Palm Desert Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workers across all industries can be susceptible to injuries, particularly those working in heavy manual labor. When you sustain an injury at work, your employer’s workers’ compensation benefits can help pay for your medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages.

A Palm Desert workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the workers’ comp system and guide you through the necessary paperwork to ensure your claim is filed accurately. An attorney can also advocate for your rights if your employer disputes your claim or presents hurdles to you recovering the benefits you need. Speak to the team at Valero Law Group today to learn more about how we can help.

Common Types of Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation coverage provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill while on the job. California law requires all employers to carry worker’s compensation insurance, even if they only have one employee. Common causes of workers’ compensation claims include:

• Sprains and strains caused by improper bending, lifting heavy objects, and overexertion
• Burns caused by heat, chemicals, radiation exposure, or electricity
• Broken bones from slips, tripping accidents, and falling objects
• Head, back, and neck injuries from motor vehicle accidents
• Crush injuries and bone fractures in hands, arms, or legs from getting caught in moving machinery parts
• Cuts and lacerations from working with sharp tools, machinery, or hazardous materials
• Internal bleeding and organ damage from blunt force impacts from accidents involving heavy lifting, falls, or collisions with machinery

If you are injured at work, you should obtain prompt medical treatment, including emergency medical care if needed. You must also report your injury to your employer as soon as possible, as California law provides just 30 days to initiate the workers’ compensation process. It is wise to consult with a Palm Desert attorney to help ensure you receive the full range of benefits you are entitled to receive.

Getting Workers’ Compensation Benefits

After you report your work injury to your employer, the company must provide you with a claim form within one day. You should contact a Palm Desert workers’ compensation attorney without delay to help with your claim. While some claims are handled fairly, an attorney can serve as your legal advocate and ensure you do not overlook key paperwork or steps in the process.

Workers’ compensation benefits can cover medical care, lost wages, and other benefits for employees who are hurt on the job. Required medical care costs for work-related injuries should be covered including doctor visits, hospitalization, physical therapy, dental care, and prescriptions.

Workers’ compensation benefits could also pay temporary disability benefits to replace lost wages while recovering from an injury or permanent disability benefits if an employee does not fully recover from an injury. Workers’ compensation coverage can also cover supplemental job displacement benefits. If an employee dies from a work-related injury or illness, dependents can receive payments for death benefits.

If someone other than your employer was involved in your work-related injury, you may also be eligible to file a civil lawsuit against that third party seeking compensatory damages. A liable third party could include the manufacturer of defective equipment, a motorist involved in an accident on the job, a contractor, or subcontractor.

Call a Palm Desert Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Depending on the circumstances of your injury and incident, you may be entitled to seek workers’ compensation benefits and file a separate claim against any negligent third party whose actions contributed to your losses. A Palm Desert workers’ compensation lawyer can help collect crucial supporting evidence including medical records, incident reports, and work documentation to strengthen your claim.

An attorney can also analyze your situation and the underlying facts to assess whether it may be possible to file a negligence claim if a party other than your employer was involved in the accident. Do not wait to contact an attorney who can help you understand your legal rights. Call now to set up your free case evaluation and talk with a qualified workers’ compensation attorney about filing your claim immediately.