Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in San Ramon, CA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in San Ramon, California?

  The San Ramon Police Department can be reached at 925-973-2779 for non-emergency dispatch.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in San Ramon, California?

  To request a copy of a police report, contact the San Ramon Police Records Division at 925-973-2770 or visit the division at 2401 Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94583. It is open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Crime and traffic accident reports cost $0.10 per page. Traffic accident reports can also be purchased online at https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/ui/report/search?state=CA&jurisdiction=San%20Ramon%20Police%20Department

• How will you pay for injury treatment while your workers’ compensation claim in San Ramon is under review?

  If your injury is work-related, and your claim has been filed in San Ramon, you shouldn’t pay for medical expenses. You are entitled to a maximum of $10,000 coverage for medical treatment while your claim is being reviewed. Also, under California Labor Code Section 3751, your employer should not deduct injury-related expenses from your salary or make you contribute to any part of the expenses. This section also prohibits medical providers from making you pay while your claim is pending.

• Can your boss lay you off for getting injured at work and claiming workers' compensation in San Ramon, CA?

  No, it is unlawful to lay off or fire you for suffering a work-related injury and filing a workers' compensation claim. California Labor Code Section 132a prohibits San Ramon employers from discharging or discriminating against an employee who intends to or has filed a workers’ compensation claim. Employers also cannot fire your colleagues who served as witnesses or support your case.

• What happens if someone files a false workers’ compensation claim in San Ramon, CA?

  Making a false workers’ compensation claim is a violation of the law in San Ramon. The employer can fire the worker for misrepresenting their condition to obtain undue benefits. Furthermore, the fabrication or exaggeration of an injury to commit workers’ compensation fraud is a felony. During the 2020–2021 fiscal year, there were 3,317 suspected fraud cases in California, 198 of which were referred for prosecution.

• Will your workers' compensation benefits in San Ramon end if you return to work?

  Not necessarily. There are benefits that can still be paid out even if you have returned to work, such as temporary disability benefits. Some San Ramon employees who return to work can perform only part of their previous work functions, which may lead to wage loss. They can be paid wage loss compensation under their temporary disability benefits to augment their income.

• Does it matter who is at fault for your injury when you claim workers’ compensation benefits in San Ramon, CA?

  No. The workers’ compensation program in San Ramon is a no-fault insurance system. You do not need to prove that someone caused your work-related injury to be able to get benefits. However, there are certain situations that can bar you from claiming workers' compensation. Injuries or illnesses resulting from your drug or alcohol consumption, or your conduct of a crime will not be covered by workers’ compensation.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.