San Diego Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you have been injured on the job in California, you have the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits. At Harker Injury Law, we help workers in San Diego and across Southern California understand their legal rights and secure the benefits they are entitled to. Whether you are dealing with a denied claim, an injury caused by repetitive stress, or a serious workplace accident, we are here to guide you through every step of the process.
How Workers’ Compensation Works in California
Workers’ compensation is a system that provides medical care, wage replacement, and other benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. In California, most employers are required to carry workers’ comp insurance, and injured employees are usually eligible for:
- Medical treatment and hospitalization
- Temporary or permanent disability payments
- Supplemental job displacement benefits (if you can’t return to your previous job)
- Death benefits for surviving family members
Learn more about your rights after an on-the-job injury.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries
California workers are injured every day in all kinds of industries, including construction, healthcare, hospitality, and warehouse work. Common causes of injuries include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Lifting injuries and repetitive stress
- Machinery accidents
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Transportation-related incidents
If you have suffered any type of injury, our catastrophic injury lawyers are ready to help.
Types of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses Covered by California Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation covers more than broken bones and accidents on the job. It also applies to occupational illnesses and cumulative injuries such as repetitive-stress disorders, hearing loss from long-term exposure to loud equipment, occupational lung diseases, chemical exposures, and work-related post-traumatic stress injuries. Even if you were not injured in a single incident, you may still qualify if your job duties caused or aggravated a health condition over time.
Understanding Wage Replacement, Disability Ratings & Future Earning Loss
When you cannot work because of a job-related injury or illness, California’s workers’ compensation system may provide temporary disability benefits, permanent disability ratings, and vocational rehabilitation. Your entitlement depends on how your injury impacts your ability to earn income compared with your pre-injury job. Diminished earning capacity, long-term treatment needs, and future rehabilitative costs must be factored into your claim to ensure full compensation.
When a Third-Party Claim Exists Alongside Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation benefits cover your employer and their insurer in many cases—but they don’t always capture all legal avenues. If a negligent third party (such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or vehicle driver) contributed to your injuries, you may also have a separate personal injury claim. Pursuing a third-party claim can boost your total recovery by adding compensation for pain and suffering, which workers’ comp alone does not cover.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident
If you’ve been injured at work, take these steps to protect your health and your rights:
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Keep detailed records of your symptoms, treatment, and missed work
- File a workers’ compensation claim with the California Division of Workers’ Compensation
- Contact a lawyer if your claim is delayed, denied, or undervalued
We offer free consultations and will guide you through the process.
Why Claims Are Often Denied
Many valid workers’ comp claims are denied for reasons such as:
- Alleged failure to report the injury on time
- Disputes about whether the injury is work-related
- Claims of pre-existing conditions
Don’t give up. Our team knows how to handle denials and appeals. If you’re facing difficulties with a claim, contact us to learn how we can help.
California Workers’ Compensation FAQs
How long do I have to file a claim? Generally, you must report your injury within 30 days and file a formal claim within one year.
Can I choose my own doctor? Initially, your employer may direct your care, but you may be able to change providers later.
What if I was at fault for my injury? Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You can usually still collect benefits.
What if I’m an undocumented worker? You still have the right to workers’ compensation benefits in California.
Why Choose Harker Injury Law
We focus on helping injured workers throughout Southern California get the full benefits they deserve. With offices in Escondido, Riverside, and Spring Valley, we provide localized support and legal advocacy.
- No fees unless we win your case
- Se habla Español
- Experience handling denied claims and appeals
- Deep knowledge of California labor and workers’ compensation law
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured at work, don’t wait. Time limits apply to workers’ compensation claims in California. Contact Harker Injury Law for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you understand your options, fight claim denials, and seek full compensation.
Schedule your consultation or call us now at 760-456-7665.
