What to Know if You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Fresno
If you’ve been hurt on the job, you probably have a lot of questions about your rights. Consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney at Grossman Law Offices is the right first step to ensure that you’re treated fairly and understand the benefits and compensation you may be entitled to receive. As a leading workers’ compensation lawyer in Fresno, we provide compassion and expertise that minimizes the stress of the legal process, freeing you to focus on your recovery.
About Grossman Law
Grossman Law Offices do things differently than many law firms. Other offices typically try to move you through the process rapidly without offering the patient, caring assistance you deserve. But the workers’ injury lawyers at Grossman Law know you’re a real person with emotions and needs—not just a case number.
Our lawyers have extensive experience handling workers’ compensation claims over the years and have secured full compensation for countless clients. We’re prepared to assist you in both English and Spanish, you usually won’t be responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses, and you don’t pay anything unless you win your case.
The legal team at our Fresno offices serves Central Valley communities including Bakersfield, Sacramento, and even Northern California. Just ask anyone—we’ve been a devoted member of these communities for over 50 years.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
In California, workers’ compensation law protects both employees and employers. It offers financial and medical benefits to employees who are injured or become ill on the job. Technically, it’s a form of insurance program that employers pay into, helping injured workers with benefits for their medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. It also provides benefits to dependents of workers who have died due to work-related issues. For employers, it’s important as it limits their liability since workers generally cannot sue their employers for injuries covered by workers’ comp.
Workers’ compensation is considered a “no-fault” insurance policy that protects both employees and employers from financial consequences. By “no-fault,” we mean that the system pays out benefits regardless of how the accident happened, whether or not negligence played a part, or whether someone else caused the accident. This greatly benefits workers since they don’t have to go through the complicated process of a tort claim, where the insurance company wants to pay as little as possible.
However, it’s still essential to get legal assistance, as poorly represented workers could receive a lower benefits payment than they deserve.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Typically, workers’ compensation covers:
- Medical treatment & hospital visits
- Medications
- Rehabilitation
- Wage replacement & supplemental job displacement benefits
- Death benefits for dependents
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Temporary partial & total disability benefits
- Permanent partial & total disability benefits
Understanding what workers’ comp covers and how it applies to your case can be tricky. Contact Grossman Law Offices to make sure you receive the fullest possible benefits.
How Long Can You Be on Workers’ Compensation?
Generally, your workers’ compensation benefits last as long as treatment is necessary. However, this can fluctuate based on the nature of the injury and other factors. Wage replacement benefits often have a specified time limit or continue until you can return to work, reach maximum medical improvement, or, in some cases, for life, depending on the severity of the injury. This is a complex issue best handled by an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
Can You Still Work While on Workers’ Compensation?
In some cases, it’s possible to work while receiving workers’ comp, depending on the injury and the type of benefits being received. If you can perform light or partial duties approved by a healthcare professional, you may return to work and still receive partial benefits to make up the difference.
What Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Do?
Our workplace injury lawyers at Grossman Law Offices help you understand every step of the process and get the benefits you deserve. They will take the time to fully understand your situation, assess the details, and expertly determine the maximum benefits you can receive.
When to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
You should consider consulting with a workers’ comp lawyer in Fresno as soon as possible after a work-related injury or illness. The sooner you contact us, the better we’ll be able to examine your case and begin the necessary processes to get you the benefits you are due.
Common Injuries That Qualify for Workers’ Compensation
A variety of injuries can be covered by workers’ compensation (although other injuries may also be included), such as:
- Common Injuries (Slips, Trips, and Falls):
- Falls from heights
- Slipping on wet or uneven surfaces
- Cuts and Lacerations:
- Accidents with tools or machinery
- Contact with sharp objects or surfaces
- Cumulative Injuries or Repetitive Stress Injuries:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Back problems
- Tendonitis
- Hearing Loss
- Respiratory Conditions
- Back, Neck, and Shoulder Injuries
- Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Catastrophic Injuries, Such as Traumatic Amputation
- Loss of Vision
- Occupational Illnesses:
- Diseases/contamination
- Hazardous or toxic chemicals and substances
- Muscle Strains and Sprains:
- Lifting heavy objects incorrectly
- Repetitive strain injuries from continuous movements
- Burn Injuries:
- Exposure to hot surfaces or substances
- Chemical burns
- Electrical Injuries:
- Shocks or burns from electrical equipment
- Struck-by or Caught-in/Between Objects:
- Being hit by falling objects
- Getting caught in machinery
- Motor Vehicle Accidents:
- Work-related accidents while driving for work purposes
- Injuries During Work-Related Travel:
- Accidents that occur while on a business trip
Who is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
Almost any type of worker is eligible for workers’ compensation. Below is a list of typical types of workers, but you should contact Grossman Law Offices to get exact information about your situation.
- Teachers
- Office workers
- Paramedics and other first responders
- Hospital staff
- Factory workers
- Mechanics
- Landscapers
- Restaurant staff
- Retail employees
- Construction workers
- Police officers
- Firefighters
Do Undocumented Workers Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?
In California, undocumented workers do qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. However, understanding all the details and nuances can be tricky. The lawyers at Grossman Law Offices have handled many cases for undocumented workers and immigrants—plus, we speak both Spanish and English, so we can handle your case in a way that makes you feel understood and appreciated. We have extensive experience handling workplace injury cases, which can be common in the Central Valley area.
Free In-Person Consultation with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Fresno
At Grossman Law Offices, our work accident lawyers are ready to help you with a free in-person case evaluation at any time. We have built a solid and trustworthy reputation over 50 years as a respected member of the Central Valley communities. We can assist you throughout this difficult experience with compassion, patience, and unrivaled expertise. If you prefer, we’d be happy to meet with you by phone or video conference.
Don’t leave your recovery and compensation to chance. Align yourself with a proven legal ally who will exhaust every last resource to fight for the compensation you truly deserve. Contact us today, either by phone or by filling out the form on our website, for a free consultation with an experienced and understanding workers’ comp attorney in Fresno.