Workplace Brain Injury: Should I Hire an Attorney?

A head injury, being one of the most serious workplace injuries, can have long-term consequences and it is often followed by an excruciatingly long recovery period. If you have suffered a head injury, you will want to take swift action and explore every avenue to get the full compensation you are entitled to. After all, head and brain injuries could result in external and internal damage

However dangerous external damage to the skull can be, be it a bump, a cut or a fracture, internal damage is far more intimidating. You could be dealing with Traumatic Brain Injury, which could include internal bleeding and bruising. And of course, there is no telling how long the period of recovery following your brain injury will last

Consulting a competent San Diego brain injury attorney on our team who has experience in dealing with head or brain injury cases should certainly be your number one step. Take no chances and leave no room for risk of complications. 

What are the common causes of workplace head injury
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Likely to result in lasting damage, disability or even death, Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI is one of the most terrifying injuries in general. The effect of TBI is a concussion at best. There could also be lasting consequences or even a fatal outcome.  As such, TBI comes with a heftier workers compensation sum. 
The main mistake most of our clients make is ignoring the problem and hoping it would go away on its own. It will not. Dealing with the consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury could take years of dedication and treatment.

How do I recognize the symptoms of TBI?

Bear in mind that the onset of symptoms may not start until much later. It should be your top priority to seek legal and medical assistance immediately, regardless of whether you are experiencing any symptoms or not.

The most common symptoms of head or brain injuries that indicate a mild concussion are as follows:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of balance and other physical manifestations
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Numbness and tingling.

More serious concussions, caused by moderate or severe brain injuries have the following symptoms:

  • Persistent or gradually worsening headaches
  • Constant nausea
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Dilated pupils (both or just one)
  • Leaking fluid (from the nose or ears)
  • Dysarthria (slurred speech)
  • Changes in behavior
  • Coma.

How much compensation do you get for brain injury? 

The value of workers compensation benefits for Traumatic Brain Injury suffered on the job or while performing a job-related activity depends on the severity of your condition and duration of your recovery. It is important to report the accident to the employer right away and consult one of our head and brain injury attorneys immediately so you can get an estimate of your workers compensation benefits. Attorneys are paid on a contingency fee basis so you needn’t worry about attorney fees.

What are the common causes of workplace head injury?

Sadly, some occupations carry a higher risk of suffering from head injuries. These are as follows:

  • Police officers
  • Firefighters
  • Loading dock workers
  • Construction workers
  • Delivery personnel
  • Race car drivers
  • Professional athletes

Common causes include but are not limited to:

  • Slips and falls
  • Falling from heights
  • Falling objects
  • Vehicle and traffic accidents
How much compensation do you get for brain injury

How do I maximize my workers comp settlement?

Call Workers Compensation Attorney Group of San Diego to schedule an appointment with a specialized San Diego brain injury attorney and get the most out of workers compensation. Rely on professionals in one of our three San Diego locations to carry you through so you can capitalize on the situation and get what is rightfully yours. Whether you are dealing with pain, discomfort or similar difficulties as a result of the injury or are yet to start experiencing any symptoms, you deserve to be fully compensated. 

What Do You Do in Case of Maritime Injury?

Despite offering lucrative career options, the maritime industry is fraught with risks and dangers. Maritime injuries and accidents can happen at any time, and you might find yourself in need of professional assistance immediately after your maritime injury, even with training and impeccable compliance with safety rules and regulations

Sometimes, accidents in the maritime cargo handling industry and longshore work are caused by factors beyond anyone’s control, but sometimes, they happen as a result of employer’s negligence. Consult one of our leading longshore attorneys and find out what your rights are if you are a maritime worker who has suffered a workplace injury, and even if you are just considering a career in the maritime industry.

What are maritime workers?

What are maritime workers

Maritime work is any type of work performed on or relation to ships. Land-based maritime work includes working in harbors and ports. Individuals performing this type of work are covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act, while seamen are covered by the Jones Act.

What is maritime career?

The maritime industry is a broad concept. Having a maritime career means working in the domain of:

  • Loading cargo
  • Unloading cargo
  • Vessel construction
  • Vessel repair

This is different from the work performed by seamen, although the two types of work are closely connected and occasionally intertwined. 

What is maritime injury?

When it comes to maritime work, there are many dangerous factors at play: stressful workplace atmosphere, unpredictable weather, malfunctioning equipment and other risk factors. Common maritime injuries can take many forms, including:

  • Head injuries
  • Broken limbs
  • Loss of limbs or amputation
  • Shoulder injuries

We have lawyers who specialize in the area of maritime injuries and accidents who can take swift action to help you file your claim in accordance with the law and receive compensation.

What are maritime accidents?

Here’s an overview of the most common maritime accidents, depending on the nature of the specific job a person does:

  • Dock and pier accidents
  • Falling overboard
  • Slips & falls
  • Enclosed spaces
  • Chemical burns
  • Repetitive use injuries
  • Accidents due to improper training

Having a trusted attorney with the experience, competence and determination to pursue even the most complex maritime accidents is just what you need if you want to ensure the optimal outcome. 

What is maritime injury

Do I qualify for compensation under the Longshore Act?

In order to be eligible for compensation under the Longshore Act, you need to pass two tests:

  • Status Test, a test used to determine whether you are a maritime worker. At least some portion of your job has to involve maritime work;
  • Situs Test, a test used to determine the location where work is performed. A maritime worker cannot have an administrative or office job. You have to work near or around water in order to be eligible for compensation under the Longshore Act.

If you meet both criteria, you may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Temporary or permanent disability payments
  • Medical treatment
  • Medical transportation
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Physical therapy

We’re here for you in your hour of need

Workers Compensation Attorney Group of San Diego has the most competent longshore attorneys, ready to rush to your aid. As a longshore worker working in San Diego Bay area who has suffered a workplace injury or accident, you need the help of experienced professionals ready to think on their feet. 

Schedule your initial consultation today and we’ll go over the details of your case so as to determine your best course of action. We will inform you about your legal rights and the benefits and compensation you may be entitled to and present you with a list of options. Time is of the essence so let’s not waste it. Call today.

How Do the Jones Act & the Longshore Act Differ?

If you work in the maritime industry, it is important to be in the know about what marine industry workers’ rights are in unforeseen circumstances. Given the risky nature of maritime industry, both the employers and employees should focus on preventing workplace accidents and injuries by applying appropriate precautionary measures and following occupational health and safety guidelines. 

Still, mistakes and slips are inevitable and they do happen. Depending on your line of work, you may have a higher or lower chance of injury. Seamen and land-based maritime workers are a category of workers who are exposed to high risk. The nature of their work makes them far more likely to sustain injury or have an accident. 

What is a Jones Act claim

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act protects land-based workers the same way Workers’ Compensation Act protects workers in other industries. So what exactly is the Jones Act and what is its purpose? Who is eligible for compensation under this Act? 

What is a Jones Act claim?

Our longshore attorneys at Workers Compensation Attorney Group San Diego can help you file your claims for compensation under the Jones Act. 

Land-based maritime workers may file workers’ compensation claims under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Seamen do not have this option. Much like longshore and harbor workers, seamen are not entitled to receive any federal or state workers’ compensation benefits in case of injury that land-based workers are entitled to.  

This is where the Jones Act comes into play. This Act allows seamen who have suffered maritime injuries to sue their employers for negligence of the vessel owner, officers, fellow workers or the employer themselves, for instance:

  • Unsafe working conditions on board a ship
  • Failure to ensure proper ship and equipment maintenance.

A seaman may file their lawsuit in any US court, state or federal. The lawsuit must be filed within three years of the date the injury took place. 

What is Jones Act coverage?

Although the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act are often confused, there is a huge difference in coverage between the two. 

The Jones Act protects the interests of the seamen who have suffered a personal injury on account of employer’s negligence. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, on the other hand, provides workers’ compensation to land-based maritime workers.

What is Jones Act coverage

As an injured employee, you have to choose the right course of remedy. The course of action you decide to pursue should depend on what you are trying to accomplish. Under no circumstances should you make important decisions or sign any paperwork without consulting an experienced and competent attorney specializing in similar cases. 

Here at Workers Compensation Attorney Group, we have successfully handled numerous cases much like your own. We can help you methodically prepare and file your legal claim against the employer under the Jones Act without any delays that could expose you to a higher risk of failure.

Consult an experienced longshore attorney today

San Diego Workers Compensation Attorney Group is here to lend you a helping hand. Contact us as soon as possible so we can get started. Our team will help you file your workers’ compensation claim by following all the legal steps and prepare for the process.

We have a long and successful track record in handling workers’ compensation claims and making sure our clients get the most favorable outcome. Reach out to us over the phone or at the office. We have a location in Chula Vista and two locations in San Diego. Schedule your initial consultation today.

Why Should I Hire a Longshore Lawyer?

If you are working in any of the land-based maritime occupations, you may, at some point or another, find yourself in a situation where you need a specialized longshore lawyer. When and if that time comes, you can reach out to Workers Compensation Attorney Group for expert advice and assistance with your longshore claim

We will ensure that the process goes smoothly so that you can start receiving your benefits as soon as possible. Read on to see why you need a competent and aggressive longshore lawyer by your side throughout the process.

What is a longshore claim?

A longshore claim is a claim filed by longshoremen and harbor workers who are not crewmembers on a ship, boat or another type of vessel for injuries on the job. 

What does a longshore worker do?

The job of longshoremen is to load and unload ships, which, at first glance, may seem pretty straightforward. But there is more to it than meets the eye. What’s more, a longshore worker has a vital part to play in the maritime industry

Professional longshore workers take a well-thought-out, strategic approach to their work. To this day, the work of a longshore worker is intense and requires well-coordinated teamwork, careful weight management and balancing. On top of that, longshore workers assume serious risks as part of their job.

Adding to the risk is the fact that there is always large and heavy equipment and containers involved. Even the smallest mistake could lead to serious personal injury or even death.

How do longshoremen and seamen differ?

Longshore workers perform physical labor (loading and unloading ship cargo) and operate heavy machinery near the seashore, in commercial ports and harbors.

Other maritime employees included in this category include truck drivers who haul away shipping containers and any civilians working in military bases (protected by the Defense Base Act). 

Seamen are members of a crew who must perform a significant amount of their work scope on a vessel. This includes part-time seamen. In order to qualify as a part-time seaman, one would have to spend at least 30% of time working on a vessel. Seamen have the Jones Act at their disposal in case of work-related injuries.

Are longshoremen federal employees?

Although longshoremen are not necessarily federal employees, federal workers compensation law applies to all longshore claims. There is also a specialized federal District of Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation, part of the US Department of Labor. The District’s mission is to ensure injured maritime employees get coverage and receive benefits they are entitled to, as well as to help them resolve any disputes and provide them with technical assistance.

A San Diego longshore lawyer you can trust through and through

Here at Workers Compensation Attorney Group, we go above and beyond to ensure you file for your benefits in a timely manner and start collecting as soon as possible. You can rely on our highly competent team to assist you with the claim filing process, be it a longshore claim, a Jones Act claim or a standard workers compensation claim, from start to finish. You can find us here in San Diego, home to the majestic San Diego Bay, as well as in Chula Vista.

How Can I Benefit from the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act?

If you are a longshoreman in San Diego who has suffered a recent work-related injury, you are probably going to need the help of our experienced longshore attorneys. Reach out to us so we can advise you on your best course of action and help you file your longshore claim

You may also be wondering what your rights are and what type of benefits you are entitled to. Read on to learn more about the law protecting the rights of land-based maritime workers and how you can benefit from it.

What is USL & H?

The United States Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act is a federal workers compensation law which applies to land-based maritime industry workers working on or over navigable waters, with the caveat that they must not be seamen. 

As the name applies, the Act protects the interest of longshore and harbor workers who are not entitled to regular workers compensation benefits. Furthermore, not being seamen (sailors, masters or crew members of ships and other types of vessels), longshore and harbor workers are not eligible to file claims under the Jones Act

In other words, USL & H was designed specifically to fill the gap and give coverage to this particular group of maritime employees, because other maritime and state laws failed to do so.

Who needs USL&H coverage?

The Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act allows longshore and harbor workers injured on the job to file and collect benefits, as well as initiate lawsuits, as long as they are not suing their employers. Namely, the Act allows injured longshore and harbor workers to initiate a lawsuit against a third party for work-related harm or injury and collect relevant benefits at the same time.

As mentioned above, the Act does not cover seamen as there is a separate law that applies to them. LIkewise, it does not cover office workers and other employees who are not at an increased risk of injury. This includes any waterfront and seaside clubs, parks, eateries, stores, shops and more.

How are seamen protected by law?

A member of a crew of a ship, boat or other type of vessel who spends a considerable amount of time working on said vessel is considered a seaman. Those who spend a minimum of 30% of their time at work on a vessel are considered part-time seamen. Seamen who have been injured on the job may file a lawsuit under the Jones Act.

The Jones Act is a federal law which allows seamen to sue their employers for negligence and seek personal injury damages. In order to receive benefits, the seaman must prove that the personal injury was due to the employer’s negligence and failure to:

  • ensure reasonable safety of the vessel as a place to work,
  • ensure that the vessel is kept in a reasonably safe condition.

Are you a recently injured longshoreman in San Diego? Give us a call!

If you are a longshoreman working on San Diego Bay who has recently suffered a work-related injury, do not hesitate to give us a call as soon as possible. Our competent team of specialized longshore attorneys will go out of their way to help you prove your claim and pursue your rights and claim your benefits. Let San Diego’s Workers Compensation Attorney Group take the wheel and help you get your life back on track. Call now.

What Is the Outlook for RSD Patients?

What causes RSD?

RSD, shoulder-hand syndrome or CRPS Type 1 may be triggered by trauma, from injuries to surgery to workplace accidents. The condition is not only extremely painful, but also exceptionally difficult to manage. Do you suffer from RSD as a result of a work-related injury? Do you want to say goodbye to all the frustrations that come with the process of filing for benefits? 

Do not go through it alone. Put your RSD case in the hands of the leading San Diego lawyers. If your RSD is the result of a workplace injury, we are here to help you file for workers compensation and benefits. We can also prepare you for Residual Functioning Assessment. But first, we will help you understand the intricacies of the workers compensation system and build your case in a time-efficient manner.

Here at Workers Compensation Attorney Group, we go above and beyond to ensure your rights are protected. RSD is a complex condition that requires great dedication on behalf of doctors and nurses, the legal team and the patient themselves. It also requires that immediate action be taken for the purpose of treatment. Only then can the patients expect a more favorable outcome.

What causes RSD?

Some experts believe that a problem with the sympathetic nervous system is the cause of the condition, while others disagree. More often than not, RSD is the result of trauma to the extremities, from sprains and fractures to surgery. 

Evidence based on scientific studies suggest that psychological factors may have a role to play in the recovery process. For instance, patients with high anxiety levels or under great emotional stress tend to experience higher pain intensity.

How painful is RSD?

According to the McGill Pain Index scale, the pain resulting from RSD ranks the highest. Aside from extreme pain in the extremities caused by RSD, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Burning
  • Swelling
  • Fluctuating skin temperature
  • Discoloration of the skin
  • Sensitivity to cold or sensitivity to touch
  • Stiffness of joints
  • Other symptoms

Is RSD curable?

As a chronic condition, RSD is not only incurable, but also difficult to diagnose, treat and manage. To make matters worse, not all physicians are competent enough to treat the condition. Still, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the symptoms. 

If you or a loved one are in this situation, seek the assistance of qualified medical specialists with experience in the area, as well as the professional assistance of our highly experienced RSD lawyers. Starting treatment at the onset of the disease and during the initial stage maximizes the chances of keeping the condition under control. 

Is RSD life-threatening?

How painful is RSD?

The condition is not life-threatening in and of itself, however, in rare cases it can lead to life-threatening infections. Although expert physicians have abandoned the practice of amputation in case of RSD, this dreadful scenario is not impossible, for instance, in the case of gangrene. 

Get the assistance of legal professionals specializing in RSD cases

RSD is a condition that may make it impossible for the patient to work, regardless of their occupation. For instance, if your upper extremities have been most affected by RSD shoulder and hand range of motion is likely to be limited and movement will cause pain.

We are here to help you find balance in life by making living with RSD more bearable. The benefits you can apply for on account of your RSD diagnosis can help ease the financial burden of managing the pain and being unable to work while having to pay for medical bills. 

No one knows what the future holds, but in this life fraught with uncertainty, you have to fight to make the most of your precious time. Let us restore your faith in humanity and take the hassle away from your RSD work comp process. Call or visit our office in San Diego or Chula Vista today! 

Is It Time For Me to Hire an RSD Lawyer?

What are the stages of RSD?

Enduring the symptoms of RSD or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, more commonly referred to as CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) Type 1 can be extremely frustrating. But there is a silver lining: you can always put your RSD case in the hands of competent San Diego professionals

With the help of a knowledgeable RSD lawyer from Workers Compensation Attorney Group, you can seek disability benefits that you are entitled to on account of being unable to work at all or as well as you could before. If the injury that led to RSD took place at your workplace, you can apply for workers compensation.

Here is what you should know about RSD and why taking action by engaging the services of one of our experienced legal professionals is a vital part of this challenging journey.

Can Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy be cured?

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy is a chronic condition and as such, cannot be cured, but it is possible to recover from many of the symptoms. Physical therapy is the main form of RSD treatment, but surgery and medication may be incorporated in the treatment plan. Each patient is given an individualized plan that depends on the severity of their symptoms, age, and other relevant factors.

The duration and severity of the symptoms vary and depend on a number of factors. To make things more complicated, patients often experience symptoms from different stages of the condition at the same time.

How is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy diagnosed?

The main problem with RSD is that even the most experienced physicians may have difficulty making a definitive diagnosis. Even if your physician suspects it, it will typically take a significant amount of time for a patient to be diagnosed with RSD or type 1 CRPS due to its non-specific symptoms. 

Is is only when patients are dealing with severe pain that does not go away that a doctor might suspect RSD, especially if no other condition seems to correspond with the patient’s symptoms. There is no single test to diagnose the condition, but the doctor may recommend imaging techniques (X-ray, MRI, bone scanning, thermal imaging) and nerve conduction tests instead.

What are the stages of RSD?

Is RSD a permanent disability?

There are typically three stages of the condition of RSD. At each stage, pathological changes get worse:

  • The acute stage (1-3 months)
  • The dystrophic stage (3-6 months)
  • The atrophic stage (may last months, years or become permanent)

Due to its complexity, RSD is a complicated condition to treat. As far as treatment goes, it is most effective if initiated during an earlier stage: the sooner, the better. 

How painful is RSD?

The condition can be extremely painful and ranks high on the McGill Pain Index. In fact, according to one version of this famous pain scale, RSD or CRPS ranks as the most painful condition.

Is RSD a permanent disability?

It would be more accurate to say that RSD is not a disability per se. As far as whether it is permanent, it really depends on a number of factors, including the patient’s age. There is something called spontaneous remission, in which case symptoms go away on their own. 

Still, for most patients, RSD is a chronic disease and its symptoms are unlikely to go away in time. What starts as minor discomfort can turn into debilitating pain, the main symptom of RSD. For this reason, RSD patients may be eligible for disability benefits

A highly skilled RSD lawyer you can lean on

Here at Workers Compensation Attorney Group of San Diego, we understand what you are going through, which is why we will fight for your rights as aggressively as we need to. Call us today so we can look into your RSD case and work out a quality strategy which will enable us to handle it professionally and diligently, maximizing the chances for a favorable outcome. 

We are here to help you understand what you are dealing with and prepare for it. It all starts with a free consultation during which we will go over the whole upcoming process with you in detail. Our team is ready to explore every avenue available in an attempt to maximize your benefits.  Rely on us, our experience and dedication. 

We are your service throughout San Diego area, both in the city itself and in Chula Vista, ready to give you a helping hand, help you secure your benefits and compensation and restore your peace of mind.

How Can an RSD Attorney Help Me?

It goes without saying that you should seek medical treatment from the onset of RSD symptoms. Perhaps equally important is that you seek the assistance of a competent RSD attorney. Workers Compensation Attorney Group’s professional RSD attorneys in San Diego know what you are going through because they have handled numerous RSD cases in the past. 

But if are new to all of this, you might feel perplexed, intimidated even. Rest assured that there is nothing to worry about. You are at the right place. Our team of experts is here for you. Let’s come to the point: how exactly can our RSD attorneys help you? If your RSD was caused by a workplace accident or injury, what can you do? Read on.

Can a work injury cause RSD?

RSD or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, which often goes by the name shoulder-hand syndrome, or, as of late, the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic condition. A workplace injury or accident could cause the condition. Other culprits include heart attack, stroke and undergoing surgery. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the telltale signs and symptoms

If you have experienced an injury at work in the past and now recognize the symptoms, such as severe pain and discomfort in the extremities, you may be dealing with RSD. Bear in mind that it may take weeks, months or even years after the injury for the symptoms to fully develop.

Time is of the essence. If you suspect RSD, you need to undergo a medical evaluation and hire a legal professional. You should bear in mind that proving that you have RSD is difficult, as is proving that your RSD was caused by a workplace injury or accident. Remember that your employer and their insurance company might attempt to delay your case. Your case is likely to be denied if you do not have an aggressive work comp professional by your side. 

What workers compensation benefits am I entitled to for RSD?

As with all other types of work injuries, you might be entitled to workers compensation benefits for the following:

  • Ongoing medical care and bills
  • Future medical care and bills
  • Lost wages

Reach out to us and let one of our specialized RSD attorneys take over. When fighting on your behalf, we pull no punches. Proving that your work injury was what caused your RSD will not be easy, but we are willing to go to any length necessary in order to do it.

We offer initial consultation free of charge so you can look at your options and take the time to decide whether you want to claim your workers compensation benefits based on RSD or your workplace injury alone. After talking to a compassionate, knowledgeable professional with vast experience in handling workers compensation cases, you will have a clear overview of what steps you should take next so as to pursue what is rightfully yours.

San Diego Work Comp Attorney Group’s specialized RSD attorney in your corner

Here at San Diego Workers Compensation Attorney Group, we look after your interest through and through. During what is a difficult time for you and your loved ones, we want you to know that you are not alone. 

With us, you have aggressive, ethical professionals by your side that you can have full confidence in. We have a long and successful track record of winning RSD cases for our clients and we are looking forward to assisting you, too. Give us a call or visit our office in San Diego or Chula Vista.

Work Injury-Caused RSD: What is the Best Course of Action?

If you are dealing with a work injury-caused RSD in San Diego, your top priority should be to seek medical treatment and engage the services of an experienced San Diego RSD attorney. Beginning treatment early on greatly increases your chances of keeping the illness under control, while a competent RSD attorney can take all the necessary steps to ensure you receive what is rightfully yours through the workers’ compensation system.

What is RSD or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy?

The term RSD refers to a form of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a chronic condition that affects the extremities. Along with a burning sensation and intense pain, the person affected may experience profuse sweating, swelling, stiffness and sensitivity to touch, as well as other changes to the skin and bones. 

RSD does not only affect the skin and bones, but also the nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Ultimately, the condition may lead to osteoporosis, muscle wasting and, in extreme cases, amputation. Anyone affected by RSD will experience severe pain and discomfort in their extremities. It may even become debilitating to the extent that performing one’s job is no longer possible. The condition could be the consequence of a major surgery, heart attack, stroke, or injury or accident.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Workers Compensation

Various chronic pain situations can occur if you’re working conditions are not conducive to proper physical health. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is one of these that affects a certain part of your body that has been injured in some way. It is one of the possible workers compensation claims you can make if you have a medical diagnosis as the pain and difficulty working can last for quite a long time.

If you sustain an injury at work, you not only need medical care and financial compensation to help manage the initial problem. If you get a diagnosis of CRPS, you need additional care and ongoing pain management in order to continue working or enjoy your life. Navigating the complexities of the California workers compensation system while experiencing ongoing pain presents a challenge that no one should deal with alone.

That is why our experienced attorneys stand ready to help you with all necessary paperwork, appointments, claims, and more necessary to reach a positive outcome for your workers comp situation. We help you get the compensation you deserve from your workplace injury and ongoing pain syndrome.

CRPS includes the following symptoms:

  • Severe pain in one part of the body
  • A burning sensation in related tissues
  • The feeling of hot and cold fluctuations
  • Bruising and ongoing discoloration
  • Extra sensitivity to touch and temperature changes
  • Joint damage, stiffness, and reduced mobility

These symptoms usually occur in hands, arms, feet, or legs that were severely damaged in the past. For example, a person who has had their foot crushed when a heavy piece of construction equipment rolled over it may get a CRPS diagnosis from their doctor. The ongoing pain may require additional surgeries, regular treatment, and even specialty help such as the implantation of a spinal cord block.

You can understand why a company’s insurance firm would not want to pay out for such a long-term and potentially expensive problem. However, if you get this diagnosis and experience even some of the life-changing symptoms listed above, you need proper medical care and financial help. That is where our professional workers compensation attorneys step in. We can help you secure the compensation you need and deserve and can even facilitate a smoother temporary or permanent disability claim.

If you have been diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome after a workplace injury or accident, call our California law firm for help. From the first free consultation to the final outcome of your case, we will stand by your side to get you everything you deserve.

How is RSD treated?

The primary form of treatment boils down to physical therapy. Sometimes, patients also take medication or even undergo surgical treatment for the purpose of alleviating the symptoms. Although the cure is not known at this time, there is ongoing research that will hopefully lead to finding the cure. In the meantime, remission remains the best possible outcome for most patients.

The Complexities of CRPS Workers Compensation

When an acute injury occurs, the workers compensation claim case may have a smoother course going forward than one with an ongoing problem like complex regional pain syndrome. This medical diagnosis, which used to be called reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is the result of a serious injury or surgery. It happens more frequently when a body part is crushed in an industrial accident or a serious fall, for example.

Why do I need an attorney for my RSD case?

Some things may sound pretty simple and straightforward, but this is not always the case, especially when claiming workers compensation benefits. As is often the case with workers injuries of all kinds, your claim is likely to be denied by the employer and the insurance company. If your RSD was caused by a work-related injury, you need a trusted legal professional by your side who has the knowledge and the competence to fight on your behalf. 

RSD represents one of the most common work injuries. Ironically, that does not make proving that the injury was caused by or at work any less difficult.

Do not take your chances. If you are suffering from RSD, your safest course of action is to seek legal assistance as soon as possible, so that a competent professional could prove that the condition was in fact caused by a workplace injury or accident or the very nature of your job.

Reach out to us as soon as possible, ideally as soon as you have been injured on the job. We will look at the signs and symptoms you are experiencing so as to determine whether you have a case. You can focus on your treatment and reducing the symptoms of the condition while we ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to. The workers’ compensation benefits you may be eligible for will cover the following:

  • Lost wages
  • Current medical expenses 
  • Future medical expenses

Work injury-caused RSD in San Diego? Work Comp San Diego is here to build your case.

Here at Work Comp San Diego, you can feel certain that we will always put our most experienced legal professionals in charge of handling your case. In this particular case, our attorneys specializing in RSD cases will step in and take over. 

We know that you have a lot going on at this difficult time, which is why you cannot afford to waste time, money or energy trying to get what belongs to you by law. Let us help you overcome all the obstacles and fight for you. Call Work Comp San Diego or visit one of our offices in San Diego or Chula Vista as soon as possible!

How Can a Disability Attorney Help Me?

Hiring a disability attorney in San Diego, CA may be the only step you can take so as to avoid having your case denied. San Diego’s highly competent disability attorneys have extensive experience with cases similar to yours. They know what steps you should take in order to pursue your rights.

You probably understand by now why you should hire an attorney specializing in disability claims. For this reason, finding a reputable attorney should be your very first step after an injury or disease that has led or has the potential to lead to a disability. 

How does hiring a disability lawyer work?

The Social Security Administration may award two types of disability benefits: SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits. The main difference is the financial eligibility criteria. SSI benefits are available to workers with a sufficient number of work credits, whereas SSDI is available to individuals with low income who either have no work history or have an insufficient number of work credits. 

Because you have to meet various criteria in order to be awarded benefits, your disability lawyer will work under a contingency fee.

Can I apply for disability benefits on my own?

Although you can certainly try, here is a fair warning: it seldom works. Most cases get turned down right away. In order to understand how much an attorney can help your disability claim, all you need to do is take a look at the grim statistics. Only about 30 percent of the cases are approved right away, which forces the claimants to either give up or go through the daunting disability appeal process.

There are many reasons why the majority of cases get denied, with the following being most prominent:

  • lack of solid medical evidence, 
  • ignoring or not following treatment
  • prior denials,
  • failure to communicate and cooperate with the Social Security office,
  • high income (only in case of SSI benefits).

An important thing to understand that just because your disability claim was denied does not mean that you don’t have a disability. The system is designed so as to award benefits to the disabled, yes, but due to the high number of disability claims that are not, in fact, legitimate, you might be wronged. It is your attorney’s job to prove that you do and that you are entitled to disability benefits on account of that.

Can I afford to pay a disability lawyer?

One of the reasons why many people are reluctant to hire an attorney is that it sounds intimidating. Some expect that things will work out on their own and become resolved on their own. Others are afraid of the potential costs, especially if they already have limited means on account of their disability. To make matters worse, the recovery may seem unlikely or uncertain and the same applies to the duration of the recovery period.

When you reach out to Workers Compensation Attorney Group San Diego, you can set your financial worries aside. We will not charge you for the case evaluation which will help you get a clear picture of your odds at winning the case. Likewise, we will work under a contingency fee, meaning we will not charge you unless we win your case.

Who is a good disability attorney in San Diego with a good track record?

As a large group of experienced, competent attorneys practicing in various areas, Workers Compensation Attorney Group San Diego, with three offices in San Diego County, one in Chula Vista and two in San Diego itself, might be just what you are looking for. 

We can match you with an aggressive disability attorney in San Diego, CA, or, if necessary, one of our equally aggressive attorneys specializing in other areas. For instance, a delayed case attorney or a denied case attorney if you were rejected in the past. Either way, we will fight for you. Give us a call today and schedule your free initial consultation.