Workers' Comp Lawyer in Irvine, CA

How to File a Workers' Compensation Claim

When you are injured at the workplace or in the course of performing your job the law has provided you with the right and the means to obtain benefits to help with lost income, compensation for injuries and coverage for medical treatment. The workers' compensation program covers dramatic and sudden injuries such as accidents as well as conditions that result from long term exposure to damaging factors such as workplace stress or repetitive motion syndrome. It is a well meaning program that handles claims that reach into the tens of billions of dollars each year.

With a system that large and widespread it is only to be expected that errors and injustices occur. While this may not be excusable it certainly cannot be ignored or wished away. The most effective approach is to ensure that each and every step of pursuing a claim, benefits and medical treatments is properly done and aggressively fought for. Quite often this means engaging an experienced Irvine personal injury attorney that knows the ropes and can help you get the job done.

Fundamental Actions of Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim

The first recommendation that Attorney Steven Mehr is often overlooked in its importance - if you have been injured take immediate action; do not delay in reporting an injury or developing condition. Not only are there specific statutes of limitations on covering injuries but the more time that intervenes between incident and reporting then the more likely that your claim will be denied, contested or deemed invalid.

A supervisor or person in authority should be informed or alerted that an injury has taken place at once. A workplace injury that goes unreported for a day or more can later be contested as having occurred off premises if not immediately and properly reported.  Employers do not like claims, and could take action to try to avoid an increase in premiums, including contesting that your injury actually occurred at work.

There are required forms that must be completed properly or one risks either denial of benefits or a reduction in covered medical treatments.  Additionally you will normally be required to see an independent medical professional chosen by the insurance company to validate the nature and extent of your injuries. These medical examiners can underplay the seriousness of your injuries as a means of curtailing benefits and thus cutting costs.  Our system is imperfect but that does not mean you must suffer the consequences.  Get legal representation from our firm to protect your right to fair compensation after a workplace injury.

Contact an Irvine workers' compensation attorney for help and support in getting these matters resolved.