Temecula Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Dedicated Support for Injured Workers in Riverside - Call (888) 676-0125 for a Free Consultation

If you are looking for a workers’ comp lawyer in Temecula, you’ve arrived at the right place. At the Law Offices of Delitala, Inc., it is our mission to help people with all workers’ compensation issues, whether insurance is failing to respond to your injury report or your claim has been denied. When you are already dealing with the aftermath of a workplace accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about navigating the stressful, complicated legal process that may follow. Our Temecula workers’ comp lawyer can protect your rights and help you get the compensation you need and deserve while you focus on your recovery.

Understanding Common Work-Related Injuries

Depending on your line of work, you may face a variety of hazards that could cause an injury. These are a few of the most common injuries in the workplace:

• Repetitive motion injuries: Actions such as lifting can cause repetitive motion injuries, such as a back sprain.
• Walking injuries: Injuries suffered as the result of walking into an object
• Falling from heights: Injuries sustained when an employee falls from an elevated location while on the job.​​​
• Falling objects: When items fall from above, land on an employee and cause an injury
• Slip and fall: When an employee slips or trips and falls while on the job and sustains an injury

What is Workers’ Compensation?

When an employee suffers an injury or falls ill while performing their job duties, workers’ compensation insurance provides medical and wage benefits. In California, employers are required to carry this insurance.

In a workers’ comp case, determining fault is not necessary – whether the employee’s or employer’s action contributed to the injury. So long as the injury or illness is work-related, a claim is paid by the employer or insurance carrier.

Understanding Specific Injury vs. Cumulative Trauma Claims

Most workers’ compensation claims are based on a specific on-the-job injury, such as a slip and fall accident, being injured while lifting a heavy object, or being involved in a car accident while driving a company vehicle. However, some work injuries are not caused by a single event.

A cumulative trauma injury is caused by a culmination of hundreds or thousands of repetitive motions over months or years that causes an injury or illness. Common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries, tendonitis, tennis and golfer’s elbow, and even cancer. 

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in California

Under workers’ compensation law in California, an employee who has suffered an injury on the job is entitled to the following benefits:

• Medical care to treat the injury
• Temporary disability for the loss of wages (equal to two-thirds of the employee’s weekly wage)
• Permanent disability for the payment for permanent loss of function (based on scale from 0 to 100 percent)
• Supplemental job displacement benefits for employees who cannot return to his/her normal job duties
• Death benefits, which are given to the survivors of the deceased employee

What to Do If You Are Injured at Work

Depending on the seriousness of the injury, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention if you are dealing with an emergency. Otherwise, ensure you obtain first aid and see a doctor.

Next, you must immediately report the injury to a supervisor, in writing if possible. Once you file a claim, your employer must provide you with medical treatment.

The Worker’s Compensation Claims Process in California

Remember, the workers’ compensation process can be different for each employee based on the nature and seriousness of the injury, how the injury impacts the worker in the short-term or long run, and the response of the employer and claims administrator. However, understanding the entire process can help you be ready for any possibility.

The following is a breakdown of California’s workers’ compensation process:

1. You suffered an on-the job injury, whether it’s from a single incident, an occupational illness, or a cumulative trauma injury
2. You notify your employer, who will provide you with a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form you must fill out and return
3. You will choose a primary treating physician from your employer’s medical network
4. You receive initial medical care
5. The claims administrator will either accept or deny your claim
6. If the administrator accepts your claim, you will continue your medical treatment
7. The claims administrator will determine if you are eligible for temporary or permanent disability benefits based on your treating doctor’s reports
8. Your employer should reimburse the costs of your medical treatment in a timely manner 

Let Us Help

Do you need help on your workers' compensation claim? Contact our Temecula workers’ compensation attorney at the Law Offices of Delitala, Inc. We can hold the wrongdoer and their insurance company accountable for your medical bills and lost wages. 

Fill out an evaluation form or give us a call at (888) 676-0125 to schedule a free consultation with our Temecula workers' compensation lawyer today!