Redwood City Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Redwood City, CA

Workers’ compensation provides crucial financial and medical support for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. In California, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, covering all employees from their first day on the job.

Benefits available under California’s workers’ compensation system include:

• Medical Care: Coverage for doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Temporary Disability Benefits: Wage replacement while you recover from your injury.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: Compensation for lasting impairments that affect your ability to work.
• Job Retraining Assistance: Vouchers for job retraining if your injury prevents you from returning to your prior position.
• Death Benefits: Financial support for families who lose a loved one due to a work-related accident or illness.

Common Work Injuries & Illnesses Covered by Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation covers a wide range of injuries and conditions, including:

• Acute Injuries: Broken bones, sprains, back injuries, and burns from workplace accidents.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis caused by repeated motions over time.
• Occupational Illnesses: Respiratory diseases, hearing loss, and exposure-related illnesses.
• Mental Health Injuries: PTSD, anxiety, and depression resulting from workplace trauma or stress.
• Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions: Worsening of an existing condition due to work-related activities.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims

While most work injuries fall under workers’ compensation, some cases may allow for a personal injury lawsuit if a third party (not your employer) contributed to your injury. Examples include:

• Defective products or machinery failures.
• Vehicle accidents caused by another driver while you were working.
• Injuries caused by negligent contractors or subcontractors.

At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, we handle both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims and can help determine whether you qualify for additional compensation.

How Our Redwood City Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help

Navigating the California workers’ compensation system can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurers who may delay or deny claims. Our firm provides comprehensive legal services to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve:

• Free Consultations to evaluate your claim and explain your rights.
• Claim Filing Assistance to ensure your application is complete and submitted correctly.
• Medical Treatment Coordination to connect you with top doctors and secure necessary medical evidence.
• Settlement Negotiations to fight for fair compensation and avoid delays.
• Appeals & Representation if your claim is denied, including hearings before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.
• Litigation Support if a trial is necessary to secure your benefits.

Redwood City Workers’ Compensation FAQ

How Do I Know If I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?

If you are an employee who was injured while performing job-related duties, you likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. This applies to full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers. However, independent contractors may not be eligible—though some are misclassified, and we can help determine if you should be considered an employee under California law. Additionally, the injury must have occurred due to your job duties, whether on-site or in certain off-site work-related situations.

How Long Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Last?

The duration of your benefits depends on the severity of your injury and your ability to return to work:

• Temporary Disability Benefits last up to 104 weeks (two years) within a five-year period but may be extended for serious conditions such as severe burns or chronic lung disease.
• Permanent Disability Benefits vary depending on the severity of impairment, but workers who cannot return to gainful employment may receive ongoing compensation.
• Medical Treatment Benefits can continue as long as necessary, ensuring that injured workers receive appropriate medical care and rehabilitation.
• Lifetime Benefits may be awarded in extreme cases where a worker suffers total and permanent disability.

When Should I Report My Injury?

Under California law, workplace injuries must be reported within 30 days to your employer. Failing to report within this timeframe may jeopardize your right to benefits. Once reported, you have one year from the date of injury to file a formal workers’ compensation claim.

• If your injury is due to long-term exposure (such as repetitive motion injuries or toxic exposure), the clock starts when you first discover or should have reasonably discovered the condition.
• If you are unsure whether your claim is still valid, our team can help review your case.

What If My Claim Is Denied?

Workers' compensation claims can be denied for various reasons, including employer disputes, lack of medical evidence, or procedural errors. If your claim is denied:

• You will receive a denial letter explaining the reasons.
• You have the right to appeal through the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB).
• Our team can help you gather additional evidence, such as medical reports, witness statements, and employment records, to strengthen your case.
• We will represent you at hearings and fight to get your benefits reinstated.

Call for a FREE Consultation: (888) 740-6434

If you’ve been injured at work in Redwood City or San Mateo County, don’t wait to seek legal help. Our experienced Redwood City workers’ compensation attorneys have a proven record of success and are ready to fight for you.

Call us at (888) 740-6434 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.