Workers’ comp, answered in plain English
Straight answers to the questions injured workers in California actually ask — no legalese. Every answer starts with the short version, then explains what to do next.
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Can you see your own doctor for a work injury?
Usually not right away. Most injured workers must start treatment inside the insurance company's Medical Provider Network (MPN), but you can switch to a…
Leer en español →Do I need a lawyer for my workers' comp claim in California?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for a California workers' comp claim, but it helps most once the insurance company denies care, disputes your…
Leer en español →What is "permanent disability" money in a workers' comp case, and who qualifies for it?
Permanent disability (PD) money pays you for a lasting loss of physical or mental function that remains after your doctor says you've reached maximum…
Leer en español →Who qualifies for workers' comp death benefits in California?
In California, a worker's surviving spouse, minor children, and other "total or partial dependents" (parents, adult children, or others who relied on the…
Leer en español →What percentage does a workers comp attorney take in California?
California workers' comp attorneys typically take 12% to 18% of your settlement or award, not an hourly fee. The exact percentage must be approved by a…
Leer en español →What is the difference between a total dependent and a partial dependent for California workers' comp death benefits?
A total dependent relied on the worker's income for all financial support and can receive the full death benefit (currently up to $390,000-plus depending on…
Leer en español →My boss calls me a "1099 contractor" — does that mean I can't get workers' comp?
No. A 1099 form or a "contractor" label does not decide your legal status in California. Under the ABC test in Labor Code 2775, most workers are presumed…
Leer en español →Hurt in the Kern oilfields? What roughnecks and operators should know
Yes, you have a right to workers' compensation if you're hurt on a Kern County drill site, no matter which contractor signs your paycheck or whose land the…
Leer en español →How does a permanent disability rating work in California workers' comp?
A permanent disability rating is a percentage that estimates how much a work injury will limit your ability to work and earn a living. A doctor measures…
Leer en español →Is it too late to file a workers' comp claim if too much time has passed?
Not necessarily. California's one-year filing deadline has real exceptions, including the "discovery rule" for injuries you didn't realize were work-related…
Leer en español →How do I find a good workers' compensation lawyer near me in California?
Look for a California-licensed attorney who handles workers' comp claims regularly, works on contingency (no upfront fee), is certified or experienced…
Leer en español →Do I need a lawyer for my workers' comp claim in California?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer for a California workers' comp claim, but a lawyer helps most when your claim is denied, delayed, involves a…
Leer en español →What percentage does a workers comp attorney take in California?
California workers' comp attorneys typically charge between 12%-18% of your settlement or award, not an upfront fee. A workers' compensation judge must…
Leer en español →Can I get paid mileage for driving to my workers' comp doctor?
Yes. California law requires the workers' comp insurance company to reimburse you for round-trip mileage to medical appointments, physical therapy, and the…
Leer en español →Can I get reimbursed for driving to my workers' comp doctor appointments?
Yes. California law requires your employer's workers' comp insurer to reimburse round-trip mileage for every medical appointment, physical therapy session,…
Leer en español →Is it too late to file a workers' comp claim in California if a lot of time has passed?
Not necessarily. California's one-year deadline has real exceptions: the "discovery rule" for injuries you didn't connect to work right away (common with…
Leer en español →Can I still get workers' comp if the accident was my fault?
Yes, in almost every case. California workers' compensation is a no-fault system, so it doesn't matter if you slipped, misjudged a step, or made a mistake —…
Leer en español →I'm a delivery driver labeled an "independent contractor" — can I still get workers' comp if I'm hurt on the job?
Maybe — being called an "independent contractor" doesn't automatically make it true. Many delivery drivers are misclassified employees who legally qualify…
Leer en español →Is it too late to file a workers' comp claim if a lot of time has passed?
Not necessarily. California's one-year filing deadline (Labor Code 5405) has real exceptions: the discovery rule for injuries you didn't know were…
Leer en español →Can I still get workers' comp if the accident was my fault?
Yes. California workers' compensation is a no-fault system, so it almost never matters whether you slipped, misjudged a lift, or made a mistake. You do not…
Leer en español →Nobody saw my work accident happen. Can I still win a workers' comp claim?
Yes. California workers' comp does not require an eyewitness. Your own credible, consistent account of the injury — backed by prompt reporting, medical…
Leer en español →Can I get paid mileage for driving to my workers' comp doctor appointments?
Yes. California law requires your employer's workers' comp insurance to reimburse round-trip mileage for medical exams, treatment, physical therapy, and…
Leer en español →What decides what a workers' comp case is worth?
No fixed number decides a case's value — it depends on your disability rating, wages, future medical needs, and whether your employer's insurer disputes…
Leer en español →Can the workers' comp insurance company really watch me and check my social media?
Yes. Insurance companies legally use "sub-rosa" video surveillance and review public social media to check if your activities match your reported injury…
Leer en español →If a worker dies from a job injury or illness, what benefits can the family receive in California?
Yes, California law gives surviving dependents the right to death benefits and burial expense reimbursement through workers' compensation. Death benefits…
Leer en español →If my injury built up slowly over years instead of happening in one accident, can I still file a workers' comp claim?
Yes. California law recognizes "cumulative trauma" injuries — damage to your back, knees, shoulders, hands, or hearing caused by years of repetitive work,…
Leer en español →They drug-tested me after my work accident. Does that mean I lose my workers' comp case?
No, not automatically. A positive drug test alone does not defeat your workers' comp claim. Under Labor Code §3600(a)(4), your employer must prove your…
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Cities we serve
Our office is in Palmdale. We serve the other communities below by phone, text, and video, and meet in person in Palmdale by appointment.