Cal/OSHA Cites Company for Workplace Safety Violations—Employees Exposed to Toxic Chemicals in the Workplace

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On March 21st, 2023, the State of California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) announced sanctions against Parter Medical Products, Inc., a Carson-based manufacturer. The employer was cited for a willful violation, including exposing employees to toxic chemicals in the workplace. Here, our Fresno workers’ compensation lawyer highlights the most important things to know about the Cal/OSHA citations and explains …

Cal/OSHA Cites Company for Workplace Safety Violations—Employees Exposed to Toxic Chemicals in the Workplace Read More »

Report: Despite State Law, Firefighters in California Struggle to Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Cancer 

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According to a report from Mother Jones, many firefighters who have developed cancer are struggling to get workers’ compensation benefits. This is happening in California, despite the fact that our state has a specific statute in place that is designed to make it easier for firefighters to obtain workers’ compensation benefits for cancer and some other …

Report: Despite State Law, Firefighters in California Struggle to Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Cancer  Read More »

Worker Granted Reconsideration By California’s Workers’ Comp Appeals Board

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According to a report from Human Resources Director (HRD), a California carpet installer has been granted reconsideration by the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). In Ruiz vs. SK Floor Covering and State Compensation Insurance Fund, a court had initially dismissed the attempt by the injured worker (Mr. Ruiz) to reopen the workers’ comp claim. However, on …

Worker Granted Reconsideration By California’s Workers’ Comp Appeals Board Read More »

Returning to Work After an Accident in Fresno: The Three Main Paths and Your Rights as a Worker 

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Accidents happen in the workplace. The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) reports that 161,860 workers missed time on the job due to work-related injuries or illnesses in 2020 alone. Workers’ compensation insurance coverage helps to ensure that people who were hurt on the job have the financial resources that they need to pay for medical care …

Returning to Work After an Accident in Fresno: The Three Main Paths and Your Rights as a Worker  Read More »

What Happens if Your Workers’ Comp Disability Payment is Late?

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A serious work-related injury or illness can put an incredible financial strain on a family. Workers’ comp helps to alleviate the burden. People need their full and fair workers’ compensation benefits without any unjustified delay. Getting approved for workers’ comp can bring a great sense of relief. Disability payments for workers’ comp are generally paid …

What Happens if Your Workers’ Comp Disability Payment is Late? Read More »

OSHA Cites Amazon for Warehouse Safety Violations and Failure to Report Work Injuries 

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According to reporting from ABC30 News – KFSN Fresno, Amazon—one of California’s largest employers—has been cited for serious workplace safety violations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). On December 16th, 2022, OSHA announced 14 different safety violations by Amazon related to its warehouses. The investigation is still ongoing. Here, our Fresno workers’ comp attorney discusses the workplace safety …

OSHA Cites Amazon for Warehouse Safety Violations and Failure to Report Work Injuries  Read More »

Utilization Review (UR): What Injured Workers in California Need to Know About Their Right to Appeal

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Were you injured on the job in Fresno? If so, it is absolutely crucial that you get all of the medical treatment that you need—for emergency treatment to rehabilitative care. The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) explains the law clearly: an injured worker is “entitled to reasonable medical treatment to cure or relieve work-related injuries and …

Utilization Review (UR): What Injured Workers in California Need to Know About Their Right to Appeal Read More »

Workers’ Comp Benefits are Set to Increase in California in 2023

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Inflation has become a major policy concern in the United States and around the world. As reported by PBS, the annual inflation rate hit a 40-year high earlier this year. Workers’ compensation benefits are adjusted annually to account for changes in the cost of living. A significant increase in workers’ comp benefits will take effect in …

Workers’ Comp Benefits are Set to Increase in California in 2023 Read More »

Injured California Worker Brings Successful Serious and Willful Misconduct Claim

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Under California law, a workers’ compensation claim is generally the sole legal remedy that an injured worker has against their own employer. However, there is a key exception for cases in which an employee was harmed because of “serious and willful” misconduct by the employer. Through this type of claim, injured workers may be entitled …

Injured California Worker Brings Successful Serious and Willful Misconduct Claim Read More »

How Can a Fresno Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me After a Workplace Accident?

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Were you hurt on the job in the San Joaquin Valley region of California? It is imperative that you have access to the financial compensation that you need to cover medical costs, pay bills, and support your family.  A workers’ comp lawyer can make the difference—helping you navigate the process, get justice, and secure full and …

How Can a Fresno Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me After a Workplace Accident? Read More »

Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) Grants Injured Painter Workers’ Comp Benefits 

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According to a report from HRD California, a painter has been awarded workers’ compensation benefits after initially being denied by an employer. The ruling demonstrates that injured workers who have had their benefits denied are not out of options. You have the right to appeal a workers’ compensation denial in California. In this blog post, our Fresno …

Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) Grants Injured Painter Workers’ Comp Benefits  Read More »

How Do You Qualify for Permanent Disability Benefits for a Work Injury in California?

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A work injury can cause severe disruption to a person’s life. Workers’ compensation insurance exists as a form of much-needed financial protection. Injured workers in California can seek medical coverage and wage replacement benefits to aid with their physical and mental recovery. Sadly, some work-related accidents are so severe that employees are left with permanent …

How Do You Qualify for Permanent Disability Benefits for a Work Injury in California? Read More »

How Do You Qualify for Permanent Disability Benefits for a Work Injury in California?

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A work injury can cause severe disruption to a person’s life. Workers’ compensation insurance exists as a form of much-needed financial protection. Injured workers in California can seek medical coverage and wage replacement benefits to aid with their physical and mental recovery. Sadly, some work-related accidents are so severe that employees are left with permanent …

How Do You Qualify for Permanent Disability Benefits for a Work Injury in California? Read More »

Are Seasonal Employees Covered By Workers’ Compensation Insurance in California?

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Seasonal employment is a huge part of the American economy. A wide range of industries—from retail to agriculture to tourism—rely on the contributions of seasonal workers. The United States Department of Labor (DOL) emphasizes that the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) applies to seasonal workers. You may be wondering: Are seasonal workers covered by workers’ compensation? In California, the …

Are Seasonal Employees Covered By Workers’ Compensation Insurance in California? Read More »

Cal/OSHA Published Official Guidance to Protect Workers From Monkeypox Exposure 

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In May of 2022, the first documented case of Monkeypox associated with the recent global outbreak was reported in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared Monkeypox a public health emergency. As of October 1st, approximately 5,000 cases of Monkeypox have been confirmed in California.   On September 15th, 2022, Cal/OSHA published …

Cal/OSHA Published Official Guidance to Protect Workers From Monkeypox Exposure  Read More »

California Workers’ Comp and Temporary Disability Benefits: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

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Work injuries and illnesses remain a serious safety concern. According to data from the State of California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), 645,409 first-reports-of-injury (FROIs) were filed in the state in 2020 alone. Employees in California are protected by workers’ compensation insurance coverage. If you are forced to miss time at work due to a job-related …

California Workers’ Comp and Temporary Disability Benefits: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Read More »

Amazon Drawing Major Scrutiny After a Series of Warehouse Worker Deaths 

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Amazon is one of the largest employers in the United States, including in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Over the last few years, the company has drawn major scrutiny regarding workplace safety—especially in its warehouses. According to a report from CNET, Amazon is facing another round of inquiries following a series of worker fatalities in …

Amazon Drawing Major Scrutiny After a Series of Warehouse Worker Deaths  Read More »

WCAB Rules No Need to Authenticate Documents Without Genuine Question

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Recently, the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) ruled in favor of an employee in the case of Ifonia Gelin, Applicant v. Bear Flag Marketing  Corporation, and Pegasus, Administered by Corvel  Corporation. The Board determined that California workers’ comp laws do not require authentication of the documents provided by the parties unless there is a genuine dispute regarding authenticity. …

WCAB Rules No Need to Authenticate Documents Without Genuine Question Read More »

I Was Hurt On the Job and Found Out My Employer is Uninsured: What are My Options?

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Under California Labor Code § 3700, your employer has a legal responsibility to ensure that you are covered by no-fault workers’ comp insurance. Workers’ compensation coverage will protect you in the unfortunate event that you are injured. This raises an important question: What do you do if you find out that your employer does not have workers’ …

I Was Hurt On the Job and Found Out My Employer is Uninsured: What are My Options? Read More »

COVID-19 Remains a Serious Issue in California Workplaces: Claims are on the Rise

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According to a report from Business Insurance, workers’ compensation claims for COVID-19 are once again on the rise in California. The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) reports that COVID-19 workers’ comp claim increased by more than 500% over a two-month period this spring. More than 6,000 workers filed for COVID-19 workers’ comp benefits in the state …

COVID-19 Remains a Serious Issue in California Workplaces: Claims are on the Rise Read More »

Know Your Rights: Seven Key Things to Know About Workers’ Comp in California 

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Were you hurt while on the job in Fresno? If so, it is crucial that you know how to navigate the process so that you can protect your health, mental well-being, and your financial interests. A workers’ comp claim can be complicated. Here, our Fresno workers’ comp attorney explains seven things that you should understand about workers’ …

Know Your Rights: Seven Key Things to Know About Workers’ Comp in California  Read More »

Offered a Light Duty Position by an Employer After a Work Injury? It Must Meet These Four Requirements

Employment, General, Return to Work / By

A work injury can result in a serious, long-term physical or mental impairment. In some cases, injured workers may not be ready to return to their previous position. An employer offers a worker a suitable “light duty” position. Light duty work is defined broadly as some form of adjusted work that a person can safely …

Offered a Light Duty Position by an Employer After a Work Injury? It Must Meet These Four Requirements Read More »

Workers’ Compensation in California: What is a P&S Report?

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Workplace accidents happen every day in California. Most work-related injuries are mild or moderate—with the proper treatment the injured employee is able to make a full recovery and return to their position. However, unfortunately, that is not always the case. There are thousands of workers who suffer permanent impairments in job-related accidents each year in …

Workers’ Compensation in California: What is a P&S Report? Read More »

Everything You Need to Know About Getting Medical Care After a Work Injury in California

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Work injuries happen every day. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that work-related accidents and occupational diseases cause nearly 1.2 million people to miss time on-the-job each year. Workers’ comp insurance protects people. Through a workers’ comp claim, you can get no-fault benefits for your medical care. In this article, our Fresno work injury attorney explains everything you …

Everything You Need to Know About Getting Medical Care After a Work Injury in California Read More »

Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care in California?

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Chiropractic care is a form of “alternative medicine” that is focused on the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. It is often used for back injuries and spinal cord injuries—though chiropractors can treat a wide range of other medical conditions as well. This raises an important question: Is a chiropractor covered by workers’ comp insurance in California? The …

Does Workers’ Compensation Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care in California? Read More »

Workers’ Comp in California: Who Decides Which “Light or Modified Duty” Medical Restrictions are Appropriate?

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State law requires employers to provide no-fault workers’ comp coverage (California Labor Code § 3700). Through a workers’ comp claim, an employer can get benefits to cover their medical care and support them during the time that they need to take off to recover from their injury or illness.  Most people want to get back …

Workers’ Comp in California: Who Decides Which “Light or Modified Duty” Medical Restrictions are Appropriate? Read More »

Study Finds Amazon Workers Injured at Higher Rates Than Other Warehouse Workers

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Amazon is the largest employer of warehouse workers in the United States. By some metrics, nearly one quarter of all people who work in a warehouse in the U.S. are employed by Amazon. The company is still expanding its footprint. Amazon is scheduled to open a massive new 855,000 square foot fulfillment center in Fresno …

Study Finds Amazon Workers Injured at Higher Rates Than Other Warehouse Workers Read More »

Workplace Safety Reminder for the Summer: Outdoor Workers Must be Protected

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On April 26th, 2022, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) issued an official reminder that employers have a legal responsibility to protect outdoor workers from the risk posed by heal-related illnesses and exposure to harmful wildfire smoke. With the summer months fast approaching, employers must put the proper health and safety precautions in place. In this …

Workplace Safety Reminder for the Summer: Outdoor Workers Must be Protected Read More »

Five Duties an Employer Owes to You After a Workplace Accident in California 

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All workers in Fresno County are entitled to no-fault workers comp coverage under California Labor Code § 3700. If you sustained a work injury, you have the right to seek workers’ comp benefits for medical care and wage replacement. Beyond that, your employer owes you certain basic duties after an accident. In this article, you will find …

Five Duties an Employer Owes to You After a Workplace Accident in California  Read More »

What is a Medical Provider Network (MPN) in California Workers’ Comp Claim?

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Were you injured on the job in Fresno County? If so, you may have questions or concerns about who you should see for medical care. Can you choose your own doctor? Do you have to go to someone picked by your employer? The answers depend on several factors, including whether your employer is part of …

What is a Medical Provider Network (MPN) in California Workers’ Comp Claim? Read More »

How Long Does it Take on Average to Get Workers’ Comp Benefits in California

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Unfortunately, workplace injuries and accidents continue to happen far too frequently. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that 1.1 million workers take time off annually to recover from a job-related injury or occupational disease. Workers’ compensation insurance exists to help ensure that employers have financial protection and security after an accident.  You may be wondering: How …

How Long Does it Take on Average to Get Workers’ Comp Benefits in California Read More »

Nurses in California Push for More Comprehensive Workers’ Comp Rights

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According to a report from Bloomberg Law, nurses are continuing to push for more comprehensive workers’ compensation rights. With backing from top labor advocacy groups, the coalition of nurses wants legal rights that put them in the same position—eligible for a presumption of coverage for certain injuries and illnesses—that law enforcement officers and firefighters receive. In …

Nurses in California Push for More Comprehensive Workers’ Comp Rights Read More »

Understanding the Two Types of Workers’ Compensation Settlements in California

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California law requires all businesses and organizations that operate within the state to carry no-fault workers’ compensation coverage (Labor Code § 3700). If you are hurt on the job in Fresno, you have the right to file a workers’ comp claim to seek medical coverage and wage loss benefits.  Following a serious workplace accident, your …

Understanding the Two Types of Workers’ Compensation Settlements in California Read More »

California Work Safety Regulators Release COVID-19 Safety Guidance for School Employees

Employment, General, Injury / By

In January, the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus swept across California. There were nearly 140,000 COVID-19 cases confirmed statewide on January 21st—the highest daily amount during the entire course of the pandemic. However, the outbreak receded. On March 1st, there were fewer than 6,000 cases in California. Public health and safety policies are changing, …

California Work Safety Regulators Release COVID-19 Safety Guidance for School Employees Read More »

What Medical Care is Covered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance in California?

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Work-related injuries and illnesses remain a major problem. According to data collected and analyzed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 2.7 million injuries and illnesses reported at private-industry workplaces in the United States in 2020 alone. While some accidents were relatively minor, many required employees to miss significant time on the job to …

What Medical Care is Covered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance in California? Read More »

I Was Fired After Filing for Workers’ Comp in California: What are My Rights? 

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Each year, tens of thousands of workers are hurt on the job in California. If you were hurt on the job, you have the right to file for workers’ comp benefits. Your employer cannot retaliate against you for doing so. Your rights were violated if you were punished for filing for work injury benefits. In …

I Was Fired After Filing for Workers’ Comp in California: What are My Rights?  Read More »

California State Agency Found Liable for “Serious and Wilful” Misconduct in Relation to Deadly Fresno Area Crash

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According to reporting from The Fresno Bee, a California state agency has been found liable for ‘serious and wilful’ misconduct in relation to a tragic Fresno-area motor vehicle accident that killed four people. California Conservation Corps (CCC) reportedly ignored several major warning signs prior to the catastrophic wreck. In this blog post, our Fresno workers’ compensation attorney provides …

California State Agency Found Liable for “Serious and Wilful” Misconduct in Relation to Deadly Fresno Area Crash Read More »

Are Truck Drivers Covered by Workers’ Comp Insurance in California?

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Trucking is a vital industry. More than three-quarters of the nation’s total freight volume is transported by large commercial trucks. Further, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), reports that the trucking industry supports more than 700,000 jobs in California. Of course, as with any industry, accidents and injuries can happen.  This raises an important question: Are truckers …

Are Truck Drivers Covered by Workers’ Comp Insurance in California? Read More »

Workers’ Comp Watch: California Court Rejects Employer’s ‘Exclusive Remedy’ Defense

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On December 21st, 2021, the Second District Court of Appeal for the State of California rejected an employer’s “exclusive remedy” defense in COVID-19 exposure claim. In the case of See’s Candies, Inc. v. Superior Ct. of Cal., the appeals court determined that the “exclusivity” defense does not apply given the facts of the case. In this …

Workers’ Comp Watch: California Court Rejects Employer’s ‘Exclusive Remedy’ Defense Read More »

Fresno County Store Owner Injured by Violent Shoplifter

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According to a report from The Fresno Bee, a local store owner is dealing with serious injuries, including a broken wrist, after confronting a violent shoplifter. Jennifer Ward, the owner of the Crazy Squirrel Game Store in north Fresno, was struck by a “repeat offender” who tried to leave the store with hundreds of dollars in …

Fresno County Store Owner Injured by Violent Shoplifter Read More »

An Overview of the Four Most Common Work injuries 

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Workers are the lifeblood of the American economy. Every employee deserves safe and fair conditions on the job. Unfortunately, work-related injuries and illnesses remain a very serious public safety concern. According to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 1.17 million workers were forced to miss time on the job for an injury …

An Overview of the Four Most Common Work injuries  Read More »

What to Do if My Employer is Violating My Light-Duty Work Restrictions

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A work injury can cause a serious disruption to your life. You may be forced to miss considerable time for care, treatment, and recovery. You may hit a point where you are ready to return to work, but you cannot perform all of the physically intensive tasks that you used to be able to do. …

What to Do if My Employer is Violating My Light-Duty Work Restrictions Read More »

Five Things You Might Not Know About Workers’ Compensation Claims in California

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The unfortunate reality is that workplace accidents remain a significant public safety concern in California and throughout the nation. Employees in our state are protected by workers’ comp insurance coverage. After a job-related accident, you can file for workers’ compensation benefits.  There are plenty of myths and misconceptions out there about how exactly the workers’ …

Five Things You Might Not Know About Workers’ Compensation Claims in California Read More »

Medical Care and Workers’ Compensation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Are you an employee in Fresno County? If so, you are entitled to workers’ comp that will provide benefits in the event that you are injured or made ill on the job. Under California Labor Code § 3700, it is mandatory for businesses and organizations to provide workers’ comp insurance to employees.  Among other things, workers’ …

Medical Care and Workers’ Compensation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Read More »

Catch the Omicron Variant at Your Job? What to Know About Workers’ Comp in California

Covid-19, Injury / By

On December 1st, 2021, the San Francisco Department of Health announced the confirmation of the first Omicron case in California. A variant of the COVID-19 virus, omicron poses some additional public health challenges. As explained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is more transmissible as it “speads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2.” At …

Catch the Omicron Variant at Your Job? What to Know About Workers’ Comp in California Read More »

Workplace Injuries in California: What is Doctor ‘Predesignation’?

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Following a serious accident in the workplace, you need top quality medical care from a doctor you can trust. This raises an important question: Can you choose your own doctor after a work injury in California? The short answer is ‘it depends’—you can predesignate a personal physician in certain circumstances. In this article, our Fresno workers’ compensation attorney explains …

Workplace Injuries in California: What is Doctor ‘Predesignation’? Read More »

California Workers’ Comp: Your Guide to Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits

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If you were hurt on the job in California, you are entitled to financial benefits. The primary purpose of workers’ comp is to ensure that an employee has access to the financial resources that they need to get past the accident and move forward. In some circumstances, an injured worker may be entitled to Supplemental …

California Workers’ Comp: Your Guide to Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits Read More »

Three Tips to Help Keep Your Workers’ Compensation Claim on Track

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Were you hurt on the job in Fresno County? You deserve compensation to cover medical costs and lost income. Pursuant to state law, businesses operating in Fresno Countyhave a legal responsibility to provide their employees with workers’ comp coverage (California Labor Code § 3700). Unfortunately, some people run into struggles within the workers’ compensation claims …

Three Tips to Help Keep Your Workers’ Compensation Claim on Track Read More »

California Regulators Issue New Wildfire Smoke Safety Guidelines for School Employees

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Wildfires have long been a serious safety hazard in the Western United States, particularly in stretches of our region. Northern, Central, and Southern California are all affected by wildfires. The California Air Resources Board emphasizes that “the area burned by California wildfires each year has been increasing” over the last seven decades.  A large wildfire can impact …

California Regulators Issue New Wildfire Smoke Safety Guidelines for School Employees Read More »

California Workers’ Comp Claims: Your Rights if Your Employer is Uninsured

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Workers’ comp insurance provides much needed financial protection to people hurt at work. By law, your employer is required to pay for your workers’ compensation insurance California Labor Code § 3700). Unfortunately, not all businesses and organizations in Fresno County comply with the law.  This raises an important question: What options do injured workers have if their …

California Workers’ Comp Claims: Your Rights if Your Employer is Uninsured Read More »

California Fast Food Workers Planning Walk Out, Safety Remains a Problem in the Industry

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According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, fast food workers throughout California are planning a “walk out” in protest of wages, benefits, and workplace safety standards. The labor protest is scheduled for November 9th, with rallies planned at Mcdonald’s locations around the region, including in Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, and Sacramento  Workplace safety …

California Fast Food Workers Planning Walk Out, Safety Remains a Problem in the Industry Read More »

California Lawmakers Pass Amazon Bill in Response to Injury Rates in Warehouses

Covid-19, General, Injury, Return to Work, S&W / By

According to a report from National Public Radio (NPR), California lawmakers have passed first-in-the-nation legislation focused on improving workplace safety and working conditions in Amazon warehouses. The bill seeks to address the warehouse injury problem by giving employees additional power to challenge their conditions. In this blog post, our Fresno workers’ compensation attorney explains the key things to …

California Lawmakers Pass Amazon Bill in Response to Injury Rates in Warehouses Read More »

An Overview of Workplace Violence and Workers’ Comp in California

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Unfortunately, workplace violence is a serious public safety problem in our country. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that occupational violence 21,000 injuries and 450 fatalities each year. Violence in the workplace can occur in a wide range of different circumstances. It may be committed by intruders, customers, co-workers, or even managers.  You …

An Overview of Workplace Violence and Workers’ Comp in California Read More »

What Happens if I am Injured While Working at Home in California?

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, more employees are working from home—at least on a part-time basis. According to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO), 40% of the state’s total workforce are employed in positions that could be done solely or partially remotely. As accidents can happen anywhere, the rise of work-from-home has created some …

What Happens if I am Injured While Working at Home in California? Read More »

Four Tips for Filing a Serious and Willful Misconduct Claim in California

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All employers in Central California are required to follow applicable federal, state, and local workplace safety regulations. When an employer knowingly or recklessly violates safety standards and an employee injury occurs as a result, the business/organization could face liability under California Labor Code § 4553. This is the state’s “serious and willful misconduct” statute.  Through a …

Four Tips for Filing a Serious and Willful Misconduct Claim in California Read More »

Work-Related Car Accidents in California: Know Your Rights

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Motor vehicle collisions are among the leading causes of serious injuries. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that more than 275,000 people are hurt in crashes in the state annually. When a car accident is work-related, you have the right to file for workers’ comp benefits—in addition to pursuing any other available legal remedies. In this …

Work-Related Car Accidents in California: Know Your Rights Read More »

Four Reasons to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Fresno

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According to data collected and published by the California Department of Industrial Relations, approximately half a million workers are injured on the job in the state each year. Thankfully, most of these injuries are relatively minor. If a workers’ comp claim is required, an employee may even be able to handle all of the paperwork on …

Four Reasons to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Fresno Read More »

California Workers’ Comp: Who Decides if I am Ready to Return to Work?

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Following a workplace accident, most people want to get healed up and back to the job as soon as possible. Of course, rushing back before you are physically ready to return to work could be a major mistake. You need to take the time that is necessary to make sure that you are healthy enough …

California Workers’ Comp: Who Decides if I am Ready to Return to Work? Read More »

Report: Hotter Temperatures Mean More Work Injuries in California

Employment, General, Injury / By

According to a report cited by the Los Angeles Times, rising temperatures are expected to result in more work-related injuries in California. Alarmingly, the study also finds that heat-related workplace injuries and illnesses are underreported in the state’s current workers’ compensation statistics. In this article, our Fresno workers’ comp attorney provides an overview of the study.  UCLA/Stanford Study: …

Report: Hotter Temperatures Mean More Work Injuries in California Read More »

How Long Do You Have to Report a Work Injury in California?

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State and federal regulations are in place to help ensure that workplaces are reasonably safe for employees. Nonetheless, accidents inevitably happen. If you were hurt on the job, it is imperative that you know your rights and responsibilities. Here, our Fresno workers’ comp attorney explains the most important things you should know about your duty to report …

How Long Do You Have to Report a Work Injury in California? Read More »

Workers’ Compensation in California: What is a Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC)?

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Work injuries remain a serious issue in our state. According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, nearly 500,000 workers are hurt on the job annually. In California, an employee is entitled to no-fault workers’ comp insurance coverage. If you are hurt on the job, you can file for benefits, regardless of whether or not your …

Workers’ Compensation in California: What is a Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC)? Read More »

Workers’ Comp in California: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Some work-related injuries developed gradually over time. Often referred to as repetitive stress injuries or repetitive trauma injuries, they happen because a worker puts consistent and repeated strain on their body. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common types of work-related repetitive stress injuries reported in California. In this article, our Fresno workers’ compensation …

Workers’ Comp in California: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Read More »

What Injured Workers Should Know About ‘Serious and Willful’ Misconduct Claims in California

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In California, people hurt on the job have a right to pursue benefits by bringing a workers’ comp claim. Workers’ comp is an exclusive legal remedy, meaning you are prevented from filing a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. However, under California Labor Code § 4553, injured employees may be additional to compensation if their accident …

What Injured Workers Should Know About ‘Serious and Willful’ Misconduct Claims in California Read More »

California Workers’ Compensation and Third Party Liability Claims

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An injured worker generally cannot file a lawsuit against their employer. Under California law (Labor Code Section § 3600), a workers’ comp claim is an injured employee’s “exclusive remedy” against their company or organization. In exchange, workers are entitled to no-fault benefits. They do not need to prove that their employer did anything wrong to get …

California Workers’ Compensation and Third Party Liability Claims Read More »

Can You Get Workers’ Comp Benefits for an Off-Site Injury in California?

General, Injury / By

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) explains that “all California employers must provide workers’ compensation benefits to their employees.” Workers’ comp insurance provides no-fault coverage to employees. If you are hurt on the job, you have the right to benefits regardless of whether or not your employer was to blame for the workplace accident.  This raises …

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Are Independent Contractors Covered by Workers’ Compensation in California?

Employment / By

As explained by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) “All California employers must provide workers’ compensation benefits to their employees.” Of course, the key word in that sentence is “employees.” You may be wondering: Can an independent contractor file for workers’ comp benefits in California? In general, the answer is ‘no,’ but an employee who was improperly misclassified …

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Be Careful About What You Share on Social Media When Your Workers’ Comp Claim is Open

General / By

Long gone are the days when social media was the province of teenagers. In April of 2021, the Pew Research Centerreleased results of a survey finding that 72% of people nationwide have at least one active social media account—and the fastest growing group of users is senior citizens. It makes sense, social media can be a …

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Top Four Workers’ Comp Mistakes That You Need to Avoid

General / By

Workplace safety remains a serious issue in California. According to the state’s Department of Industrial Relations, around 500,000 employees are hurt at work each year. California’s workers’ compensation insurance laws mandate that businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies must obtain no-fault workers’ compensation insurance for their staff.  Unfortunately, getting a workers’ comp claim approved is not always …

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California Workers’ Compensation Claims: What to Know About Cumulative Trauma Injuries

Injury / By

In California, employers are required to provide no-fault workers’ comp insurance benefits to their staff. A worker who is hurt on the job is entitled to get coverage for all reasonably necessary medical care and for partial wages. UnderCalifornia Labor Code section 3208.1, an injury may be specific or cumulative.  A cumulative injury is one …

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Are California Workers’ Compensation Benefits Taxable?

General / By

The California Department of Industrial Relations reports that around half of a million workers are hurt on the job in the state annually. If you are injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ comp to cover medical care and lost income. This raises an important question: Do you have to pay taxes on workers’ compensation benefits …

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Amazon Letter to Shareholders: Musculoskeletal Disorders are Serious Problem in Warehouses

General / By

Amazon is one of the largest employers in our state. Earlier this year, Geekwire reported that the company has 153,000 employees in California alone. A significant share of Amazon employees work in the warehouse. Notably, in the most recent Letter to Shareholders, CEO Jeff Bezos stated that the company is putting more emphasis on workplace safety issues.  Specifically, …

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California Senate Rejects Workers’ Comp Reform Proposal

General / By

On June 4th, 2021, The Press Democrat reported that the California State Senate has rejected a bill that would create long-term reforms to the workers’ compensation insurance system that would have made it easier for some frontline health care employees to qualify for benefits. In this article, our California workers’ compensation attorney proposed an overview of the reform proposal …

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An Overview of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in California

General / By

Workers’ comp insurance coverage provides much needed financial protection to people hurt on the job. Benefits are paid out to help support injured workers. As explained by the California Department of Industrial Relations, the benefits available through the program are primarily designed to help workers get the “medical treatment you need to recover from your work …

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An Overview of Work Comp Liens and Subrogation in California

Subrogation / By

In California, businesses and organizations are required to provide no-fault workers’ comp coverage to their employees. When someone gets hurt on the job, they can claim benefits. While workers’ comp is usually the sole and exclusive remedy that an employee has against an employer, an injured worker may file a lawsuit directly against a negligent …

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An Overview Labor Code 4850 Benefits

Uncategorized / By

Under California Labor Code § 4800, certain frontline workers—including police officers, firefighters, and other public safety personnel—are entitled to additional legal protection in the event that they suffer a job-related injury. Referred both as “Labor Code Section 4850 benefits” and “Labor Code Section 4850 Time,” this special provision allows qualifying employees to receive their full salary …

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Affirmative Workers’ Comp Defense: California Law and Intoxicated Employees

Uncategorized / By

Workers’ compensation insurance provides no-fault benefits to people who were injured while on the job. An employer can be held responsible for a workplace injury even if the accident was not their fault. That being said, liability is not automatic. There are several affirmative defenses that employers and insurers can raise to deny coverage.  An …

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When Should I Hire a Workers’ Comp Defense Lawyer in California?

Uncategorized / By

Workers’ compensation insurance provides medical coverage and wage loss benefits to employees who were hurt on the job. As emphasized by the California Department of Industrial Relations, “employers are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance.”  For employers and insurers, navigating the workers’ comp claims process can be complicated. It is not uncommon to run …

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