San Rafael Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Fighting for Marin County

No one ever expects to get hurt at work, but this is a reality that thousands of individuals must face every year.  Don’t deal with the stress of this situation alone—turn to attorney Daniel Hegwer for help. In each case, he works tirelessly to maximize the benefits awarded to his clients who work in various industries, including construction, health care, manufacturing, warehousing, farming, and hospitality.

No workers’ compensation case is simple, but Daniel Hegwer uses his legal experience and resources to overcome the obstacles that may stand in your way while fighting for workers’ compensation benefits. The law gives California residents the right to workers’ compensation benefits for their work-related injuries; but the law does not make it easy for injured workers to secure these benefits. Daniel Hegwer is a trusted attorney who will aggressively negotiate with your employer’s insurance company to secure a favorable settlement on your behalf. If he is not satisfied with the insurance company’s offer, he will not settle for less than you deserve. Instead, he will present your case to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board to ensure you are fully compensated.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

In California, people who have been injured while performing their job duties are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits through their employer’s insurance company. You have a right to these benefits regardless of whether or not your employer was at fault for your injuries. There are several different types of benefits that an injured worker may receive after a workplace injury.

First and foremost, you are entitled to medical care benefits that cover the cost of treatment for your injuries. If you are temporarily unable to work as a result of your injuries, you are entitled to temporary disability benefits to make up for your lost wages. Permanent disability benefits are also available in cases where the injury is severe enough to affect you for the rest of your life. In these cases, job displacement benefits may also be available, including benefits to help permanently disabled individuals cover education and retraining expenses so they can find work that they are capable of performing, even with their permanent disabilities. The exact amount of benefits and the types you are awarded will depend on a number of factors, including your income, the nature and severity of your injuries, and your line of work.

What Types Of Injuries Are Covered By Workers’ Compensation?

In California, there are two types of injuries covered by the workers’ compensation system: one-time event injuries and repeated exposure injuries.

One-time event injuries are isolated incidents within the workplace. For example, an employee who suffers burns from splashing harmful chemicals onto the skin has been injured in a one-time event. An employee who slips and falls in the workplace, hurting his back, is also a one-time event injury. If injuries like these occur while the employee is performing his job, they are covered by the workers’ compensation system.

Repeated exposure injuries slowly develop over time. Someone who uses a computer for hours everyday while at work may develop carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of this repetitive work. Likewise, workers who are constantly exposed to loud noises may develop hearing loss. If the repeated exposure is work related, you are entitled to workers’ compensation.

How Can An Attorney Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?

An experienced attorney can assist with every step of the workers’ compensation claims process. After an injury, your attorney will ensure your employer is not violating your right to immediate medical treatment. An attorney can also assist with the process of notifying your employer and submitting the appropriate paperwork. Your attorney can help your employer understand the severity of your condition by ensuring your injuries are accurately described on these forms.

Most workers’ compensation claims are settled in negotiation talks between the insurance company and the victim. During this stage, an attorney can aggressively negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you are awarded the benefits you deserve. If an agreement cannot be reached, an attorney can handle the process of taking your case before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. Your attorney will gather evidence to build a clear and convincing case on your behalf, go head to head with the insurance company to convince the judge to award you the maximum compensation available, and will stand by your side to protect your rights and fight for the benefits you are entitled to by law throughout every step of your case.

When Should You Contact An Attorney Following A Workplace Injury?

You may experience a wide range of emotions following a workplace injury. This is a completely normal reaction, but it’s important to try to gather yourself so you can do what is necessary to protect your rights. Your first priority following an injury should be seeking medical attention. Following treatment, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney immediately.

Your employer will ask you to complete a claim form shortly after learning of your injury. The information you provide can impact the outcome of your claim, so it’s best to let an attorney complete this form on your behalf. Waiting too long to hire an attorney could mean filling out this form on your own, leading to a crucial mistake that could lower the value of your claim.

As an injured worker, there are restrictions on the amount of time you have to take legal action following a workplace injury. Failing to hire an attorney right away means you may miss important deadlines and lose the right to recover workers’ compensation benefits. It is strongly recommended that you seek legal representation from an experienced attorney as soon as possible after sustaining a work-related injury.