Understanding Workers' Compensation Benefits

To become eligible for workers' compensation benefits, it is vital that you seek the legal counsel of an attorney who is highly experienced in the matter. As soon as possible, it is your duty to report your work-related injury or ailment to your employer, and to fill out an "Employee's Claim for Workers' Compensation Benefits" form and promptly return it to him or her. The next step is to retain the counsel of a skilled and dedicated attorney at the Law Office of Wm. Todd Berry, APC. If you do not act soon after you have received your injury, gaining any workers' compensation benefits will be a frustrating and usually futile effort.

What benefits are available?

After you have followed the correct steps toward filing a workers' compensation claim, you may be eligible for a variety of benefits: medical care should be provided by the employer's insurance company, temporary disability benefits should be paid to compensate an injured worker during recovery (specific rules and wages set by law), and permanent disability benefits may be available if it is determined the injured worker has sustained some type of permanent impairment. In the event of the death of a worker who dies because of a workplace injury, death benefits are paid directly to family members (along with a burial allowance).

Keep in mind that it is illegal for an employer to terminate a worker due to an on-the-job injury or to fire an employee for filing an "Employee's Claim for Workers' Compensation Benefits", as stated in the California Labor Code (section 132a). The federal American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act prohibit discrimination against an employee based on his or her serious disability.

Get What You Rightfully Deserve

Without extensive knowledge of the workers' compensation system, obtaining the benefits you may be entitled to receive may be difficult. It takes an attorney with years of experience to properly litigate for your benefits. Our team at The Law Office of Wm. Todd Berry, APC urges you not to face the situation alone. Our firm offers free consultations to discuss the benefits you may be entitled to receive. We will assess your individual case and provide solid options.