San Diego Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, we make sure that our injured clients know exactly what to expect throughout the workers’ compensation process. We walk our San Diego area clients step by step through the initial meeting with us, the process of filing a claim, what the resolution of their case could be and when it could be reached.
Drawing from our in-depth experience of helping of skilled and unskilled workers, our attorneys aim to make the workers’ compensation process as simple and straightforward as possible for you. At the same time, we use creative solutions to try to get you paid as quickly as possible so you can focus more on your recovery, and less on your legal problems. During the process, we can also help you explore your options for unemployment compensation if you can no longer work.
Understanding California Workers’ Comp Benefits
Our San Diego workplace lawyers have years of experience handling workers’ compensation benefits cases in California. During that time, we have found that some of the major things clients should be aware of are:
- Medical care: The workers’ compensation process can move extremely slow if you do not know how to properly navigate through it. This can delay your access to medical care. We can help you streamline the steps and file all of the appropriate paperwork for your claim. We also deal with the insurance companies that often slow things down.
- Money: It can take insurance companies up to 90 days to either accept or deny claims, meaning there can be up to three months where you do not have any money coming in. To prevent this from imposing undue hardship, we help you find state programs that can provide income.
- Adequate medical tests: Following an injury, health care facilities customarily only perform an X-ray on the injured person. However, X-ray scans are not the most comprehensive diagnostic test these facilities can perform. When you are our client, we strongly push for the facility to conduct a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan quickly. Without this scan, it is possible that surgery or any other treatment can be delayed because the real cause of your health problems may remain hidden. These persistent health problems can also lead to missed time at work and even the loss of a job, so it is exceptionally important to get an MRI right away.
To learn more about workers’ compensation, read more about the workers’ compensation benefits and how to file a workers’ compensation claim. You can also check out our list of All 50 State’s Workers’ Compensation Agencies, or check out our FAQ section here:
What Should You Do After A Workplace Accident?
When you get hurt on the job, there are several actions you need to take to protect your best interests and your health. First and foremost, make sure you get the medical attention you need to treat your injuries. Next, you have 30 days from the date of your accident to report your injury to your employer. Finally, reach out to us for the legal representation you need to get reliable guidance through your workers’ compensation claim.
What If Your Injury Did Not Come From An Accident?
Many workplace injuries can occur over a long period of time instead of by a single accident. These injuries, often known as cumulative trauma, can be the result of making the same movement over a long period of time, and result in injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. The statute of limitations for these injuries is one year from when you learn about your injury. From there, the actions you should take are largely the same as if your injuries were from an accident.
Can You Choose Your Own Doctor?
In most cases, an employee will need to see a doctor that is in their medical provider network, or MPN. Although, you do have the right to see a different doctor if your employer and insurance have not provided you with information about your MPN or an available doctor is not within a reasonable distance for you to see.
How Long Will It Take To Resolve A Claim?
Depending on the severity of the injury or illness and other complications, the length of a workers’ compensation claim can vary. Typically, these claims can take about 90 days to resolve. Of course, our goal as your legal representation is to help you secure the money you deserve in as little time as possible, without sacrificing the quality of the outcome.
Contact Our San Diego Workers’ Comp Lawyers
To receive answers to your questions from a San Diego workers’ compensation attorney, contact Hiden, Rott & Oertle at 619-369-3323 or through our online form to schedule a free initial consultation.