Frequently Asked Questions

It is a no-fault insurance system that covers you when you get hurt or sick because of your job. You do not have to prove your employer did anything wrong. If the injury is work-related, you are generally entitled to benefits.

The main ones are medical treatment at no cost to you, payments while you are off work (temporary disability), payments for lasting effects of your injury (permanent disability), and sometimes a job retraining voucher. Mileage to medical appointments is reimbursed too.

No. Approved treatment for a work injury is fully covered. There are no co-pays and no bills coming to you.

Temporary disability generally pays two thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a state maximum. It usually starts if you are off work more than a few days and is paid every two weeks.

Tell your employer as soon as you can and ask for a claim form. Reporting early protects your rights, so do not wait. If you are past the usual window, talk to an attorney before assuming it is too late, because exceptions exist.

It is illegal for your employer to fire or punish you simply for filing a workers' compensation claim. If that happens, it is worth talking to an attorney right away.

Sometimes. It depends on whether your employer has a medical network and whether you predesignated a doctor before your injury. If you are unhappy with the care you are getting, there are ways to change doctors, and I can walk you through them.

A QME is a Qualified Medical Evaluator, a neutral doctor who examines you when there is a disagreement about your injury or your benefits. Their report carries a lot of weight, so the process is worth handling carefully.

Often, yes. California treats normal breaks like eating, resting, or using the restroom as part of your workday, especially when you are still on company property. Do not assume you are out of luck. Read the full breakdown here: Can I Still File a Workers' Compensation Claim If I Am Injured While on a Break?

A denial is not the end of the road. Insurers deny valid claims more often than people realize. You have the right to challenge it, and many denials get reversed once the right evidence is presented.

Nothing up front. Attorney fees are a small percentage of your settlement or award, usually 15 percent, and they are approved by a judge. You do not pay out of pocket, and you do not pay if there is no recovery.

It varies. Some resolve in a matter of months, others take longer if your medical condition is still changing or there is a dispute to work through. The most important thing is not to settle before you fully understand your injury and what your case is worth.

Every case is different, and a short conversation often answers more than a web page can. Reach out anytime.