over your case and you can focus on getting back on your feet.
What Types Of Injuries Are Covered Under Workers’ Compensation In California?
California workers’ compensation is designed to cover almost any injury that occurs at work as a result of performing your regular job responsibilities. This can include:
- Physical injuries like broken limbs, sprains and strains
- Repetitive motion injuries built up over time, like carpal tunnel and back injuries from lifting
- Illnesses resulting from occupational exposure like cancer, TB, hepatitis and other long-term medical conditions
- Heart attack or stroke while on the job
- Assault while at work
- Auto accidents that occur while on the job and even while en route to training, work-related meetings or between work sites and/or driving a company owned vehicle
These are just a few examples of injuries and other conditions that are covered by workers’ compensation rules and regulations. Suppose you’ve suffered an injury while at work, you can seek compensation to cover your bills from medical treatment and disability benefits while you can’t work. A workers’ compensation attorney can give you a better idea of what to expect during this process.
In California, you have one year from the date of your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. Exceptions to this rule include injuries suffered as a result of repetitive stress and new disabilities resulting from a previously treated injury.
What Should I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
An attorney can help throughout the entire process of filing a workers’ compensation claim, from filing the initial paperwork to seeking out proof of your case. However, a workers’ compensation attorney is particularly helpful if your claim is denied. Unfortunately, this is not a rare occurrence and your employer’s workers’ compensation may deny your claim for a variety of reasons. A few common reasons include:
- Claiming it is a nonwork related injury
- Late reporting
- Incomplete or inaccurate documentation
- Failure to seek medical attention
- Discrepancies between the medical reports and the claim
Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side can not only help prevent this but also help you appeal a denied claim. Your lawyer can go to bat for you against the insurance company and help you get the treatment and compensation you need. If your claim is denied, contact a lawyer as soon as you can. Ms. Frank can begin going through your claim and find a strategy to appeal your claim.
Can I Get Workers’ Compensation For A Pre-Existing Condition That Worsened At Work?
California law allows injured employees to receive workers’ compensation benefits when a work activity aggravates, accelerates or exacerbates a pre-existing condition. The key issue is whether job duties contributed to the worsening of the condition, even if the employee already had symptoms or prior treatment.
Medical documentation is essential because the claims administrator will evaluate whether the workplace played a measurable role in the decline of the employee’s health. When the employer or insurer disputes the connection, a lawyer can gather evidence, coordinate medical evaluations and present a clear explanation of how the job contributed to the injury.
Can I Choose My Own Doctor For A Work-Related Injury In California?
In California, the ability to select a treating physician depends on whether the employer uses a medical provider network. If a network exists, the employee must choose a doctor within that network unless a valid predesignation of a personal physician was made before the injury. If no network exists, the worker may have more flexibility in choosing a provider.
Since treating doctors play a major role in determining work restrictions, disability ratings and access to specialists, understanding these rules is critical. Legal guidance can help ensure medical care is properly coordinated and that the employee’s rights are protected throughout treatment.
What Is The Typical Process For Filing A Workers Compensation Claim In California?
Filing a workers’ compensation claim in California involves several steps that must be completed promptly to protect your eligibility for benefits. The process generally begins when the employee reports the injury to the employer and receives a claim form. After the form is submitted, the claims administrator reviews medical records, investigates the circumstances and determines whether to accept or deny the claim.
Injured employees may need to attend medical evaluations, provide documentation and follow specific treatment guidelines. The process can become complicated when benefits are delayed, medical care is restricted or the claim is disputed.
Working with a lawyer can help employees meet deadlines, communicate effectively with the insurer and pursue the full range of benefits available. Ms. Frank has the experience and knowledge of California workers’ compensation law to help you pursue your deserved benefits.
Find Out More Information
If you are a Ventura worker who was hurt while on the job, contact Ms. Frank today. She can evaluate your case and explain your options. Ms. Frank has spent decades helping people overcome workers’ compensation matters and she can help you, too. She has a long history of success, including several multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts. Call 805-790-0079 to speak with Ms. Frank directly or use the online contact form to seek out more information about your case.