BLOG

At Mehlhop & Vogt Law Offices, our team is committed to guiding you every step of the way in the workers’ compensation claim process. Whether you’re looking to begin your claim, worried about your eligibility, confused about your rights, or struggling with a rejected or stalled claim, we are prepared to help. No matter where you are in the process, our experienced legal professionals in Sacramento are dedicated to achieving the positive resolution you deserve.

Mehlhop & Vogt Law Offices specialize in workers’ compensation law, assisting injured employees in Sacramento since 1987. Certified experts in California law, they handle claims for injuries, illnesses, and disputes, including denied claims and third-party negligence. With a focus on personal attention and comprehensive strategies, the firm ensures clients navigate the complex legal process effectively. The top workplace injuries include overexertion, slips, and machinery entanglements, underscoring the importance of safety practices. For those injured, immediate reporting, seeking approved medical care, and consulting experienced attorneys are vital steps to secure compensation.

California workers’ compensation is a mandatory insurance system that provides benefits to employees injured or ill due to their work. Governed by the California Workers’ Compensation Act, it ensures medical treatment, wage replacement, and other benefits for injured workers while protecting employers from lawsuits. Most employers, regardless of size, are required to carry this insurance, with some exceptions like self-employed individuals without employees.

Benefits include medical treatment, temporary and permanent disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits for dependents in fatal cases. Employees must follow specific procedures when filing claims. Seeking guidance from a workers’ compensation attorney or the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) can help employees understand their rights and navigate the process effectively.

Sacramento Workers Compensation Attorneys Temporary Disability Benefits Temporary disability benefits are provided to employees who suffer from a work-related injury or illness that temporarily prevents them from performing their regular job duties. These benefits are intended to compensate for lost wages during the recovery period. The benefit amount is generally two-thirds of the injured worker’s […]

workers compensation attorney in Sacramento In most cases, workers’ compensation does not cover injuries sustained during your regular commute to and from work. This is because California law generally considers commuting a personal activity, not directly related to your job duties. However, there are some important exceptions where you may still be eligible for workers’ […]

workers compensation Lawyer in Sacramento At Mehlhop & Vogt Law Offices, we understand that life doesn’t always follow a predictable path. Sometimes, circumstances change, and you may find yourself leaving a job while still dealing with a work-related injury. A common question we hear from workers in this situation is, “Can I file for workers’ […]

Sacramento workers’ compensation lawyer At Mehlhop & Vogt Law Offices, we understand that one of the biggest concerns you might have after filing a workers’ compensation claim is how it could impact your future employment opportunities. As Sacramento’s trusted workers’ compensation attorneys, we want to reassure you and provide clarity on this important issue. When […]

Back and neck injuries are some of the most serious and potentially life-threatening injuries given the sensitivity of the spinal cord and the central nervous system. Suffering any type of injury in general could be a traumatic experience but getting injured while on the job, could be even more stressful. A back injury can happen out of nowhere and depending on what type of work you’re in, you could be prone to more injuries than others. Even if you weren’t participating in an activity that is more susceptible to injuries, if you suffered any back or neck pain due to your line of work, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits under California law. Contact a workers comp attorney in Sacramento to learn more about your options.

The time it takes to approve a California workers’ compensation claim can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the complexity of the claim, the availability of medical records and evidence, the cooperation of all parties involved, and any potential disputes or appeals that may arise.

Understanding the truths behind California’s workers’ compensation can clear up many misconceptions. It’s a myth that only physical injuries qualify; mental health issues from work stress are also covered. Regardless of who’s at fault for an injury, California’s “no-fault” system ensures workers can receive benefits. While initial medical treatment might need to be from an employer’s network, workers can later choose their own healthcare provider. Fears of employer retaliation for filing a claim are unfounded, as laws protect employees from such actions. Workers’ compensation isn’t the only recourse; in cases involving third-party negligence, additional legal actions might be available. Securing the right legal representation is crucial for navigating these aspects and maximizing the outcome of your claim.

The statistics on work-related injuries and fatalities in California present a complex and concerning picture. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), California experienced 504 fatal work injuries, which was an increase from the previous year. The number of work-related fatalities has fluctuated over the years, with a high of 657 in 1993 and a low of 326 in 2010. The leading causes of these fatalities include transportation incidents and exposure to harmful substances or environments, accounting for 53% of all fatal workplace injuries in the state. Other significant causes of fatalities were violence and other injuries by persons or animals, and falls, slips, and trips.

When you suffer an injury at work, you expect the workers’ compensation system to support you through your recovery. However, navigating the complexities of California’s workers’ compensation laws can be overwhelming, especially when your claim is denied. This setback can be discouraging, leaving you uncertain about your future and how to secure the benefits you rightfully deserve. At Mehlhop & Vogt Law Offices, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to guide you through the appeals process. Our expertise in workers’ compensation law ensures that your case receives the attention and dedication it requires for a successful outcome.

Sacramento Workers Compensation Lawyer Injured at Work? If you’ve been injured at work in California, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to provide financial support and medical care for employees who suffer workplace injuries or illnesses. However, navigating the complex workers’ compensation system can be challenging, and that’s where […]

Sacramento Workers Compensation Attorney Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury in California If you’ve suffered an injury at work in California, it can feel like your world has been turned upside down. Not only are you dealing with the pain and stress of the injury itself, but also the uncertainty and complexity of the […]

Workers Compensation Lawyer in Sacramento California Workers’ Compensation 2023 Changes Recent changes in California’s Workers’ Compensation laws for 2023 include several significant updates aimed at providing better protection and benefits for injured workers: Increased Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits: The maximum weekly benefit for TTD increased from $1,539.71 to $1,619.15, and the minimum from $230.95 […]

At Mehlhop & Vogt Law Offices, our dedicated Sacramento workers’ compensation attorneys are committed to assisting individuals throughout the entire legal process of securing workers’ compensation benefits. Are you ready to initiate your claim? Do you have concerns regarding eligibility? Are you uncertain about your rights? Do you have questions about a claim that has been denied or delayed? Regardless of the stage you find yourself in during the claims-filing process, our team is here to steer your path toward the favorable resolution you are seeking.

Sacramento Workers Comp Attorney Workers compensation is insurance that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who are injured in the course of employment. Any fraud that is committed with workers compensation can have serious repercussions. Since 1991, the California State Legislature and insurance industry programs have been working together to fight fraud and […]

Occupational illnesses occur when an event or exposure occurs in the workplace, resulting in the development or worsening of a medical condition. Workplace accidents can happen to anyone even at the most unexpected time. Though some workplaces are more prone to occupational accidents, such as construction and other manual labor jobs, occupational illness includes a wide range of health problems that can occur even in the most seemingly low-risk office jobs. Regardless of your occupation, if you have gone ill as a result of your workplace, reach out to a Sacramento workers compensation attorney to learn what legal actions you can take.

In 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there were 774 deaths due to an accident on construction sites. This is more than 18 percent of all on-the-job fatalities of 2010. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has also found that 4% of construction workers are injured while they work every year. Construction is a very dangerous job due to the nature of the work as well as the tools and machinery construction workers use to complete their tasks. Dangerous electric tools and conditions paired with physically exhausting hours leads to an increased likelihood of injury. If you have been injured while working on a construction site, make sure to seek out legal representation from a Sacramento work injury lawyer immediately.

The act was signed into law by Richard Nixon on December 29, 1970, and it set federal rules and regulations to inform employees of on the job hazards, and ensure that employers do everything in their power to make the workplace safer. OSHA is an agency of the United States Department of Labor and is responsible for enforcing the guidelines that it creates. Compliance Safety and Health Safety officers are the backbone of the agency and they conduct inspections and investigations of workplaces to ensure compliance. OSHA randomly schedules inspections, which are usually planned for worksites in particularly hazardous industries, but a site inspection can also be triggered by a workplace fatality, multiple hospitalizations, worker complaints, or business partner referrals. Inspections are conducted without advance notice by trained compliance officers who utilize a combination of telephonic, electronic, and on-site inspection techniques.