Redding Workers’ Compensation Law Blog

Accidents happen. In the workplace, injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-altering conditions. When you're hurt on the job, workers' compensation is a crucial safety net. But how are these benefits calculated? Understanding how workers' compensation payments are determined is essential to ensure you receive the support you deserve. This LTHZ Law guide will break down the key factors that influence your compensation and help you navigate the complexities of the system. What is Workers' Compensation? Workers' compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides financial and medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It's a no-fault system, meaning you don't have to prove that your employer was negligent to receive benefits. Purpose...

Workplace injuries can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving employees struggling to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. While California’s workers’ compensation system aims to provide a safety net, the path to securing benefits can be riddled with obstacles. This is where a workers’ comp lawyer in California becomes essential, advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve. Let’s explore everything you need to know about workers’ compensation and why expert legal guidance at LTHZ Law is invaluable. What is Workers' Compensation in California? Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance program mandated by the state to provide benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. This system protects both employees and employers by ensuring...

In this article, you can discover… The role of cumulative trauma in a workers’ comp claim. The statute of limitations for claims in California. Evidence needed to prove cumulative trauma. What Is A Cumulative Trauma Claim In Workers’ Compensation?  A cumulative trauma claim is a claim that you have suffered an injury over the course of time as opposed to at a single moment in time. This could happen through repetitive stress injury due to repeating the same motion over the years, such as typing on a keyboard.  Cumulative trauma’s beginning date is when you first started to work in the industry where the injury began, and its end date is when you left that industry or until the present....

In this article, you can discover… The role of a Medical Provider Network in workers’ comp. Your rights if you disagree with the MPN’s diagnosis. The steps to appeal an MPN decision. What Is A Medical Provider Network (MPN) In Worker’s Compensation? A Medical Provider Network (MPN) is a list of doctors that the injured worker is limited to choose from in a workers’ comp case. This could be a general practitioner or a specialist, and either a primary or secondary doctor.  What Should I Do If I Need A Specialist Not Available Within The MPN? If the MPN does not have at least three doctors who specialize in the field you need, you may request the insurance company’s medical...

In this article, you can discover… The definition and purpose of a sub rosa video in a workers’ comp claim. Your rights related to sub rosa video taping. Your attorney’s role in handling matters related to sub rosa video evidence. What Is A Sub Rosa Video In Layman’s Terms? A Sub Rosa video is a type of surveillance video where an insurance company hires a private investigator to secretly—or sometimes openly—record an injured worker’s daily activities. The goal is to capture footage that might show the worker doing things that contradict their claims of being injured. These videos can range from simple activities like going to the gas station, grocery store, or hardware store, to more recreational outings like attending...

In this article, you can discover… How A Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) can impact your workers’ comp case. The timeframe for selecting a QME. Common pitfalls to avoid when choosing a QME. What Is A Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME)? A Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) is a doctor who sees you after you’ve filed a workers’ comp claim. They provide a comprehensive medical and legal evaluation to determine various factors in your workers' compensation case. Why Is Selecting The Right QME Crucial For Your Workers' Compensation Case? Selecting the right Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) is a critical decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your workers' compensation case. The QME plays a vital role in ensuring your injury is evaluated...

When it comes to filing for workers’ compensation after an injury or accident on the job, there are many decisions you will need to make. Some proactively, some implicitly. In this article, we will cover what you need to know to make those decisions in California, including: The deadlines for filing your workers' compensation claim in California. Why you do not need to worry about employer retaliation. How to choose your doctor, and what to tell them. How Long Do I Have To File A Workers' Compensation Claim In California? Injuries are not always obvious, nor is their extent or the extent of their consequences on your life. Because you might only realize these things later, it is important that...

Workplace accidents and injuries take many forms. Each one has a different set of causes, circumstances, and outcomes. But there is only one way to be sure you get the financial compensation you need to cover your costs and lost income: workers’ compensation. This article dives deep into what makes for a strong California workplace compensation claim and how to prove it, including: The elements you will need to prove to get workers’ compensation. The evidence needed to prove a workers’ compensation claim in California. How to handle a qualified medical evaluator form without making costly errors. In an ideal world, workers’ compensation insurance providers would take one look at the bill from your doctors and your salary and pay...

Workers’ compensation is an important but field of law that enables injured employees to obtain financial compensation for the harm they have suffered as part of their work. But these cases are rarely cut and dry; this article dives deeper into California’s workers’ compensation system, explaining: What happens when you are partially at fault for the injury you incurred in the workplace? Why you might not need to have been physically at your workplace when you are injured. What should you do if you believe you have a valid workers’ compensation claim? What Happens If I Am Partially At Fault For The Incident That Caused My Injury? Accidents and injuries tend to be complicated and messy. The circumstances leading to...

If you have ever suffered a workplace or work-related injury, you know the struggle of trying to get the compensation you deserve out of your employer and their insurance through California’s workers’ compensation system. This article covers the essentials every employee or worker ought to know about workers’ compensation in California, including: What insurance employers are required to carry, and when they can be called upon after a workplace injury. When an injury is considered work-related and thus eligible for workers’ compensation. Key examples to help you understand when your right to compensation applies. Are All Employers Required To Carry Workers' Compensation Insurance In California? No matter what your job is, it is always possible to be injured in the...

Are Undocumented Workers Eligible For Workers’ Compensation? Undocumented immigrants are a substantial and important part of California’s workforce. However, undocumented workers are just as likely to suffer a serious work accident as their colleagues. Regardless of what you may have heard, undocumented workers are eligible for workers’ compensation. If you suffered a work injury and your immigration status is a concern, let Leep, Tescher, Helfman and Zanze help. Attorney Ben Helfman represents workers throughout Shasta County and the surrounding counties in California regardless of legal status. You likely have unique concerns about your career, your family and your home. You do have legal options, and an experienced lawyer can explain them to you. Know Your Rights – Even Without Documentation...

12 Reasons To Get A Lawyer On Your Side Do you really need an attorney to help you pursue workers’ compensation benefits? At Leep, Tescher, Helfman and Zanze in Redding, California, attorney Ben Helfman and his legal team certainly believe so. Here are 12 situations in which engaging the help of a lawyer can prove invaluable: Your employer tells you your injury isn’t covered by workers’ compensation. The insurance company denies your claim. Your current job made a pre-existing injury worse. You are currently receiving Social Security Disability benefits. You plan to use Medicare in the near future. You were laid off or fired immediately after your injury or accident. You don’t think you are getting all of the workers’ compensation...

If Your Claim Was Denied, Don’t Give Up If your workers’ compensation claim was denied, you’re not alone. More importantly, a denial doesn’t necessarily mean that your claim is invalid. The insurance companies have one goal: to keep as much money as possible. For this reason, they sometimes deny valid claims in the hopes that the injured individuals will simply give up. Don’t let them get away with it. Instead, consult a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer at Leep, Tescher, Helfman and Zanze for understanding counsel and vigorous representation. Attorney Ben Helfman is experienced in handling workers’ compensation issues in Redding, across Shasta County and throughout the surrounding areas of California. Additionally, he is a board-certified specialist, which means you can...

What To Look For In A Workers’ Comp Attorney So you were injured on the job and you know you need a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you get the benefits you deserve. But how do you select the right attorney? What should you look for when making such an important choice? At Leep, Tescher, Helfman and Zanze in Redding, California, the legal team believes that most injured workers are best served by choosing someone who is: Certified as a specialist in workers’ compensation – To achieve this certification, a lawyer must pass a rigorous examination, demonstrate a high level of experience, complete at least 45 hours of continuing education and be rated favorably by his or her peers. Attorney Ben Helfman...

The logging industry plays a vital role in the economy by providing firewood and lumber for buildings and other applications. Unfortunately, because of the nature of the industry, workers are at risk of suffering injuries. These hard workers face numerous hazards on a daily basis. Understanding them can help reduce the risk of an accident, but the onus to prevent injuries ultimately falls on employers, not the workers themselves. Cuts And Lacerations In the logging industry, cuts and lacerations are common injuries from using sharp tools and machinery, such as chainsaws and axes. The risk is particularly high during tree felling and limb removal, where workers are in close contact with sharp edges. Proper safety gear, including cut-resistant clothing and gloves and...

Most injured workers count on workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical care costs and provide other benefits. But, getting these benefits isn’t always easy. A critical step in getting the benefits that one is due is selecting a qualified medical examiner (QME) in conjunction with one’s California workers’ compensation case. The choice directly influences the case outcome because the QME’s evaluation is crucial in determining the nature and extent of a worker’s injury. Understanding how to navigate this selection process is essential for a favorable outcome. In a workers’ compensation case, a QME is a licensed physician certified by the Division of Workers’ Compensation Medical Unit. They aim provide an objective medical opinion, vital in resolving disputes about workers’ compensation benefits. This...

The workers’ compensation system is designed to provide essential financial support, along with other kinds of assistance, to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. The supplemental job displacement benefit (SJDB) is one of the lesser-known forms of assistance injured workers can receive. When a complete recovery from an on-the-job injury or illness isn’t possible, SJDBs can provide new hope – and a chance to learn new skills – for workers who want to return to work, even if they can no longer go back to their old professions. The Key Features Of Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits The supplemental job displacement benefit is a unique provision within California’s workers’ comp system, in line with this state’s commitment to look after its workers’...

Despite the fact that workers’ comp can provide medical and financial lifelines for injured workers, few people want to be off work any longer than necessary. However, part of the workers’ compensation process is determining whether you need temporary or permanent work restrictions once you return. What Are Work Restrictions? Work restrictions are medical guidelines established by the doctor in charge of your care that are designed to modify or limit your work-related activities. Work restrictions are important to: Employee safety: The primary goal of work restrictions is to prevent you, the injured worker, from engaging in activities that could cause you additional harm. Faster recoveries: By tailoring your job duties to accommodate your condition, work restrictions help speed your...

There are two pressing financial factors that tend to affect those who have recently been hurt on the job in California. The first is the cost of medical care, which can be significant if an individual’s injury or medical condition is particularly severe. The second is the possibility of lost wages because someone cannot do their job as normal due to their medical condition. The California workers’ compensation program helps to reduce that financial stress on employees by providing them with benefits. Workers can typically receive full medical coverage for necessary treatment and disability benefits until they can return to work. However, many injured workers find themselves disagreeing with their employers about whether they are ready to go back to...

Being injured on the job is never an easy experience for you. Depending on the severity of your injury, your life could be dramatically impacted by your injury, and it may take you years of therapy and medical treatment in order to recover. When you are injured, you rely on the workers’ compensation system in order to get the help you need. Called the Great Compromise, workers’ compensation provides you with the right to receive medical care from your employer if you are injured while at work during the performance of your work duties. However, what happens when the system is not working the way that it is intended, and you are struggling to get the help you need? For...

Thousands of workers hit the road as part of their job every day in California. There are numerous professionals whose job consists almost exclusively of driving. Some people drive their own vehicles, while others operate vehicles from a fleet maintained by their employer. From those who operate school buses to those who provide rideshare services or deliver pizzas, many workers are on the road for almost their entire shift. There are countless other employees who have to run errands or drive to client locations as part of their jobs. A manager at a restaurant might need to drive to the bank to get change or to a supplier to pick up heavy cream when the kitchen runs out unexpectedly. Plumbers...

The average person might not understand how demanding restaurant work can be, let alone how dangerous it often is. Many fail to understand the skill required to handle the constant pressure that comes with restaurant jobs. The professionals that serve in the restaurant industry often work long hours to provide service for customers, and they also frequently put themselves at risk of serious injury. What makes restaurant work so dangerous? Slip-And-Falls People can slip and fall in any environment, but a restaurant is a perfect storm of dangerous conditions. People have to move at a quick pace, and there are constantly liquids and other items getting transported. All it takes is someone spilling a drink or dropping a few candies...

There are many different kinds of jobs, but no matter what kind of work people have, there’s always the chance of injury. Workplace injuries happen much more often than people realize. There’s nearly an accident every minute, with millions of accidents happening across the country every year. Every job has its own unique struggles. And, while each injury is unique, many of them fit into a few categories. Here are the most common workplace injuries: Slip And Falls People slip and fall at home all the time, so it’s only likely people will have the same issues in uncontrollable environments such as work. A slip and fall accident can lead to serious head and spine trauma. Some injuries may only cause minor...

If you were off the job due to a work-related injury and were receiving workers’ comp, you may have reasonable concerns about going back to work. Will you be able to perform the job successfully? Will you aggravate the injury you just recovered from? Will your employer be flexible if you have certain physical restrictions on what you can safely do? All these worries are quite understandable. As much as you want to get back to work, you want to do so in a manner that protects your physical well-being. While You Are Healing While you are getting better, your doctor will likely communicate with the claims administrator. The doctor will give you the green light to resume your job...