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According to the National Safety Council, there are more than 4.5 million work-related injuries in the United States every year. Fortunately, for these people, there are protections like workers’ compensation.

Unfortunately, for various reasons, workers’ comp claims can be denied or pay out less than is fair. When this happens, affected individuals must take drastic actions to get the assistance they need and deserve.

This article explains the ins and outs of workers’ comp laws and what to do if an application is denied. It also has some advice on finding the best workers’ comp lawyers in Los Angeles. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Most people have heard of and may have a general idea of what workers’ compensation is. However, they may not be aware of the nuances of how it works. This is important for understanding a claim, the appeals process, and other options for recourse.

Workers’ compensation is an insurance policy that provides benefits to workers who become injured at their workplace or as a result of the work environment. For instance, an employee who is physically injured on the job would be covered, as would someone who develops an ailment or illness stemming from workplace conditions. It could also cover repeated stress injuries sustained over long periods of work.

The program is administered by the federal government, but individual states regulate programs and have laws regarding what businesses must carry it. Most states have a threshold of three or four workers, but California requires workers’ comp for all businesses, even those with just a single employee. The state also has very serious penalties for failing to do so.

A handful of states require businesses to purchase workers’ compensation from a state fund. However, California is not one of them. Businesses can select plans from private insurers, as long as the policies meet coverage standards laid out by law.

What Does Workers’ Comp Cover?

Workers’ comp covers many different types of loss that result from the injury. These include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Lost wages
  • Death benefits

This extends to hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and medications for treating illnesses or injuries. It includes ongoing care like physical, occupational, or other types of therapy needed for rehabilitation.

Workers’ comp will also pay for training to help employees develop new skills or regain old ones needed to return to work. Policies usually provide some type of temporary or permanent disability benefits.

If the individual is unable to work, the policy will pay for wage replacement benefits. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits to an employee’s family. This includes funeral and burial expenses.

Note that, when there is an injury or illness, the employer–not the employee–files the workers’ comp claim.

Why Should You Retain Representation for Workers’ Comp Claims?

The short answer to this question is that an experienced workers’ comp lawyer help can improve your chances of receiving benefits. As mentioned, workers’ comp laws vary by state. Workers’ comp laws in California can be complex, and a skilled attorney will know how to navigate them.

Insurance companies also will try to minimize payouts. An attorney can counter these tactics and protect your rights.

They will act as a strong advocate for your claim. An attorney will have experience negotiating with insurance adjusters to ensure a fair settlement.

In instances where insurance companies will not relent, you may need to file a lawsuit to let a judge or jury determine the outcome. In these cases, an attorney can leverage their litigation experience to represent you in court.

In instances where there is a responsible party for the injury, a personal injury claim may be a preferable course of action. A knowledgeable attorney can advise you on these decisions.

Finally, hiring an attorney can alleviate stress and work. It lets you focus on recovery while allowing an expert to take the reins.

How to Find the Best Workers’ Comp Lawyers in Los Angeles?

There are many different types of attorneys with varying areas of expertise and experience. When trying to find the best workers’ comp lawyers in Los Angeles, there are a few things to look for. These include:

  • Experience
  • Reputation
  • Communication
  • Compassion

Look for lawyers who specialize in workers’ comp. It indicates that they have a great deal of experience with the subject area and have likely seen cases with similar circumstances to yours.

Next, consider their reputation. Read online reviews to gauge their level of professionalism. Testimonials of past clients can give you an honest look at what type of lawyer you are hiring.

You also might look for the lawyer’s bar association ratings. These are available on The State Bar of California website and can point to top-rated workers’ comp attorneys.

Empathy is not something you might think about when hiring an attorney. However, in workers’ comp cases, it can be a huge benefit. A compassionate attorney will understand the implications the injuries or illness have had on your life, and that will inform how they proceed in seeking justice.

Steps to Hiring an Attorney

There are a few practical things you can do to ensure you are getting these traits in a workers’ comp attorney. After reading reviews, ask for a consultation (most reputable attorneys offer these free of charge). If the attorney’s office is unresponsive, consider going with someone else.

Ask them about their experience but also see what their approach to your case would be. Discuss their fee structure.

Many charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. They also may work under a “contingency fee,” which means they only get paid if you get compensation. (Note that there are circumstances where each of these are advantageous.)

Find Workers’ Compensation Claim Assistance Today

Obtaining a positive outcome for your workers’ compensation claim can be difficult but it is not impossible. With the right guidance from local LA injury lawyers, you can be confident that you will get recompense for your work-related injuries or illness.

Solimon Rodgers is dedicated to helping injured workers throughout Southern California. Located in Pomona, our team of workers’ compensation attorneys will leverage years of legal experience to help you get the treatment you need and the compensation are deserve. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers today.

Call (844) 774-3577 or visit www.KingsofWC.com to learn more.

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