Learning that your workers’ compensation claim has been denied can make an already bad situation seem even worse, but there is no reason to give up. At the Law Offices of Valdez & Valdez, A Professional Corporation in Fresno and Grover Beach, we have won reversals for numerous injured employees in all types of cases. We understand the reasons why insurance companies turn down worthy claimants and develop strong arguments to use in settlement negotiations or proceedings before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.
California law requires employers to maintain workers’ compensation coverage, which is intended to provide reimbursement for medical costs and lost wages stemming from a work-related injury or illness. Typically, claims decisions are made by insurance companies. Injured workers do not have to prove any fault on the part of the employer, yet some claims are still rejected for one or more of the following reasons:
Insurance companies might overlook the true nature of a workers’ compensation claim in an effort to avoid paying benefits. Our firm will look at the full set of facts and advise you as to whether the denial was justified.
When you speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer at our firm, you can rely on honest, informed counsel from a legal advocate who is on your side. Choosing not to appeal an adverse workers’ comp decision could have serious consequences for you and your family. Healthcare expenses can quickly add up to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. This financial pressure can get even worse if you are unable to go to work. We have a strong track record of reversing unfair California workers’ compensation decisions and will press to get you the benefits you deserve.
If your workers’ compensation claim was denied, there’s no time to waste if you intend to file an appeal. You have 20 days from the initial decision to file a Petition for Reconsideration with your area’s Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). Our firm can prepare this document, detailing any errors you believe were made during the original decision process and including information that was not available when you submitted the initial claim. The WCAB has 60 days to accept or reject your appeal. You might also be required to appear at a hearing if the board holds that issues need to be resolved. In the event that you do not receive a satisfactory result, you can seek a Writ of Review in the California Court of Appeals. You can rely on us for sound advice and advocacy throughout the California appeals process as well as the procedure that applies to U.S. government workers under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act.
The Law Offices of Valdez & Valdez, A Professional Corporation handles California workers’ compensation appeals when injured claimants are denied benefits. To make an appointment for a free consultation at our Fresno or Grover Beach office, please call 559-606-0195 or contact us online.
Making a false or fraudulent workers' compensation claim is a felony subject to up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both imprisonment and fine.
550 W. Alluvial Avenue, Suite 106
Fresno, California 93711