Experienced Riverside Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Helping Southern California Workers Injured on the Job Get Medical Care and Wage Replacement Benefits
Just about every employee in California has workers’ compensation insurance. Even if you are the only employee at your workplace, your employer likely provides workers’ comp coverage. If you get hurt at work, whether a co-worker’s negligence, defective machinery, or your own carelessness caused the accident, you can receive workers’ comp benefits. These benefits cover your medical treatment and replace a portion of your wages while you are unable to work. If you need Riverside workers compensation attorneys, Ochoa & Calderon will help you get the medical care and benefits you deserve after an on-the-job injury.
Some employers and their insurance companies make it difficult for you to get workers’ comp benefits because they don’t want to pay. It’s frustrating when the process is harder than necessary, but it’s tragic if your employer or their insurer prevents you from receiving the benefits you need and deserve. At Ochoa & Calderon, our experienced Riverside workers’ compensation attorneys have over 15 years of experience helping injured workers secure the medical care and benefits they deserve.
If you suffer an injury at work in Riverside or Southern California and struggle to get your workers’ comp claim approved, call Ochoa & Calderon for a free consultation with one of our skilled California workers’ compensation lawyers.
Comprehensive Workers’ Compensation Benefits in California
California workers’ compensation benefits include five main types: medical care, wage replacement, disability, job displacement, and death benefits.
Medical Care
Workers’ comp pays for all reasonably necessary medical treatment related to a work-related illness or injury. Benefits can cover:
- Doctor visits
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic or occupational therapy
- Prescriptions and medical equipment
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from the doctor or pharmacy
Wage Replacement
If you are temporarily disabled and cannot work, workers’ comp pays two-thirds of your regular wages for the duration of your disability, for up to two years.
Disability
If your disability is permanent, you will receive a rating based on the nature of the disability and body part affected. You will then receive permanent disability benefits according to a schedule of benefits outlined in the law.
Job Displacement
If you cannot return to your previous job due to a disability, you may be eligible for a $6,000 voucher. This voucher can pay for training, licensing, or certification to help you secure a new job in a different field.
Death Benefits
The spouse, children, or other dependents of an employee who dies from a work-related illness or injury can receive up to $10,000 for reasonable burial expenses. They can also receive benefits at the total temporary disability rate. These benefits can total $250,000 or more, depending on the number of dependents left behind.
How Riverside Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Ochoa & Calderon Can Help You Get Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation covers any injury that occurs on the job. This includes injuries from a single traumatic event like a fall or burn, or injuries that develop over time due to repetitive stress. Occupational illnesses and diseases are also covered. These include illnesses caused by toxic exposure to chemicals or conditions like heart disease and hypertension for people in high-stress jobs like police officers, firefighters, and first responders. If a pre-existing condition worsens on the job, workers’ comp should cover treatment for the aggravation.
Employers and insurers often try to avoid paying benefits or offer less than what is due. They may:
- Claim your injury is not work-related
- Blame a pre-existing condition
- Dispute the severity of your injury
- Allege the accident occurred while you were intoxicated
- Claim the injury was intentional
- Argue the accident was due to a violation of workplace safety rules
- Assert that you failed to report the accident on time or follow other procedures
- Repeatedly require independent medical exams to contest your disability
You have rights as an employee when it comes to workers’ compensation. An experienced Riverside workers’ compensation attorney ensures these rights are upheld. At Ochoa & Calderon, we handle interactions with the insurance carrier. We represent you in administrative hearings and appeals with the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). We even take your case to court if necessary. Our Riverside workers’ compensation attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights.
Steps to Take After an Injury at Work
- Report the Injury Immediately: Notify your employer about the injury as soon as it happens. Delaying the report can complicate your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: See a doctor as soon as possible and follow all prescribed treatments. Early medical documentation is crucial for your claim.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your injury, treatment, and any communications with your employer or insurance company.
- Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney: Call Ochoa & Calderon at 951-901-4444 for a free consultation to ensure you receive all entitled benefits.
- Understand Your Rights: Educate yourself about your rights under California workers’ compensation law. This knowledge helps you navigate the claims process more effectively.
How Does The Workers’ Compensation Process Start?
In the video below, our experienced attorney William Calderon, Co-Founder and Partner at Ochoa & Calderon, discusses the workers’ compensation process. With nearly 20 years of experience advocating for injured workers, William provides invaluable insights into how to navigate your claim successfully. Learn more about William Calderon and his dedication to protecting the rights of injured workers.
Can I Receive More Than Workers’ Compensation?
Workers who suffer injuries on the job are usually entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, additional compensation might be available in some cases. Often, a third party, aside from your employer, may share responsibility for the injury. In such cases, you can pursue a third-party claim to seek compensation beyond what workers’ compensation provides. This additional compensation can cover aspects like pain and suffering, which workers’ comp does not typically address. If you believe a third party may be responsible for your injury, consult a Riverside workers’ compensation attorney who has experience handling these complex cases to ensure you receive full compensation.
Why Consult Riverside Workers’ Compensation Attorneys?
After an injury at work, you might feel hesitant or worried about reporting it to your employer due to fear of retaliation. However, you should report the injury without delay. The law protects you from being fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Injuries can occur in any workplace, and workers’ compensation is there to support you during recovery. Hiring Ochoa & Calderon helps alleviate the stress of managing your claim alone. Our attorneys will handle all the legal aspects, allowing you to focus solely on healing. We provide expert guidance and ensure you receive all the benefits you deserve. Let Ochoa & Calderon, your trusted Riverside workers’ compensation lawyers, handle your claim from the outset and work towards maximizing your settlement.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Riverside
Ochoa & Calderon has been representing injured workers for more than 15 years. Our approach protects your rights and ensures you receive the maximum possible compensation. If you or someone you know has suffered a workplace injury, reach out to the workers’ compensation attorneys at Ochoa & Calderon. Our experienced team will support you through this challenging time. Don’t face the complexities of a workers’ compensation claim alone.
Moreover, Ochoa & Calderon can help with other legal matters and concerns. Contact us immediately to avoid missing crucial deadlines that could jeopardize your claim. Prompt action is essential for a thorough investigation and to safeguard your right to compensation. Engage our services as soon as possible to benefit from our comprehensive legal support.
Additionally, Ochoa & Calderon can assist you with other matters and concerns. Make sure you get an attorney immediately. Strict time limits apply in these cases and can act to bar a claim completely. Information initially available may be lost. It is extremely important that we are engaged as soon as possible to enable us to investigate promptly and thoroughly. Prompt access and investigation are a must.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after being injured at work?
Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Seek medical attention and follow all prescribed treatments. Contact a Riverside workers’ compensation attorney to ensure you receive all entitled benefits.
Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?
No, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you face any retaliation, contact a Riverside workers’ compensation attorney immediately.
What if my claim is denied?
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. An experienced Riverside workers’ compensation attorney will help you navigate the appeals process and advocate on your behalf.
How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim?
In California, you generally have one year from the date of your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, you should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
Can I choose my own doctor for treatment?
Initially, you may need to see a doctor chosen by your employer. After 30 days, you can switch to your own doctor, provided certain conditions are met. Consult with a Riverside workers’ compensation attorney for guidance on this process.
What types of injuries are covered by workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation covers injuries caused by one-time accidents, repetitive stress injuries, occupational illnesses, and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions due to workplace activities.
Riverside Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Ready to Fight for You
If you were injured in California, you don’t have to face this difficult situation alone. Ochoa & Calderon is here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape of workers’ compensation. For personalized advice and assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our Riverside Workers’ Comp attorneys in Ochoa & Calderon for a free consultation and advice on how to proceed. Send us a message or Call 951-901-4444 for help in Riverside or 844-401-0750 toll-free throughout Southern California.
