When you had a work injury did your employer tell you all of your rights? Did the insurance company representative fully explain what was happening in your case? Did you feel confident that you understood the Worker's Compensation System in which you found yourself?

The Worker's Compensation System is complicated and often confusing. Not all employers and insurance companies are concerned with your welfare or interest. They are concerned with their own interest and it is often their bottom line. They may interpret the facts and the applicable law of your case differently than you do. Even well intentioned doctors who give you advice are often confused by the rules. You cannot count on your doctor to give you competent legal advice, anymore than you would expect your lawyer to give you sound medical advice. People who have suffered work injuries sometimes lose benefits simply because they are not informed of their rights, or they are given incorrect information.

Did you know that work injuries can take place off the employer's premises, during breaks, lunch hour, or in some cases during your commute? Did you know that work injuries may be the result of repetitive stress (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), heart attacks (even if they occur off the job) or allergies (such as latex allergy)? Only a lawyer can give you competent legal advise.

If you have suffered injury or illness you want to know:

·       Do I have an industrial injury?

·       What are the worker's compensation benefits?

·       How does the worker's compensation system work?

·       Do I need a lawyer?

·       How much will a lawyer cost?

Do you need legal representation? If your employer accepted your injury as industrial, timely paid temporary disability, paid all you medical bills and yyou have recovered from your injury and returned to unrestricted work without restriction, you don't need a lawyer.

You do need to consult with a lawyer under the following circumstances:

·       Your claim of injury was denied?

·       Your medical treatment has not been authorized

·       Your temporary disability is late or unpaid

·       A collection agency calls you because your medical bills are unpaid

·       Your employer fired you when you made your compensation claim

·       You have permanent impairment

·       You feel that you are being treated unfairly

·       The employer or insurance company offer to "settle" your case

Don't give up on having an attorney because of cost. If you retain this office to represent you:

·       There are no consultation fees

·       There are no filing fees

·       There is no cost for medical-legal examinations

·       The attorney fee is a contingent fee

·       There is no fee if you lose your case

·       The fee is usually 12% to 15 % of the recovery

·       The fee must be approved by a worker's compensation judge

The purpose of the California Worker's Compensation System is to restore you, the injured worker, to good health and back to work. You should know your rights. Even if you have been treated fairly, when it is time to settle your case, only your lawyer can determine if it<