Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Sacramento workers compensation Attorney

Injured at work? Mehlhop & Vogt Law Offices, Sacramento’s trusted workers’ compensation attorneys, offer expert guidance to secure the benefits you deserve.

California workers compensation benefits

• Certified Experts: Mehlhop & Vogt Law Offices specialize in workers’ compensation claims with decades of experience and certified expertise in California law.
• Comprehensive Support: The firm assists with all stages of workers’ compensation, from filing claims to appealing denials and exploring third-party negligence or SSDI claims.
• Top Workplace Injuries: Common injuries include overexertion, repetitive strain, and falls; prevention strategies and legal guidance are highlighted.
• Steps to Take: Timely reporting, seeking medical care, and consulting an attorney are critical steps after a workplace injury.
• Contact Us: Call (916) 930-9675 for expert guidance tailored to your case.

Workers’ compensation is financial compensation for an injury an employee gets during work. Getting injured on the job can be a tricky legal process in getting the proper compensation you deserve and requires the expertise of a Sacramento workers compensation attorney.

Work-related injuries vary, such as:

• Falling off a step-ladder and breaking your arm
• Getting a chemical burn due to your work environment
• Dislocating a shoulder during a car accident while driving for your company, such as to pick up materials or to make a delivery
• Repeated exposure to physically stressful events – This can be hearing loss due to loud noise or a wrist injury due to repetitive motions required by your work.

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that a company pays for to protect their workers. Unlike other insurance, there is no amount of money deducted in paychecks for workers’ compensation – the employer is obligated to pay for it as a part of doing business. In the state of California, this insurance has five basic benefits:

• Medical care – After an injury at work, the employer pays for the relevant medical care
• Temporary disability benefits – This includes lost wages due to an injury or disability that prevents the injured party from working
• Permanent disability benefits – If the injured employee does not recover completely, these benefits cover lost wages
• Supplemental job displacement benefits – Displacement benefits consist of vouchers that help the injured party pay for retraining or acquiring new skills in the case the employee can not return to his or her original job
• Death benefits – In the unfortunate case of the death of an employee, these benefits go to the spouse, children, or other dependents of the deceased

Unfortunately, under California law it is not required for independent contractors to be covered under the workers’ compensation of the company for which they work. As there is no exact definition of “independent contractor,” it can be difficult to determine if someone is an actual employee or an independent contractor.

When the person paying the worker behaves in the following ways, the court is likely to consider an employer/employee relationship:

• Controlling the details and manner of work
• Having the right to terminate the worker
• Paying the worker an hourly or salary wage
• Making unemployment and social security deductions
• Supplying materials or tools
• Requiring the worker to work specific days or times

Have you suffered a serious work injury? Contact workers’ compensation attorney at Mehlhop & Vogt Law Offices for FREE consultation about your California workers compensation claim benefits. Give us a call at (916) 930-9675 to speak with a Sacramento workers compensation attorney today.

The Workers’ Compensation Claim Filing Process

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in California can seem overwhelming, but understanding the process makes it easier to secure the benefits you deserve. The first and most important step is to report your injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible. California law requires that injuries be reported within 30 days to avoid delays or denial of benefits. Once you report your injury, your employer must provide you with the DWC 1 Claim Form within one working day. This form is crucial for initiating your claim, and you’ll need to fill out the “Employee” section with details such as the date, location, and nature of your injury before returning it to your employer.

After submitting the form, it’s important to seek medical treatment right away. Your employer is required to authorize medical care within one working day after receiving your completed form. In most cases, you’ll need to visit a doctor within your employer’s approved network unless you have predesignated a physician. Prompt medical attention not only ensures your health but also creates a record that supports your claim. Once your employer has your completed form, they must send it to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier, officially starting the claims process.

The insurance company will assign a claims administrator to evaluate your case. They have 14 days to accept or deny your claim, although they may request additional information during this period. If your claim is approved, you may begin receiving temporary disability benefits if your injury prevents you from working. These benefits provide partial wage replacement while you recover or until your doctor determines you’ve reached maximum medical improvement.

In cases where a claim is denied or there’s a disagreement about benefits, you have the right to file a petition with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). Resolving disputes may require mediation or hearings, and having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can be invaluable in ensuring your rights are protected. Once your treatment is complete, you may qualify for permanent disability compensation, job displacement assistance, or a settlement. Settlements can be structured as a lump-sum payment or continued payments over time, depending on your needs.

Navigating the workers’ compensation process can be complex, but with the right knowledge and support, you can secure the benefits you need to recover and move forward. If you’ve been injured at work, contacting a skilled workers’ compensation attorney can provide the guidance you need to successfully handle your claim.

Specializing in Workers’ Compensation Law

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.

For expert legal support, contact Sacramento Workers Compensation Attorney at Mehlhop & Vogt Law Offices at (916) 930-9675.

Contact Sacramento Workers Compensation Attorney

Have you suffered a serious work injury? Contact a Sacramento workers compensation lawyer at the Mehlhop & Vogt Law Offices for FREE consultation about your California workers compensation claim benefits. We’ve been helping injured workers since 1987 and are certified by the State Bar of California.

Give us a call at (916) 930-9675 to speak with a Sacramento Workers Compensation Lawyer Today.