Workers Compensation in Bakersfield, CA

You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by California state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Bakersfield, California workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Bakersfield, California?

Any occupation comes with a risk of injury or illness. In Bakersfield, California auto transportation, agriculture workers, and hazardous waste disposal units are some of the most dangerous occupations. According to a study by The University of California, Berkely, agricultural workers specifically are prone to very serious respiratory illness due to the chemicals they use. In addition to being more susceptible to serious injury due to working with dangerous machinery and overexertion.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Bakersfield, California?

Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim. 

The California Department of Industrial Relations states that every business in California is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Even if that business has only one employee. Benefits in Bakersfield, California entitle you to medical care, lost wages, permanent disability, supplemental benefits, and death benefits. You can also file a claim if you are suffering from mental health problems. Some psychiatric injuries are also entitled to benefits.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.

The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Bakersfield, California are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.

Get Medical Attention

After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Bakersfield, California healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines. Some of which are critical in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report details the extent of the damage and how it occurs is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.

When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months. All before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is the result of your work conditions. Or is aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.

If you are a worker in Bakersfield, and you have been injured at work, you should file a report in a prompt and timely manner. Should any disputes arise as to where the injury took place, this initial report will establish a timeline and location of events. You should seek medical treatment as quickly as possible. This prevents your injury from worsening into something even more serious and keeping you away from work longer than necessary. It also helps to have a copy of the doctor’s report for your file. It’s important to establish a medical professional as a witness to the injuries you have.

Timeline and Other Information

Within one day of your reported injury, your employer should give you a Workers’ Comp Claim. If they don’t you can go to The State of California Division of Workers’ Compensation website and download the form yourself. When the insurance provider receives a claim submission, they are required to pay medical expenses while they determine the validity of the claim. If you are unable to work, you should begin receiving temporary disability benefits within 14 days of the filing of your claim with the insurance company.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point. Typically about the incident and to any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire a Bakersfield, California Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Bakersfield, California, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Bakersfield, California workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Bakersfield, California

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Bakersfield, California you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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