Accidents in the workplace can cause severe injuries, including bone fractures, pulled muscles, burns, back injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. An unsafe workplace could also cause life-changing illnesses, such as cancer or mesothelioma. A successful insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit could help you move on from a work-related injury or illness with peace of mind. The Santee personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices Howard Kitay may be able to help you with a claim. Contact our Santee workers’ compensation lawyer today at (619) 333-1563 for a free consultation.
Why Hire Our Santee Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
- We understand the rules surrounding workers’ compensation claims in California, as well as how to navigate them for the highest possible recovery awards.
- We are unafraid of going to court on behalf of our work injury clients if we believe a lawsuit will result in greater compensation for their damages.
- We care about workers in the Santee community and are passionate about protecting their rights. We accept most workers’ compensation claims on a contingency fee basis.
What Are California’s Workers’ Compensation Laws?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault recovery system for covered employees. In California, all employers with one or more employees must provide workers’ comp benefits. After an accident at work that causes an employee injury or illness, the injured party can file a workers’ compensation claim seeking insurance benefits. The worker does not need to prove anyone’s fault or negligence for the insurance company to accept the claim and offer benefits. Almost all injuries and illnesses qualify for workers’ compensation.
Do You Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Santee, CA?
Although California’s workers’ compensation system is relatively easy to navigate, obtaining fair benefits might take additional help from a personal injury lawyer in Santee. Your employer’s insurance provider may try to undercut the value of your injury claim. It may also wrongfully deny insurance benefits. Hiring a lawyer can ensure you fulfill all the requirements in the fight for fair compensation, such as reporting your injury to your employer on time and going to the right doctor. Your workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the steps to recovery while you focus on healing.
Should You Accept a Workers’ Compensation Settlement for Santee Claims?
A workers’ compensation claim may not be your only option for financial recovery after an accident that happens at work. While it is often the simplest choice, it may shortchange you in terms of compensation if someone’s negligence caused your injury or illness. In an injury case involving negligence or the intent to harm you, filing a personal injury lawsuit instead of or in addition to a workers’ compensation claim in California could better compensate you.
For example, a workers’ comp settlement could pay for your medical bills, partial lost wages, and lost capacity to earn in the future. Workers’ compensation benefits will not reimburse you for more than two-thirds of your average weekly wage, however – and only pay up to California’s cap. A personal injury lawsuit, on the other hand, could pay for your medical bills, 100% of past and future lost wages, pain and suffering, legal expenses, punitive damages, and more.
Once you accept a workers’ comp settlement, you give up the right to bring a personal injury cause of action against your employer. This is why it is important to consult with an attorney before saying yes to an insurance company’s settlement offer. If someone other than the company you work for caused your injuries, you may be able to recover through both a workers’ compensation claim and an injury suit.
Request a Free Workers’ Compensation Consultation in Santee, CA Today
You are not alone as the injured victim of a workplace accident. If an unsafe work condition caused your injury or illness, your employer or another party may owe you compensation. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Howard Kitay can assist you with a workers’ compensation claim and/or personal injury lawsuit in Santee, California, starting with a free consultation. Call us 24/7 to speak to an attorney near you at (619) 333-1563.
