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3 Things You Need to Know About a Workers’ Compensation Claim

The fact of the matter is that on-the-job injuries happen too frequently in California. Most people have at least heard of workers’ compensation claims, but until they are faced with the possibility of having to file one themselves, they may not know much about it. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker we are proud to work with a wide variety of workers for various types of workers’ compensation claims.

Whether you were injured on a construction site, while working an office job, or when driving for work purposes, we can discuss your options with you. Read on to learn three of the things we think our client should know about these cases. Then reach out to us at 800-333-0000 for your free legal consultation.

  1. You should go back to work if you can
  2. If you can go back to work without making your injury worse, and if you are emotionally in a position to do so, then you should go back to work. It is true that a settlement from a workers’ compensation claim has the potential to help with the bills in the near future, it is not meant to make up for a lost job.

    If you are declared “temporary totally disabled” by a doctor, then your temporary disability payments are going to be paid at two-thirds of your average weekly pay check. This is not enough for many workers to live on. Further, they are capped at 104 weeks (aka two years). You do not want to risk being unemployed and not able to work because of recovery, with the need for additional treatment and disability payments running out.

    If you are unable to go back to the job you were injured on, then you can look for another job. Many people believe that if you go back to work, your workers’ compensation case will be compromised. This is not true. If it is true that you cannot work at all, then your best bet may be to file for Social Security Disability, which is meant to be a permanent solution.

  3. Keep records of everything
  4. There is no way around it: Workers’ compensation lawsuits are complicated. The other side can find one small issue and use it to deny you benefits. This is why we suggest keeping extremely detailed written records of the compensation you receive, medical treatment, days off of work, your pain levels, and everything else you can think of.

  5.  Stay in contact with your attorney
  6. Your personal injury attorney is your biggest ally on this case. We are here to protect your rights and to assure that you get what you are entitled to. Communicate with us as your case changes. For example, if your doctor releases you to work, then you should let us know. If your employer asks you about your health or your injury, then you should talk to us first.

To request a free legal consultation, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 today.