Worker's compensation is a basic right for any employee who becomes sick or injured as a result of doing his or her job. Unfortunately, taking this benefit for granted could mean that you don't find out you need a worker's compensation attorney until it's too late. The San Diego firm of Phillips & Pelly, serving Vista and beyond, has provided the following information to help California employees understand their rights and receive the medical care they need.
Worker's Compensation Defined
Worker's compensation benefits entitle employees to full and free medical care if they become injured or sick as a result of their normal job duties. Workers are able to choose their own doctor if they don't like the one covered by the employer's insurance, and may be eligible to be paid compensation for lost income while they are healing.
Applying for worker's compensation does not necessarily require an attorney. Injured workers in Vista, San Diego, and elsewhere in California simply need to follow a few basic steps:
1. Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible after the accident.
2. Fill out a worker's compensation claim form, which must be given to you by your employer within one day after the injury.
3. Receive medical care from a doctor covered by your employer's worker's compensation insurance.
Even though these steps sound simple, there are several time limits and other complicated rules that may get in your way. This is the main reason that a qualified worker's compensation attorney can be invaluable to you and your family.
Why Injured Workers Need an Attorney
The main reason that an injured worker should seek out a worker's compensation attorney is that the laws and statutes regulating California worker's compensation can be extremely confusing. A good attorney can remove the frustration from the situation and take care of all documentation requirements and time restrictions.
Retaining a worker's compensation attorney from Phillips & Pelly, serving the Vista, Carlsbad, and greater San Diego-area, makes sense for other reasons as well. You should remember that your employer's insurance company is working for its own benefit, not yours. You may find yourself without adequate medical care before you are fully healed. If their doctor reports that you need no further treatment, your case is considered closed. An attorney can make sure you get treated until your injuries are healed.
Contact a Worker's Compensation Attorney from Our Firm
If you have been injured on the job, fast action is essential at every step of the way. From reporting the injury as quickly as possible to punctually adhering to every legal requirement, time is of the essence. Worrying about claim forms should be the last thing you have to worry about when you're hurt and unable to return to work. Let a worker's compensation attorney help. Phillips & Pelly have represented clients from Vista and other San Diego communities such as Carlsbad, Carmel Valley, Rancho Bernardo, and downtown. Contact our personal injury attorneys today for a free worker's compensation consultation.
