When dealing with a workplace injury, managing both your health and the paperwork needed to file for workers’ compensation benefits can feel overwhelming.
We want you to know that you are not alone in this process. Our work injury compensation attorneys have extensive experience dealing with workers’ compensation, from filing claims to appealing decisions. Let us guide you through the workers’ compensation case process in Downey.
Our team is here to support you in any way we can. An attorney could help you fully understand the workers’ compensation process in Downey and secure the maximum amount of compensation available in your case.
Depending on your injury or illness, you should immediately seek medical attention and notify a doctor that you believe it is a work-related injury. If it occurred while on the job, you should inform your employer that you were injured and must seek medical attention.
Within one day of your injury, your employer should give you a workers’ compensation claim form, or DWC form, to complete.
If you are unable to report the injury or illness when it happens, you should report it as soon as possible. Failure to file a report promptly could result in you losing your right to compensation.
The more information you can provide about the nature of your accident or injury, the better. Some things to consider include:
In the heat of the moment, it can be challenging to remember all the details of what happened. To ensure maximum benefits, it is essential to provide detailed information about your injury, including your doctor’s assessment of its severity and potential long-term consequences.
In California, the employer’s insurance company has 14 days to approve or deny a claim. If approved, your benefits should begin within 14 days of your injury. However, your employer should begin covering your medical expenses immediately after the injury, especially if you are seeing their approved physician.
The decision will likely be made quickly. If you do not feel their decision was fair, you have the right to file an appeal.
Seasoned legal counsel could guide you through the process and help prevent costly mistakes that could jeopardize your case.
Workers’ compensation offers five essential benefits. The severity of your injury will likely determine which benefits you qualify for. Common benefits include:
During an initial consultation involving workers’ compensation in Downey, a lawyer could review your case, explain the legal process, and help identify what type of benefits you may be entitled to.
Although applying for workers’ compensation benefits is supposed to be a straightforward process, it is often confusing for many people. Having a legal team on your side to help support your claims is essential to ensuring you maximize your benefits. If you do not begin building your case as soon as possible after an injury or illness, valuable evidence may be lost, which could impact your case in the long run.
An attorney could help you fully prepare for any potential legal challenges that may arise. Whether filing a new claim or disputing a workers’ compensation denial, we are here to help you through the workers’ compensation case process in Downey. Retain legal counsel at Glauber Berenson Vego today.
