How Do I Know Whether or Not I Get Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Know if you are eligible for collecting workers compensation. You can learn more in this article.
Making the Right Choices when Injured at Work
Odds are that your company has very specific programs in place geared toward avoiding work related injuries. No matter how safety conscious your environment is, however, accidents can still happen and must be handled appropriately. If you find yourself being injured on the clock, the very first step – regardless of where you work – is to report the incident to your Human Resource department. After this is done, be sure to consider the following course of action to receive the compensation you deserve. Visiting a hospital should be the next step, as a trained medical professional will be able to tell you how serious your injury is. Even the slightest bump to the head could cause serious problems later down the line. If you choose to ignore the issue when it starts, however, your suffering will only be worse. Once you receive the information regarding your health from a doctor, you have a very serious decision to make – whether or not you should take legal action. Depending on how serious the injury is, you may have to prepare to contact a lawyer. If you’re certain that your injury is minor and will pass without complication, a simple consultation with your employer may be enough of a resolution. Yet, if your injuries require a great deal of work and attention in order to heal, that money shouldn’t have to come out of your pocket. Your employer is required to provide a safe work environment, and by failing to do so must accept responsibility for your accident. As soon as you feel up to it, contact your local work injury lawyer and explain the case to them as accurately as possible. Most attorneys that focus on workers’ compensation cases will give you a free consultation to review your claim. They will also be able to inform you as to whether you have a chance at winning your case. Be sure to ask for as much information from your attorney as possible, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you feel unsure or uncomfortable regarding a part of your case. If your case is accepted, be sure to stay in contact with your lawyer regularly – preparing for court can be a lengthy process. If you follow the advice you are given, however, there won’t be much trouble carrying your case to a conclusion.
Is an Attorney Required for your Accident Case?
If you’ve had a car accident in Los Angeles recently, you may have a lot of questions. First of all, who is at fault? The answer to that question alone could decide who pays for the medical bills and damages to the cars, as well as if you’ll be able to rent a car until you can purchase a new one. You may be wondering if the insurance company can reimburse you for lost wages, too. The answer to these questions and assistance for your case can only be provided by an experienced accident attorney. Their extensive training is extremely helpful in negotiating the often confusing situation during a settlement. Consider the following reasons for hiring an attorney if you’ve found yourself in an accident. Having Access to a Professional When you hire a Los Angeles accident attorney to represent you after a car accident, you’re guaranteed to have the experience you need for a successful case. Only an individual who is extremely knowledgeable about the relevant laws and procedural rules will be able to affect your case positively, and having an attorney at your side is the most effective solution. Your attorney also has the power to file a suit in your place. They will be able to make this decision based on their knowledge of how best to handle any possible defenses raised by the opposition. In addition, once your legal case begins, an attorney will be a useful guide during trial preparation, or going to trial if your case doesn’t settle out of court. Getting the Legwork Done The process of negotiating an insurance settlement and trying a personal injury lawsuit can be a great deal of work. After suffering a terrible automobile accident, you may not feel like engaging in hours of paperwork and running around. Thankfully, this is another duty your attorney will adopt. While this might be your first attempt at dealing with an accident claim, accident attorneys have a great deal of experience with several different types of claims and a variety of insurance companies. They are aware of the most efficient means of obtaining the necessary evidence to defend you. This includes collecting police reports, medical records, and lost wage information.
Workers’ Compensation in California
Each year 4.1 million employees in the United States experience a serious work-related injury or illness. Since 2010, California has seen an increase in worker’s compensation claims, primarily in the Los Angeles area. According to Business Insurance, insurance claims have increased by 19% in Los Angeles County and by 14% in the Los Angeles Basin over the past three years. Whether employees are injured while handling hazardous materials, fall off a ladder, or get in a car accident while running errands for their employer, getting injured on the job means they are applicable for workers’ compensation insurance. Most California employers are required by law to have insurance to cover potential work-related injuries. This insurance provides injured employees with the proper medical treatment, the wages that were lost during their recovery, compensation for permanent disability, and programs to help them return to work. If you were injured on the job or believe you have an occupational illness, you should file a claim with your employer right away. If your employer or its insurance company is delaying or denying your claim, you should contact workers’ compensation attorneys in Los Angeles to help you receive the benefits you are entitled to. You should also hire an experienced attorney if you experience one of the following: If you are not receiving the appropriate medical treatment on time If you are not compensated for your medical bills If you are not getting compensated for lost wages during your recovery If your employer retaliates after you file a claim, such as through decreasing your hours or pay or by firing you If you have a third-party claim If your injury is limiting you from performing your job or returning to work If you believe you need legal representation, most workers’ compensation lawyers offer free consultations to review your claim. And, attorneys will not get paid unless they win your case for you. So, don’t wait. Contact an attorney today.
Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for my Case?
While you may be in the middle of a legal conflict, the truth of the matter is that not every claim requires the attention of an attorney. The question then, however, is how does one determine if their case is serious enough to contact a lawyer? If you are the victim of an automobile accident, for example, but are not at fault and the other driver’s insurance will not fully compensate you, it is possible to settle alone. When the incident is filed and ready to be reviewed, the other driver’s insurance adjuster will contact you. Provide as much information regarding the cost of damages as you can, including your property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and medical records. By cooperating and being considerate, you will most likely be able to avoid litigation. If liability or fault is contest, though, take care regarding which information you release, especially statements. Too often, the insurance adjuster is actually attempting to prove that you are the one at fault or reduce your claim amount. If you feel that this is occurring, do not hesitate to retain an attorney as soon as possible. Regardless as to whether or not the blame is clearly on the other party, you will find that adjusters will attempt to drive at a lower claim. Instead of falling for their trap, rely on a highly trained accident lawyer in Los Angeles to ensure that you are getting what you deserve. An attorney also has the power to request affidavits from the insurance company, which can protect you in the event that some other insurance is found later which will cover any discrepancies in payment. This also includes the resources to confirm whether such insurance coverages exist outside of your typical plan. In short, if the damage and injuries you have suffered are small enough for insurance to handle without trouble, don’t feel obligated to contact an attorney. If, however, you are concerned that you are being coerced into claiming less than you are entitled to, be sure to contact a knowledgeable accident lawyer right away. Ultimately it is your decision to retain a lawyer or not, but knowing if you should is the most important quality to have.
Lead Exposure Causing Medical Trouble for Children
In a recent study fore fronted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Institutes of Health, researchers have found that young children have the potential to develop severe psychological problems when exposed even the lowest levels of lead. The study, which was published on June 30 in JAMA Pediatrics, suggests that the concentration of lead measured in the blood of more than 1,200 preschoolers in Jintan, China, was high enough to increase the risk of behavioral and emotional problems. These effects, which are still being researched, have ranged between a higher rate of anxiety, depression, and anger. When asked to comment, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that in 2012 the government began relying on 5 micrograms per deciliter reference levels instead of the typical 10 micrograms to identify elevated blood-lead levels in children. The CDC further claims that approximately 4 million homes in the US alone contain youths that are exposed to unsafe amounts of lead. Over half a million of these children between one and five years of age have already been diagnosed with blood levels above the 5 micrograms per deciliter limit, a condition that requires immediate attention from medical professionals. Many medical professionals have been arguing for the past decade that, in actuality, there is no “safe” amount of excess lead for children to have in their blood. To understand this, our attention must instead look toward international investigation as well as local. Continuing to rely on localized research can create blind spots in findings, which injury lawyers recognize as a common means for litigation. To prevent potential threats, representatives from several firms across California have suggested that companies that utilize lead in products begin procedures to remove the harmful agent completely. Due to natural body chemistry, children happen to be particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead. Unfortunately, many are still living in an environment where they are constantly exposed to the effects of this substance. Beyond sudden mood changes, the youngest victims have also displayed trouble in healthy brain and nerve development. If you feel as if your child may have been affected by lead due to a company’s inconsiderate nature, contact your local Los Angeles Personal injury lawyer today.
Learn How to Avoid Relying on a Faulty Employment Lawyer
While it might not be the most pleasant topic to consider, it is often the case that employees must reach out for help when standing up against injustice at the hands of their employers. When this occurs, the assistance of an employment lawyer can be an extreme boon. Yet, how can you determine if your attorney is worth his retainer fee before you agree to his terms? Consider the following tips if you ever find yourself taking your employer to court. Do Extensive Research First Talk to your friends, family, and other reliable sources to create a list of potential attorneys that have a solid record of good standing. While a lawyer may have an impressive website or commercial, nothing is as believable as firsthand experience. Don’t be afraid to investigate unbiased websites, such as Lawyers.com or Attorneys.com, to get an even broader insight on the exact lawyers that are in your area. Finally, state bar associations in every state typically offer educated referrals. Talk to Them Personally As soon as you have completed your list of potential attorneys, make an appointment to speak with them yourself. Be certain to ask about their certifications, membership in NELA, and their familiarity with current employment law. Ask to see these credentials, as pretending to have them is fairly easy. Get to Know How Familiar Your Attorney is with Cases Such as Yours Employment law is not a simple field. It involves an ever increasing number of legal areas, each of which complex in and of itself. Does your case concern labor disputes, harassment, wrongful job termination, or whistleblower protection? More often than not, a single employment lawyer will tend to focus only on one area. Inquire as to how familiar your attorney is with your specific type of concern. Know Your Rights Knowing your rights is the best way to be sure you and your lawyer are on the same page. As an employer, you are entitled to privacy of possessions and mail, the right to be free of discrimination and harassment, the right to work in a safe environment, and the right to fair compensation. Be sure that whomever you decide to work with knows which rights have been violated, so you can both defend them from the same vantage point. Make Your Payment Arrangement Clearly Understood Most employment lawyers in Los Angeles offer free consultations, but during this time you should discuss how much they will expect for their major services. Whether you will need to pay via contingency or the hour can vastly change the amount you can expect to incur. The last thing anyone wants is to be confused as to how much money they will be spending when it comes to a legal debate.
How Pre-Settlement Funding Can Make Life Bearable
No one wants to consider what would happen in the event of being part of an automobile accident, but being safe is always better than being sorry. One topic that deserves a bit of attention is that of pre-settlement funding. Pre-settlement funding is a loan product that is given to those waiting for their lawsuit to reach a conclusion or an out-of-court settlement. Simply put, it can be understood as a cash advance given to the plaintiff if they seem likely to win the case. Assuming that they do win, the plaintiff must repay the loan and any additional fees that may have been agreed upon. If the plaintiff doesn’t win their case, however, they are not expected to repay the debt. Most commonly, pre-settlement funding is intended to assist in lawsuits that involve personal injury of some variety. If the victim is injured to the point of being incapable of working or maintaining their income, they may require monetary assistance until a settlement is awarded. This funding makes it possible for the plaintiff to cover their bills, eating expenses, and other unavoidable necessities. In certain situations, an insurance company may try to prolong the time before a settlement is reached in an attempt to have the plaintiff agree to a reduced amount. Companies that offer legal finance services such as these can be a great deal of help when someone is in a tight financial situation while preparing to receive their settlement payout. Typically, the lender will get in touch with the plaintiff’s lawyer in order to receive information needed to determine if the case is eligible for pre-settlement funding. Documentation required includes the plaintiff and attorney’s retainer agreement, an incident report, proof of the plaintiff’s insurance, medical bills, and potentially other related items. This information is used by the lender in conjunction with the opinions of the lawyer to determine the likelihood of winning the case. A Purchase Agreement is then signed, assuming the application is approved. When the lender receives the signed agreement, the money can finally be transferred to the plaintiff’s account. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several months, determining on the specific severity of the case. If the case happens to continue for longer than the loan can support the plaintiff, they may apply for additional funding. If you feel as if you are applicable for pre-settlement funding, contact your local accident lawyer in Los Angeles to discuss your case. More often than not, well trained lawyers are able to form a general opinion as to whether or not your specific situation will have a chance to be approved. If you are struggling to maintain a bare minimum livelihood due to being injured, take action and get the money you deserve today!
The Three Most Harmful Myths People Believe about Workers’ Compensation in California
How much do you think you know about workers’ compensation? Most people think of it in rather simplified terms, and assume that a worker somehow gets hurt on the job and then is able to easily obtain money from his or her employer or the government. That system may be a nice dream, but it certainly isn’t the reality for people who file for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation can take a significant amount of time to file for, often due to the months of doctor’s appointments and legal negotiations. There are currently many people in the state of California dealing with workers’ compensation, and any misinformation that they encounter could affect how their cases work out. At Rawa Law Group, we want to help our clients avoid these commonly held myths about workers’ compensation and get the facts! Myth: There are millions of people in the state looking for workers’ compensation This is the commonplace belief that there are tons of people trying to “play the system” by falsely claiming workers’ compensation so that they no longer have to work. California has a population of over 38 million people, yet only 10,581 applications have been currently filed for workers’ compensation. Considering the many millions living in the state, that number seems quite modest. That misconception usually goes hand-in-hand with the myth that… Myth: People are filing for workers’ compensation to get rich Some people believe that filing for and getting workers’ compensation is like winning the lottery. They think that people apply, regardless of their health, because they want to sit back and get millions from their employers. The vast majority of people that are applying for workers’ compensation aren’t doing it to get rich; they’re doing it so that they can get by. Most claims merely cover enough for the filers to be able to pay off their medical bills and have a little bit of money to support them while they’re out of work. Myth: People filing for workers’ compensation don’t need attorneys Some people assume that the process of getting workers’ compensation is short and simple, and that they won’t really need a lawyer to help fight their case. They think that their employers will make the process easy, or that they have a simple case that should go through easily. Nothing could be further from the truth! Ask any workers’ compensation attorney in Los Angeles or any other city how well their clients were doing before they found a professional to help them with their cases. An attorney is paid to look out for the best interests of the clients and, if you hire the right one, you’ll be amazed at the help you get. At Rawa Law Group, we can look over the details of your workers’ comp case and ensure the best chance of success! Our solid representation and particular knowledge of employment and personal injury law will help clients to get the financial help that they need!