Worker's Compensation Lawyer in Palm Springs

Have You Been Injured on the Job?

Have you suffered injury or illness while at your job? If so, you may be eligible to receive worker's compensation. Created by the federal government, worker's compensation is designed to provide medical treatment and financial compensation for injured or ill employees. Learn more about the benefits you can recover and how to file a workers' compensation claim.

Workplace Accidents and Injuries

Work-related injuries covers injuries that happen in the workplace as well as those that happen due to actions related to your work. Injuries occurring during company events as well as cumulative injuries resulting from the work environment are often covered under worker's compensation.

The "coming and going" rule generally means that worker's comp does not cover injuries sustained during one's commute, though exceptions exist for employees driving company vehicles or traveling on a business trip.

OSHA keeps and regularly updates an exhaustive list of specific work injuries and whether or not employees are required to record these injuries.

Some examples of common work-related injuries include:

• Muscle strains, particularly in the back and neck
• Slipping and falling
• Injuries from moving or falling objects
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Impact injuries from vehicle accidents
• Accidents with equipment, tools, or other hazardous machinery
• Toxic fume inhalation
• Loud noise exposure and industrial deafness

California Worker’s Compensation Law

In addition to federal law, the state of California has its own laws regarding worker's compensation and work injuries. Employers in California are required to purchase worker's compensation benefits to provide to employees according to California Labor Code Section 3700.

Employees have a time period of 30 days after the injury occurs to report work injuries, though there are specific rules in cases of cumulative injuries, such as repetitive stress injuries.

Benefits Under Workers' Compensation

Injuries on the job may range from one-time accidents to stress-related injury to illness that results from exposure to hazardous substances over an extended period. If you have experienced illness or injury, it is important to notify your employer and begin the process of applying for worker's compensation right away. Our Palm Springs workers' compensation lawyers at Gilbert & Bourke have an in-depth understanding of California worker's compensation law, and can help guide you through each step.

Some of the benefits that you may be eligible to receive under worker's compensation are:

• Medical expenses paid in full by your employer's insurance company
• Temporary disability benefits that are paid at a rate of two-thirds of your average weekly wage (up to a statutory maximum) until you can return to your job or have reached maximum medical improvement
• Permanent disability benefits after you have reached maximum medical improvement
• Reimbursement for reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses and mileage for travel to medical providers
• An educational training voucher for retraining at an approved school if you do not return to work within certain time limits
• Dependent death benefits to family members in case the injured or ill worker dies

Helping You Through the Worker's Compensation Process

Whether you believe that you may have a valid worker's compensation claim and want to start the process, have had your claim unfairly denied, or anything in between, let our experienced lawyers go to work on your behalf. We have a long track record of obtaining successful outcomes for clients in the Coachella Valley, and are dedicated to helping you get the assistance you need to recover.