Most employees in California are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits after experiencing an injury or illness on the job. The benefits cover medical expenses, including ongoing treatment as well as temporary or permanent disability for those who cannot return to work for the short or long term.
Unfortunately, the state’s workers’ compensation system is usually unclear, time-consuming, and complicated. A diligent attorney experienced with workers’ compensation benefits in Downey can help you navigate the process and collect payments successfully. Contact Glauber Berenson Vego today to speak with our trusted team.
Most workers are eligible to collect benefits to cover all appropriate treatments they require due to workplace injuries or illnesses and should not be responsible for paying any out-of-pocket healthcare expenses or deductibles. Reasonable healthcare costs include emergency room care, hospital bills, therapy treatments, medical equipment, and prescriptions.
Healthcare provider options depend on the employer’s plan. If the business sets up a medical provider network (MPN), employees will usually need to choose a doctor within the network for treatment. A Downey attorney who is knowledgeable about the area’s workers’ comp benefits can help an injured worker complete the necessary forms and find the appropriate medical care to comply with regulations.
Workers’ compensation benefits in Downey also include temporary and permanent disability payments. If the employee’s doctor advises the injured individual should not return to work immediately, they may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. These payments replace a portion of lost wages until the employee can return to work and perform their duties. The calculation for how much compensation a worker receives varies slightly but is approximately two-thirds of their salary.
When workplace injuries cause a long-term disability, the injured employee may be entitled to permanent disability benefits. This calculation depends on the doctor’s evaluations.
There are specific steps Downey employees must take after a workplace accident, and they must complete each within the required timeframe. Missing a step or deadline could mean losing eligibility to collect workers’ benefits.
Immediate reporting of injuries or illness to an employer is best when possible. If it is not possible the same day, report the injury as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
The employer must provide a benefits claim form and instructions to the employee within one day of receiving their report of injuries. An application must be filed within one year of the accident date.
Unfortunately, it is common to face hurdles, including denials of benefits, because of errors. Our team can answer questions and guide an injured employee through the process to help avoid unnecessary delays.
While the state protects workers by making almost everyone eligible for workers’ comp benefits after suffering an injury completing work duties, collecting them is usually difficult. The stress can often be overwhelming when you cannot return to work and begin receiving costly medical bills.
At Glauber Berenson Vego, our team is highly skilled and experienced with all aspects of workers’ comp claims. Let us provide you with the sound legal guidance you need and assist you every step of the way. Call today to begin reviewing the process of securing workers’ compensation benefits in Downey.
