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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“Pacific Workers went to bat for me. Was I an easy person to get along with, no but they didn’t give up on me.”
David W. -
“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.”
Jazzie D. Daly City, CA -
“I especially want to thank Mr. Jason Insdorf, who worked in attaining a settlement I never expected.”
L.S. Union City, CA -
“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 -
“They have strong communication and I was respected throughout the whole process. They had never given up on me!”
Nekealla C. Tracy, CA -
“My attorney provided me with a very smooth experience, patiently answered all my questions, and worked hard to represent my best interests.”
Dro L. Redwood City, CA -
“PWC's staff is knowledgeable and informative when it comes to answering your questions and ensuring you're well informed during the process.”
Patrick P.
Proudly Serving Northern California
Workers' Comp FAQ
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Do independent contractors get workers’ compensation in California?
No, most independent contractors are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance that is provided by their employer. The law does not require most employers to offer this sort of employment benefit to independent contractors. To get workers’ comp as an independent contractor, you will usually have to purchase a policy on your own.
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My Employer Said That I’m an Independent Contractor, Not a Regular Employee, so I Can’t Get Benefits. Is This True?
You’re not necessarily an independent contractor by law if the nature of your job doesn’t fit the description, an attorney may help analyze your situation and guide you in this matter. There are high chances of contractors being eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, so it’s always worth trying.
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What is the California 90-day rule for workers’ compensation?
After you inform your employer about your workplace accident, they need to tell the insurance company as soon as possible, usually within the same workday. Then, the claim administrator has 90 days to accept or deny your claim, with medical benefits being provided throughout that time. If there is no response within 90 days, then your claim ends in your favor by default.
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Is workman’s comp the same as workers’ compensation?
Yes, workman’s compensation is the same as workers’ compensation in all practical applications. You might see the terms exchanged for one another here and there, but they are essentially identical.
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What If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Was Denied?
An attorney can help you file to the Division of Worker’s Compensation (DWC) office again to appeal the denial. There are several reasons behind the rejection of your claim, a lawyer can also provide options to contest this denial.
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What If I Was Injured on the Job, but My Employer Doesn’t Carry Workers’ Comp Insurance?
Every working individual has the right to claim workers’ compensation, so even if your employer doesn’t offer it, you’re free to file a claim at any DWC office near you. Naturally, you also have the option to file a lawsuit against your employer since under Section 3700.5 of the California Code, failing to provide insurance is a criminal offense.
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I Was Hurt on the Job and Filed a Claim, Then I Got Fired. Is That Legal?
An employer who conducts acts of aggression, discrimination, or any form of abuse due to your filing a claim is breaking the law, so they can be penalized for their misdemeanor. They cannot fire you due to work-related injuries or illnesses, nor can they put you in unfair situations due to ill feelings. Fortunately, a lawyer can help protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
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What If My Injury Occurred over Time?
Any type of illness or injury caused directly by your work — due to labor-intensive responsibilities, repetitive tasks, or poor working conditions — still warrants you a workers’ compensation claim.