Every seven seconds a worker in the United States is inured on the job, which amounts to nearly 5 million work-related injuries per year.
If you have been injured while performing work-related responsibilities, you have a right to file a claim to receive fair compensation for your injuries. Below you’ll find the top reasons to turn to the best workers’ compensation attorneys in Los Angeles for assistance with this process.
Time Matters
It’s not the responsibility of your employer’s insurance company to let you know if deadlines to request certain types of workers’ comp benefits are approaching. There are even time limits that apply to changes to your benefits that you can request and other unique circumstances that may apply to your situation.
In California, for example, you’ll need to inform your employer of a work-related medical issue within 30 days. However, there are special rules that apply with certain conditions, like repetitive stress injuries, that may have developed over time. The best workers’ compensation attorneys in Los Angeles are aware of all these time limits, so they can make sure documents are filed in a timely and efficient manner.
Overlapping Benefits
Some people receiving benefits for workers’ comp also receive benefits from other sources. The best workers’ compensation attorneys in Los Angeles can tell you how your non-workers compensation benefits may affect benefits you may be entitled to because of a work-related injury or health problem. Possible sources of overlapping benefits that may affect your workers’ comp benefits include:
- Social Security
- Short-term or long-term disability
- Retirement benefits
- Unemployment compensation
Workers' Comp Hearing Preparations
If your claim is denied, you’ll likely need to attend a hearing before a workers’ comp advisory board or administrative agency if you opt to file an appeal. If you’re not properly prepared for your hearing, you may not be aware of what type of evidence to present or what’s typically required in order to reverse a denial. Top attorneys specializing in workers’ compensation cases, on the other hand, know how to ensure all bases are covered when it’s time to attend a hearing.
Settlement Advice and Assistance
With settlements, it’s your employer’s insurance company that determines the value of your case. Since there is a natural desire to minimize their expenses, most insurance providers attempt to settle workers’ comp cases for as little as possible. With assistance from the best workers’ compensation attorneys in Los Angeles, you’ll be in a better position to receive a fair settlement. During the process of determining your workers’ comp amount, first-rate attorneys may help you by:
- Collecting relevant evidence
- Responding to insurance company inquiries
- Evaluating settlement determinations to look for issues that may need to be addressed before you accept your benefits
The best workers’ compensation attorneys in Los Angeles can also determine if you may be able to pursue legal action against other responsible parties other than your employer. With a workers’ comp claim for asbestos exposure, for instance, your claim would be limited to your employer’s direct responsibility. However, you may be able to take separate action against manufacturers, suppliers, and other parties that may have played a role in your exposure to asbestos.