At The Law Offices of Valdez & Valdez, we specialize in workers' compensation cases, serving clients in the Santa Maria area with dedication and expertise. With over 50 years of experience, our team is committed to helping injured workers secure the benefits they need to recover and move forward with their lives.
Workers' compensation is an insurance system that offers benefits to employees who experience work-related injuries or illnesses. It aims to protect both employees and employers by ensuring injured workers get necessary medical care and compensation for lost wages, while employers are protected from potentially costly lawsuits. Workers' compensation covers various benefits, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and partial wage replacement for time off work due to injury or illness.
Understanding the workers' compensation process can help you navigate your case with confidence. Here’s what you can expect:
Our primary goal is to ensure that you receive the full range of benefits you deserve:
Filing a workers' compensation claim in Santa Maria involves these steps:
Choosing the right attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s why you should choose us:
1. How do I file a workers' comp claim?
To file a claim, notify your employer about your injury as soon as possible, seek medical treatment, and complete the necessary workers' compensation forms. At the Law Offices of Valdez & Valdez, we can help you every step of the way and help manage your claim.
2. What if my claim is denied?
Should your workers' compensation claim face denial, it marks not the end but a new opportunity for action. You possess the right to contest the decision through an appeal process. Our legal team stands ready to aid you in initiating this appeal and representing your interests in subsequent hearings. We will diligently gather supplementary evidence, including medical records and expert testimonies, to bolster your case. Our ultimate objective is to vigorously advocate on your behalf, striving to reverse the denial and secure the rightful benefits owed to you.
3. Can I choose my own doctor?
In California, you typically have the freedom to select your physician for a work-related injury after a 30-day period, assuming your employer or their insurance provider has established a Medical Provider Network (MPN). During the initial 30 days, you are generally obligated to consult a doctor within your employer's MPN. Following this timeframe, if you find the treatment unsatisfactory, you have the option to choose a physician from within the network or, under specific circumstances, outside of it.
4. How long will it take to receive benefits living in the Santa Maria area?
The timeline can vary, depending on various factors, including the complexity of your case, the extent of your injuries, and the efficiency of the workers' compensation system. However, our primary objective is to streamline the process and expedite the delivery of benefits to you. We will diligently advocate on your behalf, communicate with all relevant parties, and proactively address any issues that may arise during the claims process.
5. How much does it cost to hire a workers' comp attorney?
When it comes to hiring a workers' compensation attorney, there are typically no upfront costs involved. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you will only be responsible for payment if we successfully win your case. Our fee structure is a percentage of the compensation you receive, ensuring that our interests are directly aligned with yours. This arrangement enables you to access legal representation without concerns about immediate expenses, allowing you to focus on your recovery and securing the benefits you require.
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