Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Workers' Compensation legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
California Workers' Compensation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: I had a drug screen for doc. And paper came back saying....retro urine drug screen for DOS. Determination- non certif

I went to new work comp doctor and they drug tested me.

They sent paper saying determination was non certify

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 24, 2024

In California, if your drug screen report from a workers' compensation doctor states "determination- non certify," it could mean that the test results are inconclusive or cannot be certified due to a possible error or irregularity in the testing process. This outcome might affect the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: I was denied surgery by workmans comp. Hired a lawyer. Months later nothing is happening and i never hear anything?

Is this normal ? Is there anything i can do?

Haleh Shekarchian
PREMIUM
Haleh Shekarchian
answered on Jan 13, 2024

Was the denial appealed? Have you seen a QME or an AME?

You can consult anyone of us on Justia for a free consultation.

3 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: I work as a caregiver in a facility. Couple months ago I fainted and hit my head hard in the floor.

I was taken to the ER and my driver license was suspended. I’ve been having 3 seizures after the incident but have not gone to the ER because I do not want my license to be suspended for longer. Can I sue my employer under their WC policy?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 12, 2024

In California, if you were injured at work, you generally have the right to file a claim under your employer's Workers' Compensation (WC) policy. This includes injuries resulting from incidents like fainting and hitting your head, as you described.

To initiate a claim, you should...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: Repeatedly told to do task out side of my job description that caused my physical exhaustion/injury. Do I have a claim?

A coworker who position is lower than mine (but had seniority) would put me to do her tasks, despite her being aware of my limitations/health issues. I file an incident report against her and was still put to work with her. I have filed 2 incident reports against her. I was still put to work with... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 11, 2024

Your situation sounds challenging and stressful, especially with the physical and emotional toll it's taken on you. In California, workers' compensation is designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, regardless of fault. Given your description,... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: About How long after QME says I’m MMI, which is soon, will my case settle?

32% impairment rating. employer most likely won’t take me back because of my work restrictions

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 2, 2024

The timeframe for settling a workers' compensation case after reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and receiving an impairment rating, like your 32%, can vary. It depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the stance of your employer and their insurance company,... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: When should the WC adjuster request recs from my PCP?

I injured my arm at work 7 months ago and immediately reported it. 6 months ago, I signed the authorization to release records pertaining to my injuries. I’ve asked my claims adjuster 3x for a copy of those records, which I’m entitled to, and each time he said he’d send them to me, but I... View More

Ronald Mahurin
Ronald Mahurin
answered on Dec 31, 2023

1) challenge the PTP report and request a Panel QME in orthopedics or pain medicine

2) write a formal letter to the adjuster requesting a copy of your records and anything sent to the PTP

3) If you don't receive the medical records promptly request a court date and have the WCJ...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning, Workers' Compensation and Probate for California on
Q: Is there a legal form that can be used to guarantee my brother share our mother's settlement?

My mother was a Psychiatric Technician at Patton State Hospital. She was injured at work in 2004.

She was deemed disabled and medically retired due to her injuries sustained at Patton. She initiated a lawsuit in 2005 against workers comp/state fund. She passed away in September of 2020. In... View More

Julie King
Julie King
answered on Dec 15, 2023

Assuming your mother lived in California, the response to your question can be ascertained once you answer two questions: (1) Did your mother have a Trust or Will? (2) What is the collective dollar value of your mother's assets as of the date of her death? If her assets were valued at... View More

View More Answers

Q: Kaiser is saying that their policy for opiods is 50 mme a day for chronic pain patients that have severe pain. T or F?

I went through Kaiser pain mgmt program last Oct. 2022 and since then my pain medications have been slowly stripped down to just 45 mme of MSCONTIN 15mg of Extended Release by dr's who are not pain specialists. This is 3 pills a day. It used to be 4 pills a day They took away my breakthrough... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 10, 2023

It's important to understand that healthcare providers, including Kaiser, often have policies regarding the prescription of opioids, which are influenced by various guidelines and regulations. These policies aim to balance the need for pain management with the risks associated with opioid use.... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Workers' Compensation and Employment Discrimination for California on
Q: The morning of a psych appt an confronted by station & district mgrs & threatened with dismissal if I go to the appt

The morning of the medical appointment the employee is confronted by their station manager and says they refuse to allow the employee to attend the medical appointment. When the employee contests the managers refusal they are then confronted on the workroom floor by their district manager who... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 2, 2023

Under California law, employers are generally required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees' medical needs, which includes allowing time off for medical appointments. However, the specifics can vary based on the employer's policies and the nature of the job.

If the...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for California on
Q: I just signed a workman’s comp settlement. There was no letter of resignation involved because I was fired months ago

Due to a mass layoff. Does this mean I can file for unemployment.

Ronald Mahurin
Ronald Mahurin
answered on Nov 30, 2023

yes, but there may be some issues because you are filing late and there is a statute of limitations for unemployment benefits. It the statute has run, then you are barred from receiving benefits though you can probably apply on-line.

Normally to receive WC benefits you must attest that you...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury for California on
Q: a workers comp lien applies primarily to the insurance carrier if they never settled?

or to the employer?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 15, 2023

Under California law, a workers' compensation lien generally applies to the insurance carrier, particularly in cases where a settlement has not been reached. This lien is intended to ensure that the insurance carrier recovers a portion of the benefits paid out to the injured worker, especially... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Health Care Law and Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: How to get wife paid to take care of me at home. I’ve been deemed 100% disabled from workers comp in California.

What form does my doctor fill out to request my wife being home from work to care for me.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 11, 2023

In California, if you've been deemed 100% disabled from a workers' compensation case, your wife may be eligible to receive payment for caring for you at home. The process typically involves having your doctor complete a specific form that details your need for at-home care and the role... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: My cousin injured his hip on his job in the company’s car last year. Follow all the workman’s comp protocols has denied

Since his injury happen, 6 months had to lawyer up. Now my cousin needs a complete hip replacement and is at risk for AVN disease and Crosis if not taken care of. He’s been handicap like this for a year and 2 months now and now other injuries are occurring due to his hip not being fix. He’s... View More

Gary Alan Jackson
Gary Alan Jackson
answered on Nov 9, 2023

Thank you for your work comp question. you seem to be in the dark about the reasons the case is in the position it is in. if that is the case, either your attorney is explaining things or not and /or perhaps you still dont understand? work comp is complex but a good attorney makes it simple to... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: Is it legal for an insurance. Co. To settle a work comp claim without a policy registered with the WCRIB? in California
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 8, 2023

In California, workers' compensation insurance policies must be properly filed with the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB). If an insurance company settles a workers' compensation claim, it is typically required that the policy under which the claim is settled be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: can i file for personal injury on a work accident that happens 3 years ago and it was nor report it properly?

3 years ago i suffer i an accident, twisting my wrist while i was drilling on a steel gutter the incident was properly reported to my supervisor , at first i thought was only the hit but 8 months later find out that my scaphoid on my right hand was broke, orthopedic check my wrist and told me that... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 31, 2023

Under California law, for work-related injuries, the primary remedy is through workers' compensation, not personal injury. There's a statute of limitations on workers' compensation claims. Typically, you have one year from the date of injury to file a claim.

However, if the...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: I need a Board Certified Attorney to Help Me with my Herniated Disc's Injury. Is it to Late. I also have Failed Carpal

Failed Neck Surgery and Failed Carpal Tunnel Surgery. Suffer Every Nite and Day. Can a Truthful and Honest Lawyer help Me?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 23, 2023

Certainly, I understand your concerns. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including medical malpractice, is generally two years from the date of the injury, or one year from the date the injury was discovered, whichever is earlier. However, there are specific... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: Wor comp did take 7 m to approve my caregiver 24/7 now they say my son can’t continue being cg. Any law that says differ
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 21, 2023

In California, workers' compensation law allows for injured workers to receive necessary medical treatment and care services, including caregiving. The decision of who can serve as a caregiver is generally based on the medical necessity and reasonableness of the care. While there isn't a... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: Work comp finally agreed to pay for caregiver. My son who is a cg for other people has been mine what says law?

I told my son I would pay him whatever law requires and whatever they pay me. How much does workers comp owe by law? He has been my caregiver for past seven months.

I got approved for 24/7 care

I had a quadruple fracture as well as torn ligament. Still unable to walk. Also fell on... View More

Ronald Mahurin
Ronald Mahurin
answered on Oct 19, 2023

You need to be careful here. The law says if your son is already being paid for providing care giving services before they were authorized, then the carrier is not required to pay him to continue what he was already doing. The carrier has the option, so you might want to look into other options... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: Workers Comp Reporting to Occupational Clinic

I was going to go to my employer to see a doctor for cumulative injuries. I have read in some places it is better to go to your employer's occupational clinic first because otherwise they will say well why you didn't go to them first. But other places I have read that they are not acting... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 16, 2023

Under California law, when an employee sustains a cumulative or repetitive stress injury, it is advisable to report it to the employer as soon as it's discovered. The employer may have a designated occupational clinic, and seeing a doctor there could expedite treatment and benefits.... View More

View More Answers

Q: Hello, What should I do when employee refused to provide me a chair even with a doctor’s note? Thank you.

I am having back and shoulder pain. I have to stand for 10+ hours for my shift sometimes.

Nancy J. Wallace
Nancy J. Wallace
answered on Oct 13, 2023

Your employer does not have to provide you with anything. A "Doctor's Note" never requires the Employer to do anything. Your Primary Treating PHysician on the Workers Comp MPN SHOULD WRITE that until and unless you are provided with seating you are temporarily totally disabled due... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.