On-the-job injuries can lead to significant consequences, including financial hardship from lost wages, physical health problems, and mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Employees may also face difficulties returning to work, legal issues related to filing claims, and the need to navigate a complex process to receive workers’ compensation benefits in Pasadena.
The workers’ compensation process involves strict legal procedures, documentation requirements, and deadlines. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Oktanyan Law, APC Law could accurately assess all components of your claim—including immediate medical costs, lost wages, and future medical needs—to determine a comprehensive settlement value.
What Are the Different Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Workers’ compensation provides different categories of benefits to Pasadena workers to cover various needs arising from a work-related injury, including:
Medical Benefits
Reasonable and necessary medical care to cure or relieve the injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical equipment
Mileage reimbursement for driving to and from medical appointments or the pharmacy
Temporary Disability Benefits (TD)
If the injury prevents you from working while you recover, you may receive TD payments, which are typically two-thirds of your pre-tax average weekly wages, up to a state-mandated maximum
Permanent Disability (PD) Benefits
If your injury results in a permanent impairment or limitation, you could receive PD benefits based on a doctor’s rating of your impairment, age, occupation, and your reduced future earning capacity
Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit
If your injury causes permanent limitations and your employer does not offer modified or alternative work, you may be eligible for a non-transferable voucher to help pay for retraining, skill enhancement, or educational expenses
If a work injury or illness results in the worker’s death, benefits are paid to the surviving dependents (spouse, children, etc.) to cover burial expenses and financial support.
When Are You Eligible To Seek Workers’ Compensation?
Pasadena employees who sustain a work-related injury or illness are eligible for workers’ compensation assistance, provided their employer has insurance. Workers’ compensation covers most employees, although independent contractors, freelancers, and gig workers are generally not covered. You must report your injury or illness to your employer or supervisor within 30 days of the injury or of realizing it was job-related. Failing to report within this timeframe could jeopardize your claim.
Your employer must provide you with a claim form (DWC-1) within one working day of you reporting the injury. You should complete the employee section of the form, sign it, and return it to your employer. This officially opens your case and starts the claims process. You should also contact an attorney as soon as possible to help you complete the necessary forms and ensure you do not miss any key steps in your workers’ compensation claim.
The insurance company has 90 days to accept or deny your claim. During this time, they must authorize up to $10,000 in initial medical treatment. Please seek the necessary medical attention for your injury, and be sure to inform the healthcare provider that the injury is work-related so they can create the proper documentation.
Settlement negotiations usually occur after your doctor determines you have reached maximum medical improvement, the point where your condition is not expected to improve further. The doctor may then issue a permanent disability rating if you have any lasting limitations.
You do not want to confront the insurance company and its lawyers alone. Our workers’ comp attorneys could negotiate the terms of the settlement with the insurance company, considering factors such as:
- Injury severity
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Any disability ratings
Call Our Pasadena Attorneys for Help Securing Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If the insurance company refuses to offer workers’ compensation benefits in Pasadena that reflect the magnitude of your injuries, our legal team at Oktanyan Law, APC could advocate for your rights, use evidence to dispute unfair denials, and fight for a counteroffer backed by medical and legal evidence.
If disputes arise over the necessity of your medical treatment or the extent of your injuries or disability, we could navigate these procedures and present a compelling case to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board if necessary. Contact us today to request your free case review.