Finding a Trustworthy Work Comp Lawyer in San Diego

Have you just suffered a workplace injury? The chances are you have never been in this situation before, so you are probably still in a state of shock. You feel completely unprepared for the challenging and confusing times that lie ahead. 

Claiming what is rightfully yours might not be such an easy feat unless you find a San Diego workers compensation lawyer you can have absolute confidence in. That is where we come in. We are the Workers Compensation Attorney Group, and we are here to assist you. 

Why do I need a workers compensation attorney?

It goes without saying that California’s workers’ compensation system is complex and that it takes years of studying and abundant experience to comprehend it. Your employer and their insurance company will have aggressive attorneys on their side. 

So should you. You need to have a trusted yet aggressive work comp lawyer by your side if you intend to receive the compensation benefits you are entitled to on account of your injury. 

The role of our workers’ compensation attorney will be to act in your best interest from start to finish. We will also make sure that you have a thorough understanding of your rights and obligations in accordance with the workers’ compensation system. 

Who hires workers compensation attorney?

Anyone who was injured on the job should receive the workers’ compensation benefits they are entitled to. Immediately after reporting the incident to your employer and seeking medical attention, proceed to look for an experienced work comp attorney in your area. 

It is of the essence that you protect yourself as soon as possible by having a professional who is familiar with the process of claiming workers compensation benefits take over. 

Here at Workers Compensation Attorney Group, we can assist you at all the levels of the work comp system. Our consultations and case evaluations are absolutely free of charge. Likewise, there is no need to think about attorney fees until we have won your case. 

How to hire a workers compensation attorney?

Unlike the process of filing for workers compensation, hiring a workers compensation attorney from the Workers Compensation Attorney Group is simple and straightforward. Our team is at your disposal for any concerns you may have. We advise you that you give us a call as soon as you have reported the incident that has resulted in your injury. We will take over from there.

If you are under the impression that your employer will give you fair treatment and return your loyalty to them, you could be right. However, in our experience, when profit is at stake, this is seldom the case. 

More often than not, the employer and their insurance company will stop at nothing to get what they want. And what they want is to deny your claim. It is our job to stop them. 

Visit one of our San Diego locations where our staff will give you some much-needed reassurance. Put your claim in the competent hands of our workers’ compensation professionals, licensed by the State Bar of California. 

How to fill out substitution of attorney: workers compensation in California

A filled-out substitution of attorneys form is submitted to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. If you have had your claim denied, whether because you’ve attempted to file for workers compensation on your own or because your previous attorney wasn’t aggressive enough to fight for you, call us. We will help you complete the process of securing the substitution.

Ethical, trustworthy, aggressive: your San Diego workers compensation lawyers 

Does your workers’ compensation claim seem like a terrifying ordeal you cannot cope with on your own? Allow us to step in, prove your eligibility for workers compensation and ensure you receive the benefits that belong to you. 

Take advantage of our free consultation and case evaluation and seek some well-deserved stress relief. Enjoy a drive to Mission Beach and get your mind off things while we take an aggressive approach to secure a claim settlement in your favor. If we fail to do so, we will not charge any fee. We are at your service.

How Does Workers Comp Lawyer Get Paid?

Your workplace injury has naturally caught you off guard. Amid all the confusion, you are uncertain about your best course of action. It is of essence not to let this abrupt turn of events get the better of you. 

The clock is ticking and the sooner you hire a work comp lawyer, the better. Enter the aggressive and experienced lawyers from the Workers Compensation Attorney Group’s San Diego team. 

But how will your workers’ compensation lawyer in San Diego get paid? Read on to find out how these matters are resolved here at the Workers Compensation Attorney Group.

Will I be charged for consultation regarding my workers’ compensation claim?

The sooner you find a competent work comp attorney, the higher the likelihood that your claim will be accepted. It all starts with setting up a free consultation during which we will give you an in-depth explanation of the process of filing for workers compensation. 

Having our workers’ compensation attorney step in as soon as possible is the only way to ensure you have taken all the necessary steps in the process of filing your workers’ compensation claim. Drawing on their vast experience, our attorneys will go to any length to secure you receive the benefits you are legally entitled to. 

If a workers compensation claim is denied who pays the attorney?

Navigating through the complex system of workers compensation is difficult and you certainly need the help of our experienced professionals. Do not worry about paying for your consultation as it comes free of charge. The same goes for our estimate of your case. What’s more, we will not charge you for our services until we have succeeded in securing your workers’ compensation.

If your claim has already been denied, there is no cause for alarm. As mentioned above, we will never charge you for any of our services unless we have managed to win your case. In fact, our lawyers who specialize in claim denial cases can swiftly take over and start fighting for your compensation and benefits.

Furthermore, a claim denial is no reason to give up. If we charged workers for representing them despite having failed to win their cases, the employers and insurance companies will have won. This would defeat the purpose of the workers’ compensation system. 

What is the average attorney fee for workers compensation claim?

Although it is possible to file for workers compensation on your own, rest assured that your employer’s insurance company will stop at nothing to justify a denial of your claim. You should not take any chances.

Although your concern regarding the attorney fee is perfectly understandable, you have no reason to worry about it with us by your side. Not only will you not have to pay our fee until your case has been resolved, but you won’t even have to pay for the consultation and estimate of your case.

As for the average attorney fee, it really depends on how serious your workplace injury is and the amount you are entitled to on account of lost wages. We will go over all the specifics once we meet in person to discuss your case.

Your experienced, aggressive & ethical workers compensation lawyer in San Diego

We pride ourselves on our success rate. Our effective assistance with numerous workers compensation claims has allowed us to gain the necessary experience to tackle a diverse variety of workers compensation cases. No aspect of California’s workers’ compensation system is a mystery to us, as certified by the State Bar of California.  

While we work on your claim, take the time to take a tour of the splendid Mission Bay and get your mind off things. Rest assured we will not rest until your claim has been resolved to your advantage. 

Is It Time to Seek the Help of a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

If you have suffered an injury at your place of employment and feel confused and lost, without knowing whom to turn to, remember that you are not on your own. You have our professionals who specialize in workers’ compensation and are willing to fight for rights and for your benefits. 

If you fear that you cannot afford to pay the legal fees for a workers’ compensation attorney in San Diego, you can breathe a sigh of relief.  Our aggressive workers’ compensation attorneys will not charge you any fee unless your case has been settled, but you can be confident they will go the extra mile for your benefit.

Should I get a lawyer if I got hurt at work?

Despite the popular misconception about lawyers, hiring one in a case of a workplace injury is your right and not a demonstration of hostility on your part. In other words, if you suffer the consequences of a work-related injury, it is probably time to lawyer up. Chances are you’ll want to do it as a precaution. Being in two minds about this and putting it off might cause your condition to deteriorate. By that time, it could be too late for your workers’ compensation attorney to take action.

When is the right time to get a workers compensation attorney?

Securing legal advice is the very first step you need to take immediately after suffering a work-related injury. Firstly, there is a deadline for submitting a workers compensation claim, and secondly, you might not realize the severity of the situation you are in. Bear in mind that the recovery period could be much longer than you anticipated. To make matters worse, the time you are forced to spend away from work could lead to a considerable loss of wages.

Your long-term health and your livelihood might be at stake. This is why you should get in touch with an experienced workers compensation attorney as soon as possible, making sure you’ve done everything in your power to protect yourself from the legal point of view. Unlike injuries that you suffer during your free time, like during a visit to San Diego’s Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, you have every right to be compensated for workplace injuries.

How long after being injured do I need a workers compensation attorney?

As mentioned before, the sooner, the better. Bear in mind that the employer is required to file the claim with their insurance provider within 24 hours after a workplace injury has taken place. Otherwise, they are breaking the law and might attempt to avoid paying you the benefits that are rightfully yours. This is one reason your best course of action is to have our experienced attorney stand by you from the moment the injury takes place. 

What’s more, when it comes to workers compensation claims there are other factors at play. Your employer and their insurance provider are more cautious than ever. This increases the likelihood your employer’s attorney could be extremely aggressive and prepared to use any means necessary to make you lose. 

Aside from the possibility of denial, be prepared for delays, many of them unjustified. This is done deliberately so as to make the already intimidating legal process last longer until you’re out of time and it’s too late to receive what you’re entitled to. Furthermore, time is of essence because, in addition to filing a claim, your attorney needs to file an application for the adjudication of your claim.

The time to act is now: the clock is ticking

If you have suffered an injury at work, you need a leading workers’ compensation attorney in San Diego to represent your interests. Workers Compensation Attorney Group, member of the American Association for Justice, has an experienced and aggressive team of legal professionals. 

Remember that there is nothing more important than your health. You simply do not have time to spare and it is therefore of paramount importance that you contact us immediately. Rest assured we will do everything in our power to fight for your case and enable you to receive the benefits you deserve. This will enable your recovery to go more smoothly, giving you peace of mind. 

That is why you have to fight back and not let yourself be taken advantage of. Call Workers Compensation Attorney Group today and let us assist you in your time of need!

What Do Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Do?

If you are covered under workers’ compensation and eligible for benefits on account of having suffered a work-related injury, you might think that you have nothing to worry about. Sadly, this is not always the case, as there are many things you need to know and take into consideration. This is especially true if you’re not well-versed on the subject of workers’ compensation. 

You are right in feeling skeptical – fairness is not guaranteed. Employers and insurance companies alike take an aggressive approach to workers compensation claims. You have to be prepared to do the same and fight back. 

How do you do that? 

By lawyering up, and Workers Compensation Attorney Group is here to help you achieve that. All you need is an aggressive and experienced workers compensation attorney by your side. Protect your interests by hiring an experienced lawyer or team of lawyers specializing in workers’ compensation. 

Not only will we keep you well-informed about your rights, but also help you get what is rightfully yours. Our leading San Diego workers’ compensation attorney will help you take action as soon as possible. This is the only way to ensure that you’ll have appropriate legal guidance and protection throughout the ordeal. If you’ve been wondering what is that workers’ compensation attorneys actually do, read on.

What is the role of an attorney in workers’ compensation?

The role of an attorney is of paramount importance in workers’ compensation cases. This is becoming more and more evident as companies and employers get increasingly wary when it comes to workers’ compensation benefits eligibility. Often, they will try and succeed in denying perfectly valid workers’ compensation claims. 

The reasons for this state of affairs extends beyond mere greed and profit. It is also due to the fact that workers frequently make non-valid claims. Due to the frequent misuse of the workers’ compensation system state- and nation-wide, it is getting increasingly difficult for workers who have actually suffered injuries at the workplace to pursue their rights. The role of an attorney is there to make sure you don’t get swindled and cheated out of the benefits that you are legally entitled to.

Workers compensation attorney: how it works?

Many employees who suffer a work-related injury are reluctant to submit a claim. They usually fear that they might not be compensated in the end. Another fear they might have is that they will have to cover the costs of legal fees regardless of the outcome. Last but not least, they are afraid that the cost and length of the whole process might outweigh the potentially favorable outcome. 

A competent workers’ compensation attorney is a guaranteed way to ensure that you remain protected and receive what you are entitled to. After all, the workers’ compensation system is meant to protect workers, although it may seem that this is not always the case since many claims are denied straight away. One of the reasons for this is that employees might attempt to take advantage of the system for non-work-related or even fake injuries. 

However, the purpose of the system is essentially to protect both the employee’s and the employer’s interest. Under the system, you are essentially waiving your right to initiate a lawsuit against the employer and claim damages. In return, you’re covered for medical costs and loss of wages during your sick leave.

Workers compensation: what does my attorney need?

Your workers’ compensation attorney needs you to contact them in time since there is a deadline for submitting your claim. Reach out to Workers Compensation Attorney Group and we will make sure you don’t miss the window of opportunity. We want to spare you the stress and frustration that can only make the situation go from bad to worse. We will also need all the documentation and any other pieces of evidence you may have that can support your claim.

Not only will you probably have a long recovery period ahead of you (assuming that recovery is possible in the first place), but also lose wages. To avoid this worst-case scenario, you need to promptly contact our competent workers’ compensation attorney and consult them about the steps you should take.

What if my rights to workers’ compensation are contested?

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for workers’ compensation claims to be denied and their rights to compensation contested. This is essentially why you need to have our reliable attorney by your side. Every member of our legal team is a trusted, competent and aggressive professional who knows the ins and outs of the applicable legislation. 

Do not let yourself be taken advantage of. This is the main reason why you need our professional workers’ compensation attorney. Not only do they know every trick in the book, but can also predict any steps your employer plans on taking.

Will my attorney be able to tell me if I am eligible for work comp?

As a rule of thumb, you’re eligible for work comp if you are an employee of a business with workers’ compensation coverage who has suffered a work-related injury or illness. Another criterion you must meet is to file the claim in a timely manner. Of course, this does not automatically mean you’ll receive what you are entitled to. Even if your claim is perfectly valid, it could still get denied. 

To give you the best shot at receiving the benefits you are legally entitled you, your best course of action is to contact Workers Compensation Attorney Group. Before taking any other steps, consult our aggressive attorneys who are the leading professionals in the field of workers’ compensation. Not only do they have the expertise needed to act in your best interest, but also the experience to recognize the critical aspects of the claim. 

In case you’re worried whether having a lawyer will guarantee success, rest assured that our team of reputable lawyers will not charge you unless you succeed in receiving the benefits. Our workers’ compensation lawyer will take the aggressive approach that the pursuit of your rights requires. 

Experienced workers’ compensation attorneys you can trust

San Diego is not only home to the wonderful La Jolla beach but also to Workers Compensation Attorney Group, proud members of The American Association for Justice. Work Comp San Diego is a legal team you can rely on to keep you safe and protected. 

Swift action in the event that you require compensation following an injury, or worse, is of paramount importance. And the people to take it: a team of competent, knowledgeable attorneys such as those from Workers Compensation Attorney Group.

When the clock is ticking, a seasoned San Diego workers compensation attorney could mean the difference between losing and winning. Do not be afraid to take the plunge, enforce your rights, claim the benefits and receive what is rightfully yours.

A $25-Million Work Comp Fraud Revealed

Nine individuals have recently been arrested for their involvement in a complex fraud that has damaged over 230 workers’ compensation carriers and self-insured employers. The Department of Insurance detectives conducted the investigation and the arrest in which it turned out that a company called G&G Interpreting Services fraudulently charged insurance companies almost $25 million for services rendered in cases of injured workers with Latino last names. The defrauding company was led by siblings Francisco Javier Gomez, Jr. and Angela Rehmann.

For more than 4 years, G&G Interpreting Services, who offered translation services for Spanish, have been billing for their services supposedly delivered in clinics where most personnel spoke Spanish and didn’t require help with interpreting. In other clinics in which the company allegedly provided their services 13 doctors were proficient in Spanish.

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has commented this case by pointing out that a lot of people mistakenly think there is no victim in an insurance fraud. Jones stated that fraudulent billing results in everyone paying up.

G&G Interpreting serviced injured workers who received medical care through the workers’ compensation system across Los Angeles County and Southern California. They issued fraudulent bills in San Diego, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura.

The 83,411 occasions on which they delivered their supposed services total over 12 working hours a day, which exceeds the opening hours of the clinics. The company also charged $422,000 for services executed by a translator who was at that moment serving time in state prison.

The interpreting company changed their name in August 2012 from G&G Interpreting to American Liberty Interpreting.

The operation was aided by California Highway Patrol and two district attorney offices from the Riverside County and San Bernardino County. Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will be the prosecution in the case.

A few months back, in October 2015, Commissioner Jones received almost $35-million worth of grants that were funded through employer assessments and distributed to 37 district attorney offices in 42 California counties. Jones stated then that work comp frauds were draining the state economy. The grants were specifically aimed at medical provider fraud, employer defrauding employee, claimant fraud, employer premium fraud, insider fraud and the intentionally uninsured working in the underground economy.

To remind the reader, Department of Insurance established The Workers’ Compensation Fraud Program in 1991. The legislation proclaimed work comp fraud a felony and set up Fraud Assessment Commission to fund enforcement and prosecution activities.

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Reopening Workers’ Compensation Claims

In a number of cases, a workman’s comp attorney can help workers reopen claims after they have been settled. This is particularly important for employees whose disability has recurred or increased. This is different from a personal injury case.

The factors for reopening a worker’s comp case

However, whether a worker is able to reopen a compensation claim depends on certain factors. Firstly, it’s important whether the claim was closed through the mechanism of “Compromise and Release” or through “Stipulation and Award”.

“Compromise and Release” is the type of settlement that addresses the employee’s claim in totality: in the past, present and future. If the settlement agreement wasn’t accomplished through fraud, C&R typically closes the case entirely and there is no possibility to reopen it.

“Stipulation and Award” and trial, on the other hand, allow the claim to be reopened. The Labor Code allows workers to reopen cases under certain conditions. Typically, there are four circumstances in which courts permit a worker to reopen a settled claim:

  • the recurrence or increase of the disability
  • the discovery of new evidence reveals that the award is unjust and reopening the case is necessary to remedy an error of fact
  • an error in the law rendered the award inequitable
  • a clerical error

It’s important to note that there is a time limit to reopening claims. Apart from occasional exceptions, if there are grounds to reopen a case, employees must do that within 5 years starting from the date of the injury. This time limitation is termed Statute of Limitation or SOL in the legal profession.

A cumulative claim

Reopening a settled claim isn’t the only course of action. When the disability has worsened, the employee may have a “cumulative claim” that is generally treated as a new one. In this situation the statute of limitations starts recounting from the “new injury” (the old one which has worsened). However, establishing when the statute of limitations starts counting or when it is reset is rather complicated and the injured worker would need the help of a workman’s comp attorney.

It is generally recommended to think carefully before accepting a compromise and release settlement, because of the possibility to reopen the claim in the future. The injured party should seriously consider whether there is a possibility that the injury will worsen with time and more medical treatment will be required. The assistance of an experienced attorney is very valuable at that point.

Workman’s comp attorney

If you or your loved one have been injured at work and you think the settled claim should be reopened, give our Workers’ Compensation Attorney Group a call. Our caring lawyers are experienced, aggressive and ethical and they are always available for a free review of your case. You only pay if you win and you have no obligation to retain our services if you consult with us regarding your case. You can only gain if you call us so don’t hesitate to do so!

What You Should Do After A Work-Related Injury

If you have suffered an injury while performing your work-related duties, it is best to seek help from experienced compensation attorneys as soon as possible. Of course, it is not likely you will have a legal professional hired before you sustain an injury, so this article will tell you about the very first steps you should take if you ever find yourself in this situation.

Let your manager know

The very first thing you should do right away is inform your employer or supervisor of your injury. You could also try to remember any witnesses that saw you getting injured, if applicable. If there is any evidence, collect it and take some photos of the injury site. However, you may be prevented from taking photos due to confidentiality or security restrictions.

Once you report the injury, your supervisor or employer should provide you with a form called DWC-1, which is a form for making a workers’ compensation claim in California. In the case you are not given this form, remember that you have the right to demand it.

One part of the form is filled by you and the other by your employer. Ask your employer to fill out their portion and ask to get one copy of the filled out claim.

Making the workers’ compensation claim

When you are completing the claim, be careful to list all the injured body parts. If something falls on your shoulder, but it actually causes an injury to your back, you should write both the shoulder and the back as injured body parts.

The claim can be amended later on, but when you do it initially it’s better to include as much as you can rather than leave stuff out. This is not to say you should make false statements in your claim, but it’s better to include all the body parts that were part of the injury. In the end, you will be examined by a doctor to establish the injuries and their severity.

Don’t be afraid to report the injury

A surprising number of workers choose not to report their injury because they fear termination. However, it is highly unlikely your employer will terminate you if you report your work-related injury, primarily because that’s against the law and such a move would risk them a lawsuit.

Make your compensation claim as soon as possible, so that you don’t jeopardize the whole process by reporting the injury (too) late.

Have an experienced WC lawyer protect your rights

The help of an experienced work compensation attorney is invaluable when it comes to asserting and protecting your rights as a worker. If you have experienced an injury in the workplace and you are now searching for compensation attorneys in San Diego, make sure you consider Workers’ Compensation Attorney Group. Our lawyers are not only experienced, but also aggressive and ethical and you only pay us if you win. We are always ready to have a free case review with you with no obligation to hire us. Call Workers’ Compensation Attorney Group now and ensure your rights are protected!

California Workers’ Compensation Law 101

The basics

Law has a set of rules that regulate workers’ compensation which helps employees cover medical expenses related to injuries incurred in the workplace. If a worker gets injured while doing job-related duties, the costs for medical treatment can and should be paid through workers’ compensation. Employers’ contributions finance workers’ comp. In a way, this system is a type of insurance. While the employer is covering the damages in this way, he or she cannot suffer liability, while the employee can obtain medical care without the necessity of suing for it.

A worker who gets harmed or injured in the workplace in California is generally eligible to get reimbursed for medical costs and receive benefits. Some benefits could be connected to lost wages while the employee was unable to work and others might be related to the insurance an employer is bound to have to insure his or her workers.

The guiding idea of the law is to protect workers from injury while doing job-related duties.

The time for filing a work injury claim

A worker must report a work-related injury or temporary disability to their employer within 30 days. What is also necessary is to file a workers’ compensation claim so that the injured worker could get cash benefits according to the policy. Failing to do these will probably prevent you from collecting due compensation. This is unless you have proof that your employer should have known or positively knew about your injury within the 30-day deadline. Even if you complain about back pain, that complaint qualifies if that pain is directly related to fulfilling your job duties.

Choosing a doctor

If you want to see the doctor you regularly visit when you have health problems, you should pre-designate that doctor as your primary care physician. Unless you do that, you’ll have to visit the doctor of your employer’s choosing or one who is a member of the medical network providing insurance for your employer.

If the case is that your employer didn’t notify you about the possibility of pre-designating your physician, or the employer didn’t give you a workers’ compensation claim to fill out or didn’t post notices of your rights, you can still go to a doctor outside your employer’s medical network.

Other concerns

If it happens that your employer isn’t insured for workers’ comp, you have the option of filing a lawsuit against them for medical cost compensation, lost wages and pain and suffering. This isn’t normally possible in a workers’ comp case. The fact that your employer isn’t insured allows you to file a claim against them and get benefits from the California’s Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund. In order to do that you will need an attorney to lead your case.

Sometimes employers challenge workers’ injury claims, in which case an impartial doctor attends to the worker to assess the severity of the injury. To secure a fair settlement, it’s best to have an experienced attorney by your side.

Workers’ Compensation Attorney Group has experienced, aggressive and ethical attorneys ready to take your case and make sure you get the best possible outcome. We are always available for a free case review that doesn’t oblige you to retain our services. We would like to point out that our attorneys work for a contingent fee, meaning you only pay if you get financial recovery – that’s why we are confident we can bring you a successful result. Contact us today – you have nothing to lose but time.