The Law Office of Gary C. Nelson

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Understanding Your Rights As An Injured Worker In California

For most injured California workers who contact our firm, their biggest concern is that they have no idea what to do. The workers’ compensation system can be extremely complicated, with constantly changing laws and agents assigned to help you who do not give the information or help you need. If you have been injured at work, you need a lawyer with experience and up-to-date knowledge of the changing laws who will help you understand your rights as an injured worker in California.

We are here to help. At The Law Office of Gary C. Nelson, we have been helping injured California workers for decades get the workers’ comp benefits they deserve. Our attorneys have experience, knowledge of the law and a firm commitment to providing our clients with personally tailored legal service. Call us at 209-222-4089 for a free consultation.

Keeping Your Job

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you need to keep your job. While, technically, you do not have a legal right to work at any particular job, it is illegal for an employer to fire an employee due to a work-related injury.

If you lose your job, you lose. In our current economic landscape, if you have a job, it is critical to keep that job if at all possible. Workers’ compensation in California is not about getting free money for as long as possible; it is about getting you back to work and helping you obtain the compensation you need for the injuries you have sustained.

Your Right To Benefits

If you have been injured at work, you have the right under California workers’ comp laws to receive adequate medical care. Depending on the type and extent of your injuries, you could be eligible for temporary or permanent disability benefits and compensation for lost time at work. You could also receive a voucher for vocational rehabilitation and training.

More About Medical Treatment

You have the right to receive appropriate short-term and long-term medical care. If you feel that the doctor recommended by your employer or the insurance company is not giving you accurate assessments of your injuries or adequate medical care, you have the right to choose a different doctor.

Your Right To Other Forms Of Compensation

Workers’ compensation requires employers to maintain insurance to compensate workers injured on the job, but it bars employees from bringing personal injury claims against their employers in civil court. However, if there was another party other than your employer or co-workers responsible in some way for the accident that caused your injuries, you can bring a third-party liability claim against that party to increase your compensation.

Contact Our Attorneys About Your Rights

To schedule your free initial consultation, call our Modesto office at 209-222-4089 or contact our firm online.