Back Injuries in Oakland, CA
Injured in the Line of Duty? We Can Help!
Police officers have some of the most taxing, and dangerous, jobs in today’s economy. The demands of their occupation can have lasting physical consequences and many suffer immense pain as a result. If you sustained a back injury while in the line of duty, you may assume that it’s “just part of the job” and attempt to work through the pain. At Pacific Workers’ Compensation Law Center, our Oakland back injury lawyers know differently.
For public safety officials such as police officers, injuries are classified in three separate tiers, of which back injuries are often in the minor. Most of these settle for a limit of 50 weeks workers' compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. If you feel your injury is more severe, our team can help prove this and establish it in the correct tier that dictates the appropriate amount of compensation for your injury as a police officer.
All it takes to begin your case is simply filling out an online form. From there, we’ll contact you for your free consultation!
Workers Compensation for Law Enforcement
California’s workers’ compensation laws have specific provisions for police officers who are injured while in the line of duty. In order to take advantage of these benefits, it is critical that you know your rights and seek legal counsel from an Oakland back injuries attorney at the very beginning of your case.
Our firm can assist you with your case by:
- Reviewing the specifics of your injury
- Compiling evidence to strengthen your claim
- Submitting a claim on time
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters
Retaining our team means that you can focus on recovering from your injury and leave the legal details up to us. While it is your job to keep our community safe, it is our job to ensure that you obtain a fair and satisfactory outcome in your case.
Put an Oakland Back Injury Lawyer on Your Side
There is no denying the fact that the workers’ compensation system is complex and often supplies more questions than answers. Fortunately, we are immensely familiar with these complexities and have been recognized by Super Lawyers® as a result of our talent.
You shouldn’t have to suffer needlessly just for doing your job. Get in touch with Pacific Workers’ Compensation Law Center today to put your pain behind you. Consultations are free!
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.
