Experienced Lawyers Protecting The Rights Of Injured Workers

Every day, construction workers, engineers and longshoremen face hazards on the job in California. However, accidents and work-related illnesses can occur in any type of profession. At the Law Offices of David H. Black in Santa Monica, our attorneys represent injured employees in a variety of industries. We recognize that no matter where you work or what type of job-related injury or illness you have sustained, you need and deserve compensation to pay for medical expenses and lost wages.

With over 75 years of combined experience advocating for injured workers in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, our attorneys are committed to providing you with sound advice and professional guidance in your workers’ comp case and any third-party personal injury case related to it.

Helping You File Workers’ Compensation Claims

If you suffer an injury at work, your priority must be your health. However, after seeking medical attention, you must inform your employer that you sustained a job-related injury. Any delay in notifying your supervisor may damage your workers’ compensation claim. Your next step is to file the necessary paperwork, which includes a DWC-1 claim form, an application for adjudication of your claim and a declaration pursuant to Labor Code 4906(g). For most injuries and illnesses in California, you must file your benefits claim within 30 days of your injury.

Our attorneys assist you in obtaining and filling out each of these forms to ensure they are accurate and free of errors. Additionally, when you seek our counsel, our seasoned injury lawyers correspond with your company’s insurance company, saving you time and stress.

Securing The Compensation You Deserve

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to receive compensation for lost wages or salary in addition to reimbursement for medical expenses. We can review your case, determine your likelihood of obtaining benefits and devise a carefully planned strategy to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Throughout Southern California, our skilled legal team helps injured workers obtain the following benefits:

• Medical care – A successful claim can reimburse you for medical care expenses to help you recover from a job-related illness or injury. This includes injuries caused by repetitive stress.
• Temporary disability benefits – You may receive temporary payments if your injury prevents you from doing your job during your recovery.
• Permanent disability benefits – If a work-related injury causes a permanent physical or mental disability that prevents you from doing your job, you may receive permanent disability benefits.
• Death benefits – If a worker succumbs to a job injury or illness, the victim’s surviving spouse, children or other dependents may be entitled to compensation.

Navigating the workers’ compensation process without legal guidance can be difficult. Insurers are focused on profitability – not providing you with compensation. Our attorneys know how to deal with employers’ insurance companies and uphold your rights at every turn. We can answer any questions you have about your workers’ compensation claim.

What Is California’s Workers’ Compensation Law?

California’s Workers’ Compensation Law is outlined in Division 4 (Sections 3200 to 6002) of the California Labor Code. This law provides guidelines for compensation for employees injured on the job and regulates workers’ compensation insurance. As a result of many disputes between employees and employers, there is a considerable amount of case law involving these matters. These disputes are settled by the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB), which took over from the Industrial Accident Commission. The WCAB designates judges to conduct hearings and make decisions that are final unless someone files a “petition for reconsideration.”

Who Oversees Workers’ Compensation Matters In California?

The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), part of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), oversees California workers’ compensation matters throughout the state. The DWC ensures the administration of workers’ comp claims and helps resolve related disputes through its administrative and judicial services. The main objective of the DWC is to minimize the negative consequences of workplace injuries for employees and employers throughout California and ensure the process is fair for everyone.

Where Are Workers’ Compensation Hearings Held In Greater Los Angeles?

In the Greater Los Angeles area, workers’ compensation hearings are conducted at various DWC district offices. The addresses of these offices are as follows:

• Marina del Rey: 4720 Lincoln Blvd., Marina del Rey, CA 90292
• Pomona: 732 Corporate Center Drive, Pomona, CA 91768
• Long Beach: 300 Oceangate, Long Beach, CA 90802
• Van Nuys: 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 105, Van Nuys, CA 91401
• Los Angeles: 320 West 4th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Any of these offices can help injured workers present their cases and pursue the compensation they deserve under state law.

Aggressive Advocates With Experience In Appeals

If your workers’ compensation claim requires a hearing at a Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) and you disagree with the judge’s decision or award in your case, our lawyers can help you file an appeal. In California, you have only 20 days from the judge’s decision to file your appeal, so it is important that you contact our lawyers immediately.

We assess your case, the decision made by the WCAB judge and your injuries to determine if pursuing an appeal is in your best interests. If we find sufficient evidence that the judge’s decision is incorrect or unsubstantiated, our attorneys can help you file a petition for reconsideration.

Get A Free Consultation From Our Skilled Team

The Law Offices of David H. Black in Santa Monica provides dedicated representation to injured workers throughout Southern California. Please contact us online or call 310-315-7373 to schedule a free initial consultation. Se habla español.