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Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld
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Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld Relentlessly Protecting California Workers' Rights Since 1956

Filing a Workers Compensation Claim

Helping Filing a Workers Compensation Claim

After an accident at work, you may be entitled to workers’ comp benefits from your employer. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may have to file a workers’ comp claim or seek medical treatment. This can seem like a daunting process, but with the help of an experienced lawyer, it doesn’t have to be.

If you’ve been injured on the job, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away. Not only is it necessary for your health and well-being, but it will also help support your workers’ compensation claim. Be sure to keep all documentation related to your injury, including doctor’s notes and receipts for medical expenses. After an accident, talk to GG&F about filing a workers’ compensation claim in California. With 65 years of experience helping Californians with their claims, we are eager to assist you.

Steps To Filing

Although there are many steps that go into filing a workers’ compensation claim, one of the first is to file a claim with your employer. Your employer will be able to give you information about the next steps you need to take and should provide you with any paperwork that may need to be filed, as well as an explanation of how the claims process works.

When filing a claim for workers’ comp benefits, it’s important to remember that there are time limits associated with doing so. In California, most claims must be filed within one year of the injury in order to receive benefits.

In addition to filing a claim with your employer, your Santa Barbara workers’ compensation lawyer will help you file a Form DWC-1 with the State of California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). This form is used to establish an employer-employee relationship and provide other information about your injury.

Compensation Benefits

In most cases, workers’ compensation benefits are paid to cover the medical expenses of the employee or dependent, as well as two-thirds of the wages lost while unable to work due to an injury or illness resulting from workplace duty. Benefits may also be available for permanent or partial disability, such as decreased function or loss of use of a body part. The employees’ doctor treats them at no cost to the patient; however, patients must follow their doctor’s instructions regarding return-to-work directives and medicine.

It’s important to stay in touch with your lawyer and keep them updated on any new developments in your case. This includes keeping them informed of any medical treatment you may be receiving and how your injury is affecting your day-to-day life.

The lawyers at GG&F are always ready to help you, and we are ready to guide you through the process and represent your case in court.

In certain circumstances, an employer may dispute your workers’ compensation claim. Their concerns could include questions about the cause of the injury or their ability to pay benefits. In these cases, your attorney can provide documents that support your case. These might include employment agreements, payroll records, or safety reports that show you didn’t violate any workplace rules when injured on the job.

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    They are well organized, very knowledgeable of the workers' compensation industry, and have had an excellent reputation for many years.
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    Ben Feld was a terrific attorney as he guided me through the disability process. Most importantly, he would return my calls or my texts very quickly. I cannot recommend GG&F more highly. They make you feel like family.
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    Mr. Feld got me my SSDI in 2 month on contingency, which was greatly appreciated! That was 2 years faster than the nightmares that everyone hears about. I was crying! It was a miracle! I am so thankful and grateful!!! Thank you so much Benjamin Feld!!!
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    All staff members are very professional and very helpful. They are the best. Thank you very much for all your help.
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    Very professional. Kept me updated throughout the process. Highly recommended!
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    "Informative, Helpful, And Patient"
    My overall experience with this firm has been outstanding. From the very beginning, Ben was incredibly informative, helpful, and patient with me and my situation. He, and the rest of the team, helped to make a stressful and long process so much easier. Inc
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    All amazing attorneys, who truly care about their clients! It’s great to have a law firm that you can count on for so many different kinds of cases! I recommend them 100%!
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    Workers Compensation Payments

    Once the claim is accepted and you’ve been awarded benefits, payments will continue until your condition improves and you’re ready to return to work, or until the benefits on your claim have been exhausted. If treatment for your injury is ongoing, payment of compensation will continue as well. If treatment extends beyond one year and your condition still prevents you from working, it’s possible that you could be awarded permanent disability benefits. This means that you’ll receive benefits for the rest of your life instead of until your condition improves.

    Once you’ve been awarded benefits, it’s important to keep records of your medical treatment and disability. This will make it easier for your attorney if they need to file a petition for future claims. It can also show that you’re still disabled and unable to work, even though your condition has improved somewhat.

    Returning To Work

    When you’re ready to return to work, your attorney can help negotiate with employers on issues such as hours, pay rate, and job location. If possible, they may also help find a position suitable for your injury restrictions. In addition, if you become injured again on the job, workers’ compensation could provide benefits while you recover from this new injury.

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