For more than 40 years we have been advocating for injured workers’ rights in the central valley. Under California workers’ compensation laws, injured employees may be eligible for medical care, temporary disability benefits, and permanent disability compensation even when the injury was their own fault. Employers are legally required to carry insurance for workplace injuries, and those insurance companies are responsible for paying benefits to workers who are hurt on the job. We at Hernandez Law are ready to help you pursue the benefits you deserve.
In most cases, workplace injuries must be reported to your employer, and if that hasn’t been done yet, our workers’ compensation attorneys can handle the reporting process for you. Once the claim is underway, the employer’s insurance is generally responsible for covering medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, and any later determined permanent disability, along with other available workers’ compensation benefits.
In some situations, a work-related injury may also involve the responsibility of a third party (someone other than your employer). In these cases, it may be possible to pursue a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury claim, or both. Our firm handles both types of cases, allowing us to evaluate all potential avenues of recovery within a single legal team and avoid the complications that can arise when multiple firms are involved.
Farmworker Accidents – May involve machinery injuries, pesticide exposure, heat-related illness, repetitive motion strain, and incidents involving field equipment or transportation.
Construction Accidents – Accidents can happen due to miscommunication, lack of proper safety protocols, or unexpected site issues.
Factory Accidents – Machinery-related hazards including repetitive motion injuries, heavy equipment incidents, conveyor belt accidents, and slip and fall injuries.
Auto Accidents – Work-related driving incidents, including company vehicle collisions and truck accidents.
Office Workplace Accidents – Involve slip and fall injuries, repetitive strain conditions like carpal tunnel and ergonomic issues.
Healthcare Incidents – arise from patient handling, long shifts, high stress conditions, equipment failures, and emergency response situations.
Restaurant Accidents – occur in fast-paced environments involving kitchen equipment injuries, burns, slips, and cuts.
Union Worker Incidents – involve varied industries and may include equipment use, coordinated workflows, and regulated job site hazards.
Workers’ compensation operates as a “no-fault” system, meaning that if you are injured while working, you are generally entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the accident, with limited exceptions. Unfortunately, to access these rights you often need an attorney to fight for them.
40+ Years of Experience
Across The Valley
These cases often involve complex procedures and strict deadlines that can be difficult to manage on your own. With experienced representation, we help ensure that all required paperwork is completed accurately, submitted on time, and supported with the necessary evidence to strengthen your claim. We also handle communication with insurance companies and the workers’ compensation division to reduce stress and keep your claim moving efficiently.
If your claim has been denied, we can file appeals and represent you at hearings, presenting the evidence needed to pursue a fair result. If you are receiving inadequate benefits, we can negotiate with insurers to seek additional compensation, including proper medical care coverage and temporary or permanent disability benefits.
We at Hernandez Law understand that it’s you and your family’s well being at stake and we’re here to help. Please give us a call for a free consultation.
What are workers’ compensation benefits?
Workers’ compensation provides financial support to employees who are unable to work due to a job-related injury or illness, helping cover lost wages and medical care during recovery.
What are the workers’ compensation requirements?
California law requires employers with at least one employee to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which covers medical treatment, disability benefits, and other related costs when an employee is injured or becomes ill due to their job.
How long do workers’ compensation benefits last?
Benefits generally continue until the injured worker reaches maximum medical improvement. The length of time depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment required.
How are workers’ compensation payment amounts calculated?
Payment amounts vary based on prior wages, but injured workers typically receive a portion of lost income along with coverage for medical expenses related to the injury.
Can you be fired while receiving workers’ compensation in California?
In California, employment is generally at-will, meaning an employer may terminate employment under certain circumstances even while an employee is receiving workers’ compensation benefits, though legal protections may apply depending on the case.
When do workers’ compensation payments begin?
Payments usually begin within 1–2 weeks after a claim is approved, although timing may vary depending on case complexity and administrative processing.
Can health insurance coverage continue during a workers’ compensation claim in California?
Continuation of health insurance depends on the employer, workplace policies, and the terms of employment, and may vary based on individual circumstances.
How can an experienced workers’ compensation attorney help with your case?
If you need experienced workers’ compensation representation, our team can help guide you through the process and pursue the benefits you may be entitled to. Give us a call for a free consultation.