Workers’ Compensation Hearing Lawyers in Sacramento
Helping with WCAB Hearings & More
The California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) hosts hearings for case denials and appeals. If your case was denied and you don’t agree with the decision, then you need to prepare for a workers’ comp hearing. If you live in Sacramento or the surrounding county, then you can rely on Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers and our team of attorneys for legal guidance. We would be honored to get the chance to represent you and fight for the workers’ comp benefits that you deserve.
Dial (888) 740-6434 to talk with our firm now about workers’ comp hearings.
Steps of a Workers’ Comp Hearing
Our Sacramento workers’ compensation hearing attorneys can help you figure out the right steps to take after your claim has been denied. Even if there appears to be a legitimate reason for the denial, there might be a way to negotiate around it through a hearing. By working with us, you will be ready to navigate the hearing, so you can feel like you have a fair chance of a positive outcome.
We can help you prepare for every step of a WCAB hearing, such as:
- Conciliation: Initial, early opportunity to negotiate a settlement with the help of a workers’ compensation attorney.
- Conference: Both parties present their arguments to a workers’ compensation judge, who will then approve the case for a hearing, deny the case, or provide a middle-ground solution.
- Hearing: Full proceeding with evidence, witnesses, and more; it can feel like a courtroom trial but is not technically litigation.
- Reviewing board: A rarely used final chance to appeal the outcome of the hearing if either party disagrees with the outcome.
Important Parts of a WCAB Hearing
During the WCAB hearing, we can present a variety of evidence sources to back why you should be given the benefits you need or an equivalent settlement. We can use medical records, medical bills, eyewitness statements, workplace safety inspections, and much more. While we prepare your case, we will also make sure that you feel prepared for every part of this process.
You can expect these three key parts of a WCAB hearing:
- Evidence presentation: Much of the workers’ compensation hearing will depend on what can be shown through evidence and arguments. We will be ready with both to support you.
- Courtroom disposition: You will be expected to act with professionalism—including wearing professional clothes—during the hearing as if you were going before a full court.
- Ruling: The hearing will conclude with the workers’ compensation judge (WCJ) making a ruling, which can be en banc, significant panel, panel, or pend on appellate grants, as well as in or out of your favor.
Prepare for a Hearing – Call Our Firm
You don’t have to deal with the troubles and work of a California WCAB hearing on your own. You can leave the biggest, toughest parts up to our Sacramento WCAB hearing lawyers. The amount of time that you have left to request a hearing after a denial could be brief. Do not lose another day. Call (888) 740-6434 now to arrange an initial consultation.
We have Helped OVER 8,000 CLIENTS aND WE CAN HELP YOU TOO!
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Thank you for being so kind and completely sympathetic to my case!
“I started my fight against my company's workers comp and after talking to Almarie for the first time I already felt a lot of weight off my shoulders. It feels nice to have someone fighting for your rights but also keeping you in check for your own good.”
Jazzie D. Daly City, CA -
They took care of me!
“Bilal worked on my case and he was very professional, friendly, and kind to me. I was so nervous about my deposition and he made me feel very comfortable and less stressed about the whole situation.”
Gabi O. Sacramento, CA -
The most down to earth team I have ever met!
“They have strong communication and I was respected throughout the whole process. They had never given up on me!”
Nekealla C. Tracy, CA -
I'm forever grateful & thankful to all!
“I especially want to thank Mr. Jason Insdorf, who worked in attaining a settlement I never expected.”
L.S. Union City, CA
Workers' Comp FAQ
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Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
In California, all employees are eligible for workers’ compensation with very few exceptions. If you are classified as an “employee” (rather than an “independent contractor”), you are eligible to receive benefits. This is true regardless of how many employees your employer has, how many hours you work, how much you make, whether you work part-time or full-time, or whether you are a seasonal worker. Additionally, undocumented workers are also eligible for workers’ compensation granted they meet all other eligibility requirements. In contrast, independent contractors and certain other workers, including some volunteers, household workers who are employed by a family member, and others, are not able to file for workers’ compensation benefits.
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Can't I Just File for Workers' Compensation on My Own?
Filing for workers' compensation on your own increases the chances that your claim will be denied. One small misstep can prevent you from obtaining the compensation you need for your injuries. In addition, the process is usually complex and tedious, especially for someone with no workers' compensation law experience. It is extremely advantageous that you seek reliable and experienced legal guidance for your claim.
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What Can I Expect from the Workers' Compensation Process?
As soon as you reach out to us for help, we will assign you a full-time case manager and attorney. An application will be filed with the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) on your behalf. We will get started on your case immediately to help you receive the medical care you need. If we are unable to receive a fair settlement from the insurance company, we are ready and willing to take your case to trial. After a few months, you will most likely give a deposition. One of our highly experienced attorneys will prepare you and stand at your side the entire time. You don't even have to attend court hearings! One of our trained hearing officers or attorneys can attend on your behalf.
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Can My Employer Tell Me to Use Sick Time or Vacation/Personal Time off (PTO) If I’m Injured at Work?
Following a work-related injury, you may not receive workers’ compensation benefits right away or your workers’ compensation claim may be denied. You may receive a note from your doctor that you may take time off work due to your injuries, but how will you be paid if you are not actively seeking workers’ compensation benefits? Your employer may tell you to use your state-mandated/employer-provided sick time in order to continue being paid while you are out of work. Once this sick time is exhausted, your employer may tell you that the only way you can continue to be paid is if you use your vacation or PTO time. In some cases, this may actually be the only way to continue receiving wages while you are out of work and not receiving workers’ compensation benefits. For more information, check out our video with Attorney Bilal Kassem on this topic by visiting our Facebook page!
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Can I Get Workers’ Compensation If I Was Fired?
If you were terminated while already receiving workers’ compensation benefits, this does not necessarily affect your right to receive benefits. However, if you were terminated “for cause” (for example, if you were fired because you were caught stealing from your employer), you will not be able to continue collecting benefits. If you were not fired for cause, but were laid off due to your position being terminated or various other reasons, you may still be able to continue collecting your workers’ compensation benefits. If you believe you were terminated because you filed for workers’ compensation or because you were hurt at work, you may have grounds for a retaliation claim. Learn more, including whether you can continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits if you were laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic, see our video with Attorney Bilal Kassem on our Facebook page.
