Los Angeles Workers' Compensation Attorney

Helping You Get the Financial Resources You Need

In the event of an injury on the job, most workers in California are covered under their employers' workers' compensation insurance coverage. What many people don't know, however, is that workers' compensation is a safety net that has been put in place to protect the employer from lawsuits, while also offering the injured worker medical care and a base level of pay.

Workers' Compensation System in California

The workers' compensation system in California is designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It is a no-fault system, meaning that an injured worker can receive benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury. In exchange, employees generally cannot sue their employer for work-related injuries.

The system is regulated by the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) and requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance.

Benefits available include:

• Medical Care – Covers medical treatment for work-related injuries or illnesses.
• Temporary Disability Benefits – Wage replacement for employees who cannot work while recovering.
• Permanent Disability Benefits – Compensation for workers with lasting impairments.
• Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits – Vouchers for retraining if an employee cannot return to their previous job.
• Death Benefits – Payments to the dependents of a worker who dies due to a job-related injury or illness.

Here is an overview of the step-by-step filing process in California:

1. Report the Injury to Your Employer

• Notify your employer as soon as possible but no later than 30 days after the injury.
• Failure to report within 30 days could result in losing your right to benefits.

2. Seek Medical Treatment

• If it's an emergency, get immediate medical care.
• If it’s non-emergency, your employer may direct you to a company-approved doctor.
• Inform the doctor that the injury is work-related.

3. File a Workers' Compensation Claim (DWC-1 Form)

• Your employer must give you a DWC-1 claim form within one working day after learning about your injury.
• Fill out the "employee" section of the form and return it to your employer.
• The employer then fills out their section and submits the claim to their workers' compensation insurance.

4. Employer Reports the Claim to the Insurance Company

• Once your employer receives the completed DWC-1 form, they must submit it to their workers' compensation insurance carrier.

5. Insurance Company Investigates the Claim

• The insurance company has up to 90 days to accept or deny the claim.
• If the claim is not denied within 90 days, it is presumed accepted.
• While waiting for a decision, the insurer must cover medical expenses (up to $10,000).

6. Receive Benefits (If Approved)

• If approved, you will receive the benefits you qualify for.
• If temporary disability is approved, you will get payments within 14 days after the doctor confirms your inability to work.

7. Dispute Resolution (If Denied or Disputed)

• If your claim is denied, you can:
  • Request a hearing before a Workers' Compensation Judge.
  • File an Application for Adjudication of Claim with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB).
  • Consider hiring a workers’ compensation attorney to help with your appeal.

8. Return to Work

• If your doctor clears you to return to work, your employer may offer:
  • Your previous job (if available).
  • A modified or alternative position (if you have work restrictions).
  • If no suitable work is available, you may qualify for job displacement benefits.

What Does a Workers' Compensation Attorney Do?

A skilled workers' compensation attorney will help you file the claim as well as assist in getting compensation for qualified expenses such as lost wages due to a leave of absence, on the job injuries, emergency medical expenses, ongoing recovery expenses and other related costs. If you were injured on the job, a lawyer can help you receive the compensation you need to recover.

We Have Helped Our Clients Collect Millions of Dollars

Since 1991, Attorney Ron Ehrman has been helping injured workers, people who can no longer work because of a disability, and people injured due to negligence by another party get the full and fair monetary compensation they are entitled to. We have recovered millions of dollars for injured workers, including union workers. Remember, you don't need to be a documented citizen in order to retain an attorney.

"Workers' compensation benefits are not restricted to injured workers employed on construction sites and in factories. Doctors and other licensed professionals, white collar business executives, and office personnel qualify for benefits and may not even know it." - Attorney Ron Ehrman

"Mr. Ehrman and his staff were wonderful and helped me throughout my case. He fought very hard to get me a settlement I was most happy with. ”
-Former Client

We Will Help You Maximize the Amount of Money You Are Entitled To

We offer an in-depth knowledge of the California workers' compensation system and the levels of benefits available to you. Before you file a claim, call us with your questions. Your employer isn't likely to tell you everything you need to know about getting the full amount of money, medical care, and other benefits you are entitled to.

Our Los Angeles work injury attorney can help you with benefits such as:

• Medical treatment through a qualified, approved healthcare provider
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits
• Temporary Partial Disability pay
• Permanent Partial Disability pay
• Temporary Total Disability pay
• Permanent Total Disability pay
• Ongoing physical therapy
• Lump-sum payments

Call us at (213) 455-5808 to schedule a free consultation. You can also send an email with a brief description of your workplace injury and legal needs.