Oakland Workers' Compensation Lawyer
Being injured in an accident at work or being diagnosed with an injury or illness that was work-related may have a significant impact on your life. Depending on the extent of injury, you may be dealing with extensive medical bills, missed work and the possibility of a temporary or permanent disability. For this reason, it is important to weigh your options in filing a workers' compensationclaim. As an Oakland, California worker, you have the right to receive
workers' compensation benefits for any work-related injury - regardless of who was at fault.
Workers' Compensation: Our Services
There are a number of services that our attorneys can provide in handling your Oakland workers' compensation claim. By offering these, we can not only help you seek a positive result to your claim but can help to reduce the amount of stress you experience through the entire claims process. Our services begin from the moment to you hire an attorney from our firm. We can help you seek the medical care you need immediately after the accident. We can help you file your workers' compensation claim with your employer, ensuring it is filed properly, on time and with all appropriate information. We can handle any and all communication with the claims administrator, your employer and other parties regarding the claim. Should a dispute or question arise, we will be right there to address this with professionalism and the utmost care. Every step we take is to secure the full and complete workers' compensation benefits to which you may be entitled. Click here to read more about our attorney services.
An Oakland workers' compensation lawyer at
Accident Lawyerscan meet with you to discuss what caused your injuries and whether you may have grounds for a workers' comp claim. By law, you may be automatically entitled to specific benefits for your injuries, as long as these were related to your job. Workplace accidents, exposure to toxins, repetitive motion injuries and any other type of injury or medical condition that was caused by or related to the performance of your job may be grounds for an Oakland workers' comp claim. A lawyer can talk to you about what benefits you may be entitled to and how we can help you seek these.
Recovering deserved workers' compensation benefits may make a big difference in your ability to move on after a serious accident or injury; including helping you protect your family's future.
Recovering Benefits for Oakland Workers' Comp Claims
Our primary goal in helping an injured worker is to protect his or her rights throughout the workers' compensation claim process, therefore recovering the full benefits to which he or she may be entitled under California workers' compensation law, including for medical care, a temporary or permanent disability, and possibly more. By assisting you in filing your claim and in handling any necessary communication or negotiations with your employer or claims administrator, we can work toward recovering the highest possible settlement on your behalf. And if we cannot reach an agreement outside of the courtroom, we will take your case to court to be resolved by a judge.
We want to help you rebuild your life in the wake of any workplace accident or injury in the Oakland area.
To find out more about our services
and how we can help you, contact an Oakland workers' comp attorney
at our offices today at 800-670-8142. Your initial consultation is free, and you pay no legal fees unless we recover a settlement on your behalf or win your case in court.
Advantages of Workers' Compensation
Workers' Comp Attorney Serving Oakland, California
There are a number of advantages that workers' compensation may offer an injured employee. After a workplace accident or any type of work injury, an employee will have the right to file a workers' compensation claim in order to seek benefits for his or her injuries. This applies no matter who was at fault in causing the accident or injury. As long as the injury was work related, this may provide sufficient grounds for a workers' compensation claim. This may make a significant difference for the injured worker, as he or she will be relieved from the burden that applies to other types of injury claims and will often make it much easier to recover benefits.
Workers' compensation offers other advantages for employees throughout Oakland, including entitling an employee to up to $10,000 in medical treatment before his claim is approved, and legal recourse in the event of employer retaliation such as demotion or wrongful termination. Even if a claim is denied, an employee will be able to file an appeal in order to seek a reversal or review of this decision.
Under workers' compensation laws, an Oakland employee injured at work may be entitled to different types of benefits, including for medical care, lost wages and possibly continued compensation if he or she is permanently disabled. Benefits may also be provided to help an injured worker return to the workforce if he or she is no longer able to return to the same position or line of work.
Why an Oakland Workers' Compensation Lawyer
If you would like to take advantage of all the benefits workers' compensation has to offer, do not wait to involve an attorney. At Pacific Attorney Group, we are dedicated to helping our clients recover and move on with their lives through the complete protection of their rights and application of workers' compensation law.
Contact an
Oakland workers' compensation lawyer
at our law firm today.
Asbestos Cases in Oakland
Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Oakland
Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral that was used extensively in construction projects for decades. It was sought after and desirable for its beneficial properties such as sound dampening, resistance to electrical damage and heat, and overall strength. It became increasingly popular from the late 1800's forward due to these desirable qualities and was used extensively in insulations, flooring, drywall, brake pads and a variety of other materials. Due to increasing concerns about health-risks and death related to asbestos use, the EPA began a ban and phase out plan for asbestos in 1989. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period, you no doubt have questions and concerns. More information is available by contacting an Oakland workers' compensation attorney.
Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to a laundry list of health concerns, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Most commonly, issues can arise when a person has worked regularly with high concentrations of asbestos for an extended period of time, breathing in the dangerous fibers. For instance, over 100,000 people have died or will perish from working in the ship building industry alone. However, because of the extensive long-term use of asbestos in a multitude of other materials and products, there may be other health risks associated with asbestos exposure in many areas of work. Trends show a continued increase in asbestos-related disease diagnoses in the coming decade.
Oakland Workers' Comp Attorney
There is a great deal of legal precedent for settlements and financial compensation in asbestos exposure cases. At the Pacific Law Group, our attorneys have decades of collective experience in workers' compensation litigation and will work aggressively for the best possible outcome in your case. Our team of skilled lawyers can provide you with an outstanding level of service and representation.
Asbestos-related disease and injury is a very serious matter. Protect your rights today by
contacting an Oakland Workers' Comp Attorney.
Oakland Workers' Comp: Attorney Services
The services of a competent attorney may have a significant, positive impact on the successful resolution of your workers' compensation claim and your ability to recover the full benefits to which you may be entitled under California law. An Oakland workers' comp attorney at our law firm may be able to provide various different services to you in the filing of your workers' compensation claim. This may include:
Immediately following your workplace accident, helping you to receive the prompt and effective medical care to which you should be entitled.
Filing your Oakland workers' compensation claim with your employer.
Handling any communication with the claims administrator in regard to a settlement, questions about the validity of your claim, proof that your injury was work related, and more.
Representing you in any dispute that may arise regarding your settlement, and representing you in the event of a hearing in front of an administrative law judge of the Division of Workers' Compensation.
Filing an appeal with the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board if your claim is denied for any reason.
Protecting your legal rights and interests through every step of the process associated with filing your claim and seeking benefits.
Offering you more than just the legal counsel you need but also a shoulder to lean on during this difficult time.
Involving an Oakland Workers' Compensation Lawyer
Taking full advantage of our attorney services in relation to your Oakland workers' compensation claim means that you will be able to focus on healing and spending time with loved ones rather than the myriad of issues that may arise with your claim. With our law firm to service your claim and support you through this process, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.
Contact an
Oakland workers' compensation lawyer
at Pacific Attorney Group today to learn more about our attorney services.
Oakland Workers' Comp Brain Injury Lawyer
Workers' Compensation Attorney in Oakland
Suffering from a brain injury can change your life and the lives of your family members forever. The impact can be devastating, both to your physical health and your financial stability and well-being. Quality and enjoyment of life can be adversely effected in profound ways and changes to personality are common. In milder cases of brain injury, you may experience headaches, cognitive function difficulties, memory loss and mood swings. In more severe cases, there may be evidence of high level cognitive function issues, partial or full loss of the use of limbs, abnormal or difficult speech, severe memory loss and long-term coma. If you or a loved one has experienced a work-related accident leading to a brain injury, help is available by contacting an Oakland workers' compensation attorney.
One of the leading causes of work-related brain injury is accidental falls. If an employer has created dangerous work conditions or has been negligent in keeping safe work conditions you are at great risk for a slip or fall. This can lead to a concussion, a serious medical condition in and of itself, or even permanent brain damage. Another cause of brain injury can be exposure to toxic materials at the workplace for a prolonged period of time. All of these situations can be prevented and employers are bound by OSHA and EPA regulations.
Oakland Workers' Comp Lawyer
If you have suffered a brain injury due to negligence by your employer, your rights have been violated and your lifestyle significantly impacted. Finding exemplary legal counsel could be key to recovering damages or a settlement. At the Pacific Law Group, our extensive experience in workers' comp cases and personal level of service can help alleviate your stress and provide you with the aggressive representation you need. Our lawyers will work diligently to pursue the damages you deserve.
Your livelihood is of the utmost importance to you and your family. If you've sustained a work-related brain injury,
contact an Oakland Workers' Comp Brain Injury Attorney
today for assistance.
Oakland Electrocution Accident Lawyer
Electrocution Accident?
For adults, the majority of electrocution injuries occur while at work. According to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics, electrocution is the fifth leading cause of work-related injury deaths in the United States. In a 12 year period, an average of 411 deaths occurs each year by electrocution in the workplace. Workers whose jobs put them in close proximity with electrical sources are at extremely high risk. Recent studies have shown the highest number of deaths by electrocution occurred to electricians, utility workers (overhead power lines are the number one cause of electrocution fatalities) and those who work in manufacturing and construction. When a loved one has been the victim of electrocution you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. An Oakland workers' comp attorney
may be able to help you recover damages for your electrocution accident.
Pursuing Your Workers' Comp Electrocution Accident Claim
In addition to injury by being in close proximity with an electrical source, defective products used in the workplace also cause a number of electrocution injuries. You may have the right to file a claim against the product distributor or manufacturer for being injured while using an appliance, power tool or other product that runs on electricity.
Our attorneys have the expertise to determine who is liable should you need to file this type of third party claim. They will investigate your claim thoroughly to maximize your chances of receiving full compensation for medical bills, future medical benefits, lost wages, temporary and permanent disability benefits, and rehabilitation. The loss of someone close to you is a terrible thing. In the case of the death of a loved one due to electrocution, a compassionate, caring attorney from Pacific Law Group will fight for the justice that your family member deserves.
Contact an Oakland Electrocution Accident Lawyer
today for a complete review of your case.
Employer Retaliation for Oakland Workers' Comp Cases
Wrongful Termination, Demotion and Refusal to Rehire
Although many workers' compensation claims are handled fairly and with proper attention by employers, there are situations where an employer will wrongfully punish an employee for being injured on the job or for filing or attempting to file a workers' compensation claim. This is known as "employer retaliation" and is illegal. If you have been the victim of employer retaliation in relation to an Oakland workers' compensation claim, you may have the right to take legal action against your employer.
By working with an Oakland workers' comp attorney and bringing employer retaliation to the attention of the court, you may be able to secure a conviction and therefore recover monetary damages in addition to the workers' compensation benefits to which you should have been entitled.
About Employer Retaliation and Workers' Compensation
There are many different types of employer retaliation that may be related to workers' compensation. Employer retaliation may occur at any step in the workers' comp process: right after an employee is injured or reports an injury to the employer, when the employee expresses a desire to file a workers' compensation claim, after the claim is filed, and during an investigation of the claim. Following are some potential types of employer retaliation that an Oakland employee may be subjected to:
- Wrongful termination of his or her employment
- Refusal to rehire the employee when he or she recovers
- Demotion
- Unfair treatment in regard to promotion or other opportunities at work
- Interference with the workers' compensation process
- Unfair performance reviews
- Any type of discrimination or harassment
Make sure you have a skilled lawyer to stand up for your rights in the face of employer retaliation. Contact an
Oakland work injury lawyer
at our law firm today!
Filing a Workers' Comp Claim for Equipment Malfunction
Two of the most common industries where there may be equipment malfunction are construction and manufacturing. On construction sites accidents may be caused by malfunctioning scaffolds, cranes, and nail guns, or excavation equipment such as backhoes. In a manufacturing facility there may be malfunctions with welding equipment, boilers, forklifts, tool and die equipment, stamping machines, conveyor belts, valves - the list goes on. Workers may be in very serious danger if this type of equipment malfunctions. They may sustain injuries such as fractures, burns, paralysis, brain damage, or even death. If you have sustained an accident in the workplace due to an equipment malfunction, you may be eligible to file a workers' comp claim or a third-party lawsuit. An Oakland workers' compensation lawyer may be able to help your recover the compensation you deserve.
Other Compensation for Equipment Malfunctions
Although negligence in maintaining equipment could lead to severe injuries, there can also be defective parts or product liability associated with the malfunction. Our legal team will fully investigate your case to determine if there was any third party who may also be responsible for your injuries. If it can be proven that there was negligence, you have the right to file a claim for your injuries not only under workers' compensation, but to the other party as well. You may be able to receive benefits for medical injuries, lost wages, future wages, and pain and suffering.
As an employee you have the right to a safe workplace. You are not expecting to be the victim of an injury that may change the course of your life due to malfunctioning or defective equipment or machinery. The attorneys from Pacific Law Group have over 35 years collective experience in representing clients' workers' comp claims. They will help you understand your rights and answer your questions. They will thoroughly evaluate your case and do their best to get you the care and compensation you may be entitled to.
Contact an Oakland Workers' Comp Attorney today to find out what your legal options are.
Oakland Explosion Accident Lawyer
Complications from Explosion Accidents
Explosions can occur on a number of different job sites, but happen most frequently in an industrial setting such as a chemical plant or oil refinery, or on construction sites. Injuries from an explosion and subsequent fire may be extremely traumatic and include:
- Severe burns
- Nerve damage
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss or arms or legs
- Limited ability to move or walk
As these accidents can be so devastating, there may be months of hospital and medical care needed to treat the injuries, as well as ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation. The injured victim may also need job retraining if they are unable to return to the activity they were engaged upon when they were injured. Being in an explosion may also cause psychological damage as well that must be addressed. It is in your best interest to hire an Oakland workers' comp attorney who will fight to protecting your legal rights if you have been hurt in an explosion accident. The outcome of a legal action related to your claim may be extremely important to your future health, both physical and financial.
Who is at fault in an explosion accident?
Negligence is usually found to be the cause of explosion accidents, so it is vital that a full investigation be done as part of your claim. There may be additional third-parties who are liable for your injuries, such as manufacturers whose products are defective. You may be able to recover damages from these sources, as well as receiving benefits from your worker's comp claim. The attorneys at Pacific Law Group have many years of experience representing both workers' comp and third party liability claims. They can help recover the damages you need to help improve the quality of your life, or the life of your loved one.
Contact an Oakland Explosion Accident Attorney
today for assistance with your workers' comp explosion accident claim.
Falling Objects and Workers' Comp Claims in Oakland
Oakland Workers' Compensation Attorney
Falling objects are a serious hazard in all types of construction accidents as well as in other types of worksites such as warehouses, moving companies and others. The danger to the worker in accidents in which a heavy object, tool, piece of equipment or manufactured item falls on their head can be serious. Many catastrophic injuries such as permanent brain damage, serious concussions result, as well other injuries including fractures, crushed limbs, spinal cord damage and others. In any such case, legal representation should be immediately retained in order to protect your right to fair compensation for damages. An
Oakland workers' comp attorney from Pacific Attorney Group can assist you in the claims process, and protect your right to support after an injury in such an accident.
Oakland Falling Object Injury Claims
The circumstances surrounding the accident must be fully evaluated to determine who is liable in the case. It could be a failure to adhere to the safety requirements in the workplace, a freak accident or an equipment failure. After reviewing the details of the case, our legal team can advise you how they will proceed in seeking compensation for damages. If there are third parties that may have contributed to the incident, this will be investigated in order to determine liability and whether a claim can be filed against that third party.
Each case is very individual in degree of injury and the circumstances surrounding the case, and after an analysis, our legal team will file the claim related to the accident. If you are unable to continue working due to injuries, this must be addressed in the claim. In very serious injury cases, in which the injured victim has suffered catastrophic injuries, this is a very important matter to the future of the injured and their families. Such claims will be addressed professionally and skillfully by the lawyer representing you, seeking to assist the injured in having the best possible quality of life after such an accident.
Contact an Oakland Workers' Comp Attorney if you or a loved one has been injured by a falling object while on the job.
Filing an Oakland Workers' Comp Claim
A Lawyer Can Help You File for Workers' Compensation
Filing for workers' compensation may be complicated. Once you have reported your injury to your employer and have filed the claim itself, you may face a review by the claims administrator, who will most likely work for the workers' compensation insurance company or your employer. This review will be conducted in order to determine the validity of your claim. Questions may arise regarding whether your accident was actually work-related and what your claim should be worth. You may face a dispute, a hearing or even a denied claim and may therefore need to file an appeal.
That is why we highly recommend hiring a workers' compensation attorney to help with your claim, as this will help ensure that your claim is properly filed and that you have the opportunity to seek the full benefits allowed by California workers' compensation law.
The Process of Filing for Workers' Compensation
Following is a brief description of how to file for workers' compensation in Oakland:
- Once you are injured in an accident or discover that your injury was work related it is important to inform your employer of what occurred.
- Your employer should provide you with a workers' compensation claim form.
- Fill out the claim form and return it to your employer.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible (once you have filed a claim, you should be entitled to receive up to $10,000 in medical treatment even before your claim is approved).
Acting quickly in filing your Oakland workers' compensation claim is important. If you do not inform your employer within 30 days of your injury or your knowledge that an injury or illness is work related this may limit your ability to recover benefits.
Contact an
Oakland workers' comp lawyer
today for help with filing for workers' compensation.
About Ladder Accident Claims
Oakland Ladder Injury Accidents
Ladders are necessary tools in all types of construction and remodeling projects, and are usually safe. However, in certain cases very serious injuries occur when a ladder collapses or is knocked over by another worker, equipment or other unexpected event. The injuries that are sustained in these accidents can be extremely serious for the worker, including spinal cord injuries, head injuries,
brain injuries and fractures as well as less serious injuries. Any worker suffering such an accident has the right to make a
Workers' Compensation claim, but in many cases, they do not receive the compensation that they really could deserve, based on their injuries and other damages. It is strongly urged that if you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident it is critical that you get legal representation from an
Oakland workers comp attorney to assist you in making your claim.
Oakland Workers' Comp Attorney and Ladder Accident Cases
At Pacific Attorney Group, the legal team has over 35 years collective experience in assisting clients in pursuing fair compensation for damages in work-related ladder accidents. Each case has varying degrees of injury, from sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries to very serious and life-threatening brain injuries. Depending upon the degree of the injury and other types of damages, the claim can be filed on your behalf seeking all the types of damages that you could claim, including loss of wages, future wage loss and in severe injury cases, such as spinal cord injuries, other claims that relate to the loss of quality of life.
In some cases, third parties are involved, such as cases in which equipment failure in some way contributed to the ladder accident. Each case must be painstakingly reviewed in order to draft a comprehensive claim for the injured victim that truly reflects the damages and losses suffered in the case.
Contact an Oakland Workers' Comp Lawyer from our legal team to assist you in filing your claim.
Rights of Injured Workers in Oakland, CA
Oakland Workers' Comp Attorney
If you are an Oakland employee who has been injured at work or while performing the duties associated with your job, we at Pacific Attorney Group can work to protect your rights and assist you in filing a workers' compensation claim to seek benefits for your injuries. Protecting the rights of injured workers is a crucial aspect of our firm's practice. From the moment we are involved in handling your claim or become involved in assisting you with in the wake of a workplace accident, we will actively assert our rights under California workers' compensation law. We will work to protect you against employer retaliation and will work to make sure you are not taken advantage of or your rights violated by the claims adjuster, your employer, or the workers' compensation insurance company.
Following are some of your main rights as an injured worker in Oakland, California:
- The right to receive effective medical care promptly, in the wake of your injury or accident.
- The right to file a workers' compensation claim in the event of any work-related injury.
- The right to up to $10,000 in medical treatment paid by the claims administrator, even before your claim is approved.
- The right to seek an examination or medical attention from someone other than your employer's doctor.
- Protection against employer retaliation, such as wrongful termination, for filing a workers' compensation claim.
- The right to benefits suited to your particular claim and injuries, such as medical benefits, disability benefits, and more.
Advocating Your Rights as an Injured Worker
Would you like an experienced professional to protect your rights as an injured worker, so you can reap the full benefits that workers' compensation has to offer? Contact an
Oakland workers' compensation lawyer
at Pacific Attorney Group today to see how we can help.
Scaffolding Accidents and Workers' Comp Claims in Oakland
Oakland Scaffolding Accident Attorney
Many do not realize that scaffolding accidents are one of the most common and dangerous of all injuries on a construction site. There are countless cases in which the worker was severely injured or lost their lives when scaffolding collapsed. Accidents that include falls are the number one most common of all construction injury accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a scaffolding accident, it is strongly advised that you contact an
Oakland Workers' Compensation attorney without delay. The injuries sustained in these dangerous workplace injuries can be life-threatening or cause permanent damage to the victim.
Scaffolding Accident Lawyer in Oakland
In many cases, the scaffolding at the construction site was put in place by a subcontractor, and the provider may be liable in the accident. If the scaffolding was faulty due to a manufacturing error, the company that manufactured the product may also have some liability. Workers' Comp pays out compensation to injured workers, but even this program put in place to protect workers can have valid claims denied or reduced. Any insurance company requires extensive documentation to approve a claim; if you fail to fill out forms or answer questions in such a way that indicates certain damages, you may have all or part of your claim denied. It is always advisable to have an attorney represent you in such cases to ensure that your rights are protected and to pursue compensation that is fair on your behalf.
Each case must be evaluated in order to advise you what to expect with regard to a settlement or compensation amount. In many serious accident cases, medical care may be necessary for a long period of time, as well as rehabilitation and in some cases, the medical care may be required for the lifetime of the individual. With a thorough analysis of the situation, our legal team will determine what damages should be included in the claim and will pursue fair compensation for the injured client.
Contact an Oakland Scaffolding Accident Attorney from our legal team in scaffolding accident cases.
Workers' Comp Spinal Injury Attorney in Oakland
About Spinal Injuries
Sustaining a spinal injury is among the most feared injuries one can endure. Repercussions from such an injury can be life-long and can have a grave impact on your quality of life. Not only you lose the ability to participate in previously enjoyed physical activities, your ability to work and maintain financial stability can be greatly affected. Because of the loss of employment opportunities, you and your family can be put at a significant future risk. If you have endured a workplace accident, slip, or fall that was caused by negligence, your employer may be held liable for financial damages because of spinal injury. Don't let worry overwhelm you. You can receive help and answers today about your case by contacting an Oakland workers' compensation attorney.
Spinal injuries generally cause damage to the nervous system that carries signals to and from your brain. They can result in permanent nerve damage and loss of sensation in your limbs, as well as greatly reduce and impair your mobility. The chronic pain that accompanies a spinal injury can be intense and debilitating, requiring years of therapy and treatment. In severe cases, you may even be subject to paraplegia and quadriplegia, leaving you wheelchair bound for life. Without swift and proper diagnosis and treatment, a spinal injury can continue to grow worse in symptoms because of bone fragments that may be pressing against sensitive nerve tissue.
An Oakland Workers' Comp Lawyer can Help
If you have sustained a workplace injury that led to spinal damage, your case is very serious. Medical bills and treatments can add additional strain to your finances. Attorneys from the Pacific Law Group are well-equipped in dealing with cases like yours, and have a collective 35 years of experience in workers' comp claims and litigation. Our lawyers will work closely with you, providing an exemplary level of service and representing your interests to the fullest.
Your rights have been violated if you have suffered a spinal injury at the workplace. Contact an Oakland Workers' Compensation Attorney today to begin the process of seeking your deserved monetary damages.
State & Government Employee Workers' Comp Claims
Oakland Workers' Comp Lawyer
People that work for the state or local government in Oakland, California may be at risk of sustaining workplace injuries, just as any employee may be. At Pacific Attorney Group, we represent clients throughout Oakland in all types of state workers' compensation claims, including those involving employees of the Oakland Police Department, Oakland Fire Department, Department of Motor Vehicles, City of Oakland, Department of Health Care Services, or State of California. No matter what your job may be or what department you may work for, an attorney at our law offices may be able to help.
To undergo a free initial consultation with an Oakland workers' compensation attorney, call us today at 800-670-8142. We understand that because you are a government employee you may face some additional complications in regard to your state workers' compensation claim. We want to offer you the guidance and information you need to make an informed choice about your case.
About State Workers' Compensation Claims
A government employee may be in need of filing a state workers' compensation claim for different reasons: workplace accidents, work-related injuries or exposures at work that cause injury or illness. Our law firm is familiar with handling all types of workers' comp matters, including the filing of a claim and representing our client in any dispute that may arise. If your claim has been denied, we can help by filing an appeal with the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board to seek a reversal of this decision.
Our firm relies upon more than 35 years of combined attorney experience. We are confident that we can provide you with the knowledgeable assistance and aggressive representation you may need in the wake of any work injury.
For help with your state workers' compensation claim in Oakland,
contact a lawyer
at Pacific Attorney Group today!
Oakland Toxic Exposure Cases
Oakland Workers' Compensation Attorney
Unfortunately, exposure to toxic materials while in the workplace is an all too common situation. Certain chemicals and even naturally-occurring substances that are used in manufacturing and other industries can lead to health issues and even death. The key in most of these cases is the level and length of exposure to toxic substances that the body can normally process in smaller amounts. If a company is aware of the risks involved with a toxic substance they use and fails to take proper steps to protect their employees, they can be held legally liable. If you have been a victim of toxic exposure, it is in your best interest to get more information and consult with an Oakland workers' comp lawyer.
What substances are most common in cases of toxic exposure? Some of the leading materials include lead, pesticides, benzene, asbestos, arsenic, and dry-cleaning chemical agents. In addition to the common suspects, there are over 75,000 registered chemicals with the EPA and many have not even received proper study and testing for adverse effects to human health. Exposure to toxic materials over a prolonged period of time and without proper protection can lead to lung cancer and ailments, mesothelioma, brain injury, organ damage, central nervous system damage, gastrointestinal ailments and diseases, skin damage, and death.
Workers' Comp Lawyer in Oakland
If you or a loved one has been exposed to toxic substances at work and are now suffering from a medical condition, it may be directly related to this toxic exposure. Your rights have been violated and you may be entitled to monetary damages for your suffering. The skilled attorneys at the Pacific Law Group understand the difficulty you are going through, and can work diligently for you to recover damages. Our team is well-versed in workers' compensation law and over 35 years of collective experience can help immensely in your case.
The consequences for the toxic exposure you have suffered could be debilitating.
Contact an Oakland Workers' Compensation Attorney
today to begin your case for damages.
Trench Collapse Accidents
Oakland Workers' Comp Attorney
Working in any kind of excavation project can be a dangerous prospect. A trench collapse or other cave-in or compromise of the side walls can lead to an accident involving serious, life-threatening injuries or even death. Besides the clear risks of being crushed by falling soil or rock, there also exists significant danger of suffocation and asphyxiation. If there is water in the trench, drowning could occur or if the excavation involves utilities, electrocution is a risk. Trench collapses and cave-ins are a significant risk in construction projects in the U.S., leading to an estimated 100 fatalities and over 1,100 injuries per year. If you or a loved one has suffered a trench collapse accident, it is important that you protect your rights and pursue a claim for compensation. Answers to your questions and more details can be obtained by contacting an Oakland workers' compensation lawyer.
OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has strict safety guidelines for companies with workers in trenching and excavation projects. If certain protections and conditions are not met by construction companies, a case of negligence may be in order . In addition to following and implementing OSHA regulations, companies should follow other guidelines such as:
- Installation and maintenance of retaining walls and trench boxes
- Evaluation of soil condition before excavation
- Having a qualified safety representative on site
- Communication with utility companies before excavation
- Required use of safety equipment, such as hard hats
- Regular inspections of the trench project to look for possible safety compromises
- Proper safety training for employees
Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Oakland
Choosing the right attorney to represent your workers' compensation case can make a world of difference. At the Pacific Law Group, our lawyers have over 35 years of collective experience in dealing with workers' comp cases and have the staff, resources and know-how to work vigorously for your case. We will provide you with the representation you expect and deserve.
If you've been injured seriously on the job, why wait to protect your interests? Contact an
Oakland Workers' Comp Attorney
today for a consultation of your case.
Types of Benefits Available
Oakland Workers' Compensation Claims
There are different types of benefits that may be available to an injured worker who files for workers' compensation in Oakland, California. The extent of injury and whether the worker suffers from a temporary or permanent disability will affect these benefits, as well as whether the worker is able to return to his or her previous position or field.
If you are interested in finding out what workers' comp benefits you may be entitled to and what your claim may be worth, an attorney at our law offices may be able to help. Pacific Attorney Group offers a free workers' compensation consultation to employees throughout Oakland. We have extensive experience in this field, with a total of 35 years of collective attorney experience, and are ready to see how we can assist you. Our goal is to help you recover all possible benefits under workers' compensation law, such as:
- Medical benefits
- Temporary disability benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Supplemental job displacement benefits or vocational rehabilitation benefits
- Death benefits
An Attorney Can Help You Recover Full Benefits for Your Oakland Workers' Comp Claim
Legal representation is of the utmost importance in workers' compensation claims, particularly for those that involve serious injuries or disabilities. These claims may be complex, and at times an injured worker will not be able to recover full workers' compensation benefits due to a denied claim or even employer interference with the workers' comp claim process. Before you can receive workers' comp benefits, your claim will be subject to review by a claims administrator, who typically works for the insurance company or your employer and is responsible for investigating your claim and arranging payment for medical care and other benefits. If a dispute arises or your claim is denied, your attorney will play an important role in working to protect your rights and helping you recover full benefits.
Seek the workers' compensation benefits you deserve - contact an
Oakland workers' comp lawyer
today!
Oakland Workplace Accident Lawyer
Workers' Compensation Claims for Work Accidents in Oakland, California
When a person is injured in any workplace accident, he or she will have the right under law to file a workers' compensation claim. This claim will allow the injured worker to seek certain benefits that will help with medical care and lost wages associated with his or her injuries. One of the most advantageous parts of Oakland workers' compensation claims in regard to workplace accidents is that the employee does not need to prove that someone else caused the accident or was responsible for his or her injuries. Workers' compensation is a no-fault system, and this means that fault does not need to be established in order for a victim to be entitled to benefits.
An Oakland workers' comp attorney at our law firm may be able to help you in the wake of any type of workplace accident. At Pacific Attorney Group, we represent clients throughout the Oakland area who have been injured or who have lost a loved one and need to file for workers' compensation benefits. We have more than 35 years of collective legal experience and are ready to see how we can help you. To get started, call today: 800-670-8142. Your initial consultation is free and confidential, and this will offer you a valuable opportunity to learn more about your potential claim as well as your rights as an injured worker.
Helping Victims of Work Accidents
A work accident may include any type of accident, ranging from a minor slip and fall to a fatal industrial accident, that occurs at the workplace or in the employee's act of carrying out his or her job duties. At Pacific Attorney Group, we take on all cases of this kind for our clients.
Contact an
Oakland workplace accident lawyer
today to talk about your right to file a workers' comp claim for your injuries.
Appeals for Oakland Workers' Comp Claims
Oakland Workers' Compensation Appeal Attorney
It may be necessary to file an appeal for a workers' compensation claim if your claim was denied. At Pacific Attorney Group, we assist clients in appealing decisions by administrative law judges and even the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board in order to offer them another chance at seeking and recovering the benefits they need. The denial of your claim does not mean that it is over or that you will now have no opportunity of recovering benefits. It simply means that we will start the next step in the process: filing an appeal on your behalf.
Whether we were involved already or if we are just now stepping in after a claim has already been denied, an Oakland workers' compensation lawyer at our law firm can carefully review your claim and work on starting the process of filing an appeal immediately. We know that time is of the essence in this matter and that you will need all the help you can get to appeal an unfavorable decision. With more than 35 years of combined attorney experience and the unwavering commitment to helping our clients and protecting their rights under California workers' compensation law, we at Pacific Attorney Group are here to help you with your appeal.
Workers' Compensation Appeals Board
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board is a 7-member judicial body that is responsible for monitoring the adjudication process and reviewing decisions made by administrative law judges through the application of California Labor Code. If your Oakland workers' compensation claim was denied, it will be our next step to file a Petition for Reconsideration with the Appeals Board to have your claim looked at again and possibly to reverse this denial.
Contact an
Oakland workers' compensation appeal attorney
at our law firm today to discuss filing an appeal for your case.
Oakland Workplace Exposure Attorney
Exposures at Work & Workers' Compensation Claims
Were you recently diagnosed with a medical condition, or have you become aware that an injury is related to exposure to a toxic substance at work or the performance of your job? If this is the case, you may be able to seek benefits under workers' compensation law. An Oakland workers' compensation lawyer at Pacific Attorney Group can help.
Once you become aware that your illness or injury may be work related, it is important that you report this to your employer immediately. A delay in informing your employer and filing a workers' compensation claim may mean that you will be unable to recover benefits at all. Within one working day of you informing your employer of a potential workplace exposure injury, your employer should provide you with a workers' compensation claim form to fill out.
An attorney at our law offices can help you from the instant you discover or suspect that an injury is related to workplace exposure. In addition to helping you seek proper medical attention, we can assist you in filing your claim and handling any dispute or other matter that may need to be addressed.
What is Workplace Exposure?
Injury from workplace exposure is not limited to only particularly dangerous fields, such as construction or manufacturing. Almost any worker may be at risk of suffering an injury that is related to exposure at work. "Exposure" may include a situation where an employee comes into contact with chemicals, toxins or radiation as well as naturally occurring substances that may cause harm, such as mold. Additional types of exposure may be exposure to repetitive motions that cause certain medical conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. From a worker at an industrial plant all the way to a secretary in an office building, virtually any Oakland worker may be at risk of injury due to workplace exposure.
For help with your workers' compensation exposure claim, contact an
Oakland workers' compensation lawyer
at Pacific Attorney Group today.
Oakland Workers' Comp Denials
Denied Workers' Comp Claim? Contact a Workers' Compensation Lawyer
At times, an Oakland workers' compensation claim may be denied. If your claim was denied and you would like to explore your options in getting a second chance at seeking and recovering benefits, an attorney at our law firm can help. We can help you appeal this decision by filing a Petition for Reconsideration with the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, which is responsible for reviewing decisions made by administrative law judges for the Division of Workers' Compensation.
It is our goal to help you get the medical care you need and to ensure your claim was properly handled. You are not limited to only be examined by your employer's doctor and may be able to arrange for a different physician to conduct an examination and assess the extent of your injuries. If your claim was unfairly reviewed by a claims administrator and possibly even involved illegal or dishonest conduct, your attorney can work to expose this and get your claim paid or possibly even take further legal action to seek additional damages.
Why a Claim is Denied
An Oakland workers' comp claim may be denied on the grounds that the injury cannot be proven to be work related. Although an injured worker does not need to prove fault in a workers' compensation claim, the injury must have occurred at work or in the performance of his or her job duties to be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. The claims administrator that reviews your Oakland workplace accident, exposure or injury claim may work for the insurance company or possibly your employer, and it is possible that this person made a mistake or that your side of the story was not properly represented and your claim was therefore unfairly denied. Let our firm help you seek a second chance.
Contact an
Oakland workers' comp lawyer
at Pacific Attorney Group today if your claim was denied and you would like to talk about your legal options.
Overview of Workers' Compensation Law
Oakland Workers' Comp Claims
Workers' compensation law serves to help both employers and employees in regard to workplace accidents and injuries. When an Oakland worker is injured on the job, he or she will be eligible to receive workers' compensation benefits regardless of the circumstances of his or her injury and without having to prove that someone else was at fault. Conversely, an employer will be protected from legal action taken by the employee for work-related injuries. California employers are required to pay for workers' compensation benefits for their employees. Most of the time, an employer will utilize an insurance company authorized to handle these transactions. When an employer is secure enough, however, it may self-insure in regard to workers' compensation coverage.
By law, injured workers have particular rights, including the right to medical treatment after filing a workers' compensation claim, even before the claim is approved. Employers or the insurance company covering workers' compensation claims are required to cover up to $10,000 in medical treatment. They are required by law to provide this coverage within one working day of the injured worker filing his or her claim.
Contact an Oakland Workers' Compensation Attorney
At Pacific Attorney Group, we represent workers throughout Oakland who have been injured and need to file for workers' compensation. When you work with a workers' comp attorney at our law firm, you will have the benefit of our more than 35 years of combined legal experience as we work tirelessly toward a positive case resolution that offers you the full financial benefits to which you are entitled under workers' compensation law.
To schedule your case evaluation and talk to a knowledgeable professional about your case and your legal options, contact an
Oakland workers' comp lawyer
at Pacific Attorney Group today.
Workers' Comp Resources
Oakland, California Workers' Compensation Lawyer
Gaining information about workers' compensation, workplace accidents and all types of work-related injuries may be important to the outcome of your
Oakland workers' compensation claim. At Pacific Attorney Group, we understand that you most likely have many
questions about your case and how our law firm can help you. In addition to offering a free consultation with an
Oakland workers' compensation lawyer, we have included some resources and helpful links below, which we hope you find helpful in your search for more information about workers' compensation.
What is Workers' Compensation?
Information for Injured Workers
California Division of Workers' Compensation
Workers' Compensation Claim Form
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim
Workers' Comp Appeals
Workers' Compensation Service Center
Overview of Workers' Compensation
California Department of Insurance: Workers' Comp Fraud
U.S. Dept of Labor: Workplace Injury Statistics
Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention
City of Oakland, California
Map of Oakland
About Oakland
Hospitals in Oakland
We will be happy to talk to you about your particular case and what legal options you have in seeking benefits after any workplace accident, injury or exposure at work. If you are interested in scheduling your free initial consultation, call today at 800-670-8142.
Contact an
Oakland workers' comp attorney
today!
Settlements for Oakland Workers' Comp Claims
Oakland Workplace Accident & Injury Attorney
Most disputed Oakland workers' compensation claims are resolved outside of court by way of a settlement. There are two primary types of workers' comp settlements: a Compromise and Release and Stipulated Finding and Award. Both involve an agreement that both parties, the injured worker and the employer, will come to in regard to workers' compensation benefits. In a Stipulated Finding and Award, both parties will come to an agreement regarding the benefits that the injured worker will receive, often involving regular disability payments that will be paid for a set period of time. A Compromise and Release typically involves a large lump sum that covers past and possibly future benefits and will end the injured workers' right to future benefits. When you work with an Oakland workers' comp lawyer at our law firm, we will work to secure the settlement that is right for you.
When an Oakland workers' compensation claim is settled, a judge will then review the final agreement that you and your employer have come to. The judge will review this to ensure it is fair. Upon finding that the workers' comp settlement is fair, the judge will sign an order that puts it into full effect and holds both parties to this now legally binding agreement.
When a Workers' Comp Settlement Isn't Possible
At times, the insurance company or your employer simply will not make a reasonable offer. It takes two sides to settle a workers' compensation case, and if the insurance company will not make an offer that you think is fair, it may be in your best interests to take your case to court. Although this is not our first course of action, at Pacific Attorney Group we will not hesitate to protect our client's interests in court if we believe this is the best way to secure the full financial compensation they deserve.
Learn more about Oakland workers' compensation settlements and how an attorney can help.
Contact us
today!
Workers' Compensation Fraud
Oakland Work Injury and Workers' Comp Attorney
Workers' compensation was adopted in California in the 1920s, offering injured workers throughout the state the opportunity to recover benefits for all work related injuries on a no-fault basis, meaning the worker does not need to prove that someone else caused the injury or was at fault. Unfortunately, along with this social insurance program came fraudulent claims and other types of fraud or misrepresentation, committed by employees as well as employers, insurance companies and medical care providers involved in the workers' compensation process.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimated in 2000 that workers' compensation fraud cost the injury approximately $5 billion every year. Although some may consider workers' compensation fraud to be a victimless crime, it costs insurance companies and these expenses are passed on to policyholders and the public in general.
Workers' compensation fraud is a felony offense in California. California's Fraud Assessment Division, law enforcement and district attorneys throughout the state work aggressively to investigate and prosecute workers' compensation insurance fraud. In 2007, district attorneys reported a total of 1,063 prosecuted workers' comp fraud cases with a total of 527 convictions and $10,348,834 recovered in restitution (money paid back as compensation for losses).
Employees and Workers' Comp Fraud in Oakland, CA
If an Oakland employee is found to have committed or attempted to commit fraud in connection with workers' compensation, this may mean that he or she will lose the right to recover any benefits, even those that the employee would have rightfully been entitled to had fraud not occurred.
An Oakland workers' compensation lawyer can help you avoid fraud or misrepresentation of any kind in relation to your workers' comp claim and can even protect you in the face of wrongful or illegal conduct by your employer or the claims administrator. To find out more about our services in relation to workers' compensation fraud,
contact Pacific Attorney Group
today!
Why Hire a Workers' Comp Lawyer?
Attorneys for Workplace Accidents and Work Injuries in Oakland
If you were injured at work, you may wonder whether you should hire a lawyer. This is an important decision to consider, as your choice in hiring a lawyer may have an impact on the outcome of your case and primarily on the amount of benefits you may be entitled to receive. Although workers' compensation law offers you a great deal of protection and assistance in the wake of any workplace accident or injury, an Oakland workers' comp lawyer will be the one to ensure your rights are not violated and that you are able to fully benefit from all the advantages workers' compensation has to offer.
A lawyer experienced in handling Oakland workers' compensation claims can assist you in filing your claim, seeking the medical care you deserve, and in handling any issue that may arise with your claim. A workers' comp lawyer can represent your interests in the event of a dispute or hearing related to your claim. If the claims administrator has questions, your lawyer can answer these or work to offer additional proof as necessary to help you recover benefits. If your claim is denied, your lawyer can help you file an appeal with the Appeals Board. If you are offered a settlement from the workers' compensation insurance company that is simply unfair, your lawyer can begin negotiations to work toward a fair settlement. If an agreement cannot be reached outside of court, your lawyer can take your case to court to be resolved in front of a judge.
Contact an Oakland Workers' Comp Lawyer Today!
Do not wait to contact a workers' comp lawyer to discuss your Oakland work accident or injury. The earlier you involve a lawyer, the more of an impact he or she will be able to have on your claim.
Contact an
Oakland workers' comp lawyer
at Pacific Attorney Group today!