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Workers' Compensation

In California, most employers must have workers' compensation insurance, a "no-faul" system providing benefits to injured workers while protecting employers from lawsuits.

To qualify for benefits, the injury must occur during employment. Each case is unique, but workers are generally entitled to specific benefits.

What kind of worker's compensation benefits can I receive?

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Medical Treatment

Expenses for medical care related to the injury are automatically covered in most cases, including examinations, surgeries, prescription medications, medical aid devices, such as crutches, braces, orthotics, rehabilitative care, physical therapy and other treatment.

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Temporary Disability

Provides two-thirds of the average weekly wages of workers in that position until the employee is declared to medically able to return to work. Payment of these benefits is limited to two-years from the date of the injury.

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Permanent Disability

Designed to compensate workers who suffer injuries that leave them unable to their job. The amount of the benefit depends on the nature of the injury, the workers' age and occupation, and a physician's analysis of the percentage of work potential that has been lost.

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Vocational Retraining

Provides two-thirds of the average weekly wages of workers in that position until the employee is declared to medically able to return to work. Payment of these benefits is limited to two-years from the date of the injury.

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Death Benefits

Designed to compensate workers who suffer injuries that leave them unable to their job. The amount of the benefit depends on the nature of the injury, the workers' age and occupation, and a physician's analysis of the percentage of work potential that has been lost.

People go to work every day not expecting to have an accident, but workplace injuries are more common than many realize.

If you were injured on the job, you are entitled to benefits under the California Workers' Compensation Act. That's the good news. The bad news is that navigating the workers compensation system can be complicated and claims are often denied. The California Trial Law Group aggressively fights for the rights of injured workers in the San Francisco Bay area and throughout the state of California. We are well versed in the worker's compensation rules and have a proven track record of helping our clients obtain the benefits they deserve.

Common Workplace Injuries in California

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Slips and Falls

These are the most common accidents, typically caused by wet or damaged floors, torn or uneven carpeting, poorly lit areas, or clutter and debris in walkways.

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Manual Labor

Bending and lifting, carrying and moving heavy items, such as boxes, furniture, tools and construction material can lead to a wide range of injuries.

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Vehicles and Moving Equipment

Workers can be injured from vehicles and equipment that rollover, hit people, or tip over such as forklifts, cranes, and machinery.

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Workplace Hazards

Exposed wiring, chemicals, fires, burns and explosions can lead to catastrophic and fatal injuries.

Our experienced workers' compensation attorneys routinely handle a variety of injury claims, including:

Back and spinal cord injuries

Broken bones and fractures

Burns

Head and brain injuries

Hearing and vision loss

Knee injuries

Loss of limb

Muscle and ligament strain

Occupational illnesses

Repetitive stress injuries

Shoulder injuries

Wrist and hand injuries

Our experienced workers' compensation attorneys routinely handle a variety of injury claims, including:

We do not make any representations regarding those companies.

30+ Areas
of Service

Located in Albany, California, The California Trial Law Group serves clients in San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Fresno, Kern, Yolo, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole, Hercules, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Concord, Fremont, Hayward, Alameda, San Leandro, Onion City, & Vallejo, Orange and Sacramento Counties.

Injured Workers Are Protected From Retaliation

It is important to note that employees who are injured on the job are protected from discrimination. Under California Labor Code Section 132, it is illegal for an employer to fire, demote or retaliate against an employee in any way, for taking a leave of absence due to a work-related illness or injury or for filing a workers' compensation claim.

What to do After a Workplace Injury

If you were injured on the job, you should immediately seek medical treatment and inform the treating physician that your injury or illness was job-related. You must also inform your supervisor in writing of the injury within 30 days of the accident. By failing to notify your employer in a timely fashion, you may forfeit your right to obtain benefits. It is also crucial to keep notes of your injury as well as records of any treatment you receive. Although the time limit to file a worker's compensation claim in California is one-year from the date of the injury or illness, you should call our office as soon as possible so we can start the process.

Recent Results

Significant Victories and Substantial Settlements: Demonstrating Our Commitment to Client Success

Testimonials

Went Above
and Beyond

I highly recommend Ike Kaludi and his team for anyone needing legal assistance in personal injury cases. Ike's extensive experience was evident and very helpful throughout the process. He was always ready to explain each step, discuss all possible outcomes, and provide examples from previous cases, which greatly aided my understanding and decision-making.

LISA RIVALIN

Tech Lead

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQS

How much will my case cost me?

We operate on a Zero Fee Guarantee for personal injury and employment-related cases. This means that you don't pay any attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you. In other words, if we don't win your case, you don't owe us anything. This is a common practice for plaintiff law firms and ensures that our clients can pursue justice without worrying about upfront costs.

Additionally, the cost of a consultation is free for personal injury and employment-related matters. You should feel confident contacting our firm to learn more about your case and how we can help you seek compensation for your injuries or employment issues.

Most of the attorney fees and litigation costs, when the case is successful, are typically covered by the money recovered from your case. However, it's important to note that if a client decides to terminate our services before a resolution is reached, they may be responsible for any attorney fees and litigation costs incurred up to that point. No recovery, no charge is our standard practice, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation without financial risk.

How do I choose the right attorney?

When selecting a legal professional to represent your case, it is important to find someone with high credentials, worthy memberships, and a proven record of obtaining success for clients. These are indicators of an attorney's dedication and skills. At California Trial Law Group, we hold membership on the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, Consumer Attorneys of California, the Alameda County Bar Association, California Employment Lawyers Association, and various other organizations dedicated to representing injured individuals and employees. Our lawyers have received high marks by clients and peers on Superlawyers and AVVO.

How long do I have to file a claim or lawsuit?

Lawsuits are subject to California's statute of limitations; a set of laws that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. Below are some common deadlines to watch for:

You must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident or the date you discovered the injury. If you are filing suit against a government entity for personal injury, you only have six months.

Aggrieved ex-employees who have been wrongfully terminated must file their claims within two years of termination. Even though California is an at-will state, employers cannot fire their employees for an illegal reason, such as their ethnicity, age, or gender.

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) discrimination claims are a two-step process because claimants have one year to file administrative complaints under the FEHA, and then an additional year to file a lawsuit after they receive a right-to-sue letter.

California Family Rights Act (CFRA) Retaliation Claims: Similar to FEHA, a person loses the right to file a lawsuit one year after the CFRA agency sends a right-to-sue letter.

Most unpaid wage claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations. Under the Unfair Competition Law (UCL), the time period is extended to four years for unpaid wage claims under the Unfair Competition Law, while wage statement claims must be brought within one year.

How do I know if I have a claim?

If you were injured in a preventable accident or in connection with your employment, then you likely have reasonable cause for a claim. By contacting our firm, we can help you make this determination.

When should I contact an attorney?

Speak with a lawyer immediately after you seek medical help for your injury. Get the medical attention that you need, then contact an attorney about your legal rights and options. Your health is the most important thing, but your future, finances, and rights are important too.

How much is my case worth?

The value of a personal injury claim or lawsuit depends on a multitude of factors: the extent of your injuries, your medical expenses, your emotional damages, and more. If you missed work because of an injury, you can seek additional compensation for lost wages. Schedule a consultation with our firm to learn more about your legal opportunities after an accident.

How long will my case last?

The duration of any case is subject the particular circumstances of that case. We will be better able to answer this question after reviewing your case and determining how to best move forward. You can call our firm today for a free consultation.

Our firm is dedicated to your case and will take the time necessary to ensure that you receive all that you deserve, even if it does take years. We will take care of as much of the process as possible, so you don't have to lose valuable time and can focus on your medical treatment and recovering.

How Do Insurance Companies Calculate Settlement Offers?

Many insurance companies have a base equation that they use to calculate settlement offers. Unfortunately, this initial amount is usually insufficient because insurance adjustors usually try to save the insurance companies money . Thus, victims should not seek to close their case too quickly, but consult a personal injury lawyer to receive a fair offer. California Trial Law Group ensure that the insurance companies treat our client's fairly, that they not undervalue your case, and that you will ultimately receive a favorable settlement.

What Types Of Compensation Am I Entitled To As A Result Of My Injury?

You may receive compensation for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of earnings, property damage, and for other expenses you incurred. In the case of wrongful death, the family may receive an amount to cover the loss of future income as well as loss of companionship. As part of our service, we will discuss in detail an amount of compensation that you deserve and that we will fight for to obtain.

Do All Lawsuits Have To Go To Court?

No. Many cases are settled out of court. Our firm, however, is well prepared to take a defendant to court if they do not give our client the amount that we feel our client is entitled to.

What makes California Trial Law Group different from other firms?

We are a firm dedicated to serving the needs of our clients and your best interest come first and foremost. When you are looking for reliable, unyielding legal representation there is no better firm to turn to than California Trial Law Group.