Chico Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Committed to Helping Clients Seek Maximum Benefits for Their Injuries

Far too often, injured workers are left with no safety net underneath them because a workers' compensation insurance company does not want to take their claim seriously. In other situations, they do not even know how to begin a claim or think they do not have the right to file one, so they do not. At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley in Chico, we want to do our part to ensure fewer and fewer situations happen. By providing experienced legal representation to everyone in our communities, we hope to let more people rest comfortably with the workers' comp benefits they deserve. 

Call the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley today at (530) 413-0245 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our workers' compensation attorney in Chico!

Workers' Comp Benefits in California

The vast majority of employers in California are required to purchase workers' compensation coverage for their workforce. The law requires any employer with at least one employee to provide this insurance coverage. There are exceptions for companies that rely entirely on independent contractors, but, for the most part, if you work in California for an employer, you should be able to get workers' compensation benefits for an on-the-job or job-related injury.

Benefits that might be available to you are:

• Medical: The policy must cover all necessary medical treatments for an employee's work-related injury. Insurance companies can try to find loopholes by arguing some care is not "necessary" and, therefore, not something they have to cover.
• Temporary disability: A worker injured to the point of disability can receive temporary disability pay equal to two-thirds of their average weekly wages for up to 104 weeks.
• Permanent disability: For more severe disabilities, permanent disability payments can be approved for up to 14 years, depending on the claimant's disability rating.
• Life pension: When a claimant is deemed 70% disabled or greater by a medical evaluator, they can receive weekly pension payments, only ending when they pass away.
• Vocational retraining: Employers must reasonably attempt to retrain an injured employee to let them return to gainful employment at an equal or greater earning capacity. Alternatively, workers' compensation benefits can provide a claimant up to $6,000 to use on education to help that claimant find a new job.
• Financial aid after an employee's death: The family members of an employee who passes away due to a workplace accident can receive death benefits that pay for burial expenses. They might even be eligible for wage replacement benefits for a limited time.

Common Workplace Injuries in California

Understanding the types of injuries often occurring in various industries can help employees recognize their rights and the importance of filing for workers' compensation benefits. Some of the most common workplace injuries in California include:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Accidents involving slips, trips, and falls are widespread in many work environments, particularly in construction and retail settings. Hazards such as slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and inadequate lighting can contribute to these incidents.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries: Jobs that involve repetitive tasks, such as typing or assembly work, can lead to chronic issues like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis, which can affect an employee's long-term health.
• Overexertion Injuries: Lifting heavy objects or performing physically demanding tasks can result in muscle strains and back injuries, which can significantly impact an employee's ability to work.
• Vehicle Accidents: Workers who operate vehicles, including delivery personnel and construction workers, are at risk of accidents that may result in serious injuries or fatalities.
• Machinery Accidents: Industries that utilize heavy machinery, like manufacturing or construction, can expose workers to severe hazards, leading to crush injuries or amputations.

Recognizing these common workplace injuries underscores the need for workers to seek legal assistance to ensure they receive the benefits they deserve under California law.

The Importance of Timely Reporting

When filing a workers' compensation claim, acting quickly is crucial. California law requires employees to report work-related injuries to their employer within 30 days of the incident. Delaying this process can jeopardize their ability to receive benefits. Here are several reasons why timely reporting is essential:

• Preserving Evidence: Promptly reporting an injury allows for collecting critical evidence, such as witness statements and accident reports, which can support a claim.
• Facilitating Medical Care: Reporting injuries without delay helps ensure that the injured worker receives the necessary medical treatment, which not only aids in recovery but also establishes a connection between the injury and the work environment.
• Avoiding Delays: Filing a claim soon after an injury minimizes potential delays in receiving benefits. Workers who wait too long may face challenges justifying their claims to insurance companies.
• Protecting Rights: Reporting an injury promptly helps protect workers' rights and ensures compliance with California's workers' compensation laws.

Injured workers should understand the significance of timely reporting and seek legal advice to effectively navigate the complexities of the claims process.

Did You Cause Your Workplace Accident?

Are you worried that you cannot get workers' compensation benefits because you contributed to or caused your workplace accident? You should know that workers' compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you remain eligible for benefits even if your mistake is what caused your injuries. The trade-off to being entitled to benefits through a no-fault system is that your employer cannot be held at fault in most cases. You will likely be unable to file a personal injury claim against them if you also file a workers' compensation claim.

How Our Firm Can Help

The Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley and our Chico workers' compensation attorneys primarily focus on workers' compensation claims following a denial. If you were injured at work, told your employer, and tried to file a claim on your own only to have it denied, you should call (530) 413-0245 immediately to see how we can help.

Our legal team is here to support you and your case by:

• Investigating: We will likely want to start your case by investigating any available evidence about what happened. Your medical records, coworker statements, accident reports, and security camera footage from your workplace can all be excellent sources of valid evidence that will become needed after a claim is denied.
• Appealing: After determining how the insurer wrongfully denied your claim, we can start working on a challenge letter or appeal. In a best-case scenario, a challenge letter will be enough to get them to reverse their stance and approve your benefits.
• Litigating: Sometimes, insurance companies do not want to back down or negotiate. If this happens with your case, then we can prepare for litigation and take them to court with a lawsuit.

Contact Our Chico Workers' Compensation Attorney Today

Dealing with a workplace injury can be overwhelming, particularly when understanding your rights and navigating the workers' compensation system. At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley in Chico, our commitment is to empower injured workers by providing knowledgeable support throughout the claims process. We are here to help you file your claim, address any denials, and clarify your entitlements under the law. We are here to support your recovery and help you navigate the process of obtaining the benefits you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us for the legal guidance you need during this difficult time. 

Contact the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley today to sche dule a meeting with our workers' compensation lawyer in Chico!