Expert Work Injury Lawyer Services
If you were injured on the job in California, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits or additional damages beyond what your employer offers. A work injury can leave you facing medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your future, especially when insurance companies delay or deny valid claims. At Saeedian Law Group, our California work injury lawyers with over 16 years of experience represent injured workers across Los Angeles and throughout the state. We help clients handle workers’ compensation claims, third-party injury cases, and employer disputes while aggressively pursuing the full compensation they deserve.
What Is a Work Injury Under California Law?
Under California law, work injury includes any injury or illness that happens while you are performing your job duties. It does not have to occur at your main workplace. That means injuries sustained while traveling for work, attending mandatory meetings, using work equipment, or completing assigned tasks off-site may still qualify. The key factor is whether the injury is connected to your employment.
California recognizes both specific injuries, which result from a single workplace accident, and cumulative trauma injuries, which develop over time due to repetitive motions or ongoing physical strain. Work-related illnesses, including exposure to hazardous substances or job-related stress conditions, may also be considered work injuries. If your injury arose from your job duties, our California work injury lawyers can help determine whether you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits or additional legal claims.
Common Types of Work Injuries in California
California employers in the private industry reported about 363,900 non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2023 alone, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These work injuries happen in various industries, mostly construction, warehousing and logistics, manufacturing, healthcare and nursing, transportation and delivery, agriculture, and office and desk-related workplaces.
Common examples of work injuries include:
- Crush injuries and amputations
- Slip and fall injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Repetitive stress and overuse injuries
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Head injuries and concussions
- Machinery and equipment-related injuries
- Construction site injuries
- Burn and electrical injuries
- Exposure to toxic chemicals or hazardous substances
- Workplace motor vehicle accidents
Your Rights in a Work Injury Claim in California
If you are injured at work in California, state law gives you important rights and protections through the workers’ compensation system, overseen by the Division of Workers’ Compensation. These rights apply to most employees, even if the accident was partly your fault.
First, you have the right to receive medical treatment for your work injury, with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance covering approved care. You also have the right to temporary disability benefits if your injury prevents you from working, as well as permanent disability benefits if the injury causes lasting impairment.
In addition, you have the right to return to work when medically cleared (especially after reaching maximum medical improvement), or request reasonable job accommodations. You can also receive supplemental job displacement benefits if you cannot return to your prior role.
If you’re denied any of these rights, or your claim is delayed or underpaid, you have the right to appeal and seek legal representation to protect your benefits. In such cases, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced workers compensation attorneys at Saeedian Law Group to help you.
How Our California Work Injury Lawyers Can Help You
Dealing with employers, insurance companies, and legal deadlines in a workplace injury claim can be stressful and confusing, especially while you are trying to recover. That’s why our California work injury attorneys are here for you. We handle every step of your claim so you can focus on healing while we fight for the benefits and compensation you deserve. Here’s how we help.
Investigating Your Work Injury
At Saeedian Law Group, we carefully examine how the injury occurred, review workplace records, and gather medical reports and witness statements. This helps us build a strong claim supported by clear evidence, thereby reducing the risk of denial.
Filing and Managing Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Our workplace injury attorneys prepare and file all required paperwork and ensure you meet all deadlines. We also manage communication with your employer and their workers’ compensation insurance company.
Identifying Third-Party Liability
If someone other than your employer caused or contributed to your injury, we investigate potential third-party claims. That way, you might be able to pursue additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
Securing Medical Treatment and Benefits
Our work injury lawyers in California can help you obtain authorized medical care and make sure your treatment is covered. If benefits are delayed, reduced, or denied, our workers compensation attorneys can take action to enforce your rights under California law.
Calculating Full Damages and Benefits
Our experienced injury attorneys for workplace incidents evaluate temporary disability, permanent disability, future medical care, and any additional benefits you may qualify for. We always want to make sure you are not underpaid or pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
We handle all negotiations with insurance adjusters and push back against low offers or unfair tactics. Our goal is to secure the maximum benefits and compensation available.
Handling Claim Disputes and Appeals
If your claim is disputed, our work injury lawyers can represent you before the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. Our team prepares evidence, presents arguments, and fights for a fair outcome.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claims
You may be wondering whether your work injury claim falls under workers compensation or personal injury lawsuit. California’s workers’ compensation system is a no-fault program that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill because of their job. You can receive benefits even if no one was clearly at fault.
In most cases, accepting workers’ compensation also means you cannot sue your employer directly for the injury. This system is designed to provide quick access to medical care and wage replacement, but it also limits the type of compensation you can recover. Workers’ compensation benefits typically include medical treatment, temporary or permanent disability payments, and partial wage replacement while you recover. However, it does not cover pain and suffering or the full impact of long-term losses.
Meanwhile, a personal injury lawsuit may apply when a third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, property owner, or negligent driver, caused your work injury, allowing you to pursue broader damages. Because it’s not always clear which option applies, our experienced California work injury attorney can help determine whether you qualify for workers’ compensation, a third-party personal injury claim, or both.
Why Choose Saeedian Law Group as Your Work Injury Lawyers
When you suffer a work injury, you need the right legal team on your side to increase your chances of a successful outcome. At Saeedian Law Group, we combine combine deep experience, local knowledge, and a client-focused approach to ensure you receive workers compensation benefits and other compensation you deserve.
Extensive California Experience
Our work injury attorneys have years of experience handling workers compensation cases throughout California. We understand the nuances of state laws and local courts, which allows us to handle complex claims effectively.
Expert Knowledge of Workers’ Compensation and Injury Law
We are well-versed in California workers’ compensation regulations and personal injury law. With this expertise, we make sure your claim is accurately evaluated, properly filed, and aggressively pursued.
Client-Focused Representation and Communication
We prioritize clear communication and personal attention. You’ll always know the status of your case and have your questions answered in plain, understandable terms.
Strong Negotiation and Litigation Strategy
We fight for fair settlements from insurance companies and employers, and if necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our strategic approach maximizes your chances of receiving full compensation.
No Fees Unless We Win
Our personal injury law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. You only pay legal fees if we successfully recover benefits or compensation for you.
What Compensation is Available in a California Work Injury Case?
In a workplace injury claim, you may be entitled to several types of compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. The benefits you can receive depend on the severity of your injury and the specific circumstances of your claim. They include:
- Medical treatment and related expenses
- Temporary disability (or temporary partial disability) benefits
- Permanent disability (or permanent partial disability) benefits
- Lost wages or income replacement
- Future medical care and rehabilitation
- Vocational rehabilitation or retraining
- Death benefits for surviving family members in cases of work injuries leading to wrongful death.
Let Us Help You Protect Your Rights After a Work Injury
A work injury can be overwhelming, leaving you with medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your future. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. At Saeedian Law Group, our experienced California work injury lawyers guide you through every step of the process, from filing your workers’ compensation claim to pursuing third-party personal injury claims when applicable.
We are committed to protecting your rights, securing the full benefits and compensation you deserve, and handling insurers and employers who may try to minimize your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
FAQs
With 16+ years of experience, our California work injury lawyers at Saeedian Law Group have provided clear answers to common questions employees in California ask after a work injury. Understanding your rights and options can help you make informed decisions about your claim.
Can I Sue My Employer for a Work Injury?
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer directly because California’s workers’ compensation system is a no-fault program. However, you may file a personal injury claim if a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver, contributed to your injury. You can also file a lawsuit if your employer failed to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
What if My Workers’ Comp Claim is Denied?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Our workers comp lawyer can guide you through the appeal process, gather additional evidence, and fight for the benefits you are entitled to.
How Long Do I Have to Report a Work Injury in California?
You should report a work injury to your employer as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days, to ensure your claim is valid. Meanwhile, the California statute of limitations for workers compensation claims is one year from the date of injury or the date of the last indemnity payment for temporary or permanent disability.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Work Injury Case?
The timeline varies depending on the severity of the injury, complexity of the case, and whether disputes arise. Some claims are resolved within a few months, while others, especially those involving permanent disability or third-party claims, may take longer.
How Much Does a Work Injury Lawyer Typically Charge?
Most work injury lawyers in California work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. You only pay attorney fees if the lawyer successfully recovers benefits or compensation for you.
What to Do After a Work Injury in California
Immediately report the injury to your employer, seek medical treatment, and document the accident. Avoid speaking to insurers without legal guidance, and contact an attorney specializing in occupational injuries to ensure your claim is properly handled.
What Qualifications Should I Look for in a Work Injury Lawyer?
Look for attorneys with experience handling California workers’ compensation and personal injury cases, a strong track record of results, and client-focused communication. Your lawyer should also be familiar with local courts, insurers, and workplace laws to maximize your claim.