The Law Offices of Valdez & Valdez
Welcome to The Law Offices of Valdez & Valdez, where we are dedicated to helping injured workers in Santa Maria navigate the complexities of workers' compensation. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team is committed to ensuring that you receive the benefits and support you deserve.
Filing a workers' compensation claim can provide several essential benefits, including:
Securing disability benefits is a critical part of your recovery process. We fight to ensure you receive:
We understand that being injured at work is challenging. Our goal is to help you get back on your feet quickly and smoothly. We handle the paperwork, represent you in disputes, and provide the support you need to focus on your recovery.
Filing a workers' compensation claim in Santa Maria involves these steps:
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in your workers' compensation case. Here’s why you should choose us:
Common work-related injuries include:
Immediately after a work-related injury, you should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Prompt reporting is crucial because it ensures that your employer is aware of the incident and can take the necessary steps to address it. Additionally, seek medical attention right away, regardless of the severity of the injury. Immediate medical evaluation not only ensures your health and safety but also creates a medical record that will be important for your workers' compensation claim.
In California, the timeline for filing a workers' compensation claim is specific. You should report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident. Failure to do so could result in a loss of benefits. Following this, you have up to one year from the date of the injury to file a formal workers' compensation claim. Adhering to these deadlines is crucial for ensuring that your claim is considered valid and that you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.
In California, you generally have the right to choose your own doctor for a work-related injury after 30 days, provided that your employer or their insurance company has established a Medical Provider Network (MPN). During the first 30 days, you are typically required to see a doctor within the employer's MPN. After this period, if you are not satisfied with the care you are receiving, you can select a physician of your choice from within the network, or, under certain conditions, outside the network.
If your workers' compensation claim is denied, it is not the end of the road. You have the right to appeal the decision. Our law firm can assist you in filing an appeal and represent you in any hearings that may follow. We will help gather additional evidence, such as medical records and expert testimonies, to support your case. Our goal is to advocate on your behalf to overturn the denial and secure the benefits you deserve.
Hiring a workers' compensation attorney typically involves no upfront costs because we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you will only pay us if we successfully win your case. Our fee will be a percentage of the compensation you receive, which ensures that our interests are aligned with yours. This arrangement allows you to access legal representation without worrying about the cost, focusing instead on your recovery and securing the benefits you need.
At The Law Offices of Valdez & Valdez, we are dedicated to helping you through every step of your workers' compensation claim. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you secure the benefits you deserve. Being injured at work is challenging both physically and emotionally. We are here to support you through every step of the process, providing compassionate and personalized legal services to help you get back on your feet.
550 W. Alluvial Avenue, Suite 106
Fresno, California 93711