The workers’ compensation case process in Glendale is essential to understand after sustaining an injury on the job. Filing a workers’ compensation claim is necessary to obtain the benefits you need while you recover from your injury, including compensation for medical care and lost wages.
Legal representation throughout the claims process may be especially helpful for workers who are unsure of their rights or are facing a disputed claim. The expert workers’ compensation attorneys at Glauber Berenson Vego are committed to protecting the rights of injured workers and helping them obtain the benefits they are entitled to under state law.
The first step an employee in Glendale must take to begin the workers’ compensation case process is to report their workplace injury to their employer. This should be done as soon as possible, as delays could lead to a claim being dismissed. The notice must be in writing and the employee must sign it. After the employer receives the notice, they should provide the employee with a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form (DWC 1) for them to complete. They must provide basic information about the incident, such as when and where it happened and a description of the injury.
Workers’ compensation benefits include the right to reasonable medical care. Employers are required to cover necessary medical expenses after you sustain a workplace injury. However, unless you pre-designate a medical care provider before the injury, your employer or their insurance company can select your physician for the first 30 days of treatment. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible is crucial not only to reduce the risk of further harm but also to properly link the injury to the workplace accident.
During the workers’ compensation claims process in Glendale, your employer, along with their insurer and claim adjuster, will review your case and decide whether to accept or deny benefits. If they do not respond to the claim in a timely manner, it creates a presumption of acceptance, meaning the employee can assume their claim has been accepted.
Disputes are common in workers’ compensation cases, as employers may try to deny liability. An employer may reject a claim, arguing that the injury was not caused by a workplace incident or that the injured worker was an independent contractor and therefore not entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
Alternatively, an employer may only grant partial benefits if there is a disagreement over the severity of the injury. For example, there may be a dispute about whether an injury causes temporary or permanent disability, or whether certain medical treatments are reasonable.
The workers’ compensation case process in Glendale can be complex due to the medical documentation and other factors involved in a workplace injury. Employers may attempt to reduce benefits, dispute the severity of your injury, or deny your claim altogether. Our experienced attorneys are here to serve as trusted counsel to injured workers who are facing legal challenges with their claims or disputes with their employers.
If you were severely injured on the job, you have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. For the best possible outcome, work with the dedicated team at Glauber Berenson Vego today.
