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California Workers' Compensation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for California on
Q: can I be fired if I don't accept a job reassignment to another state or country because HR can't find a local job

I was demoted from a management exempt position because I can only work 4 hours a day due to my first workplace injury. When HR put me into the minimum wage job I told them that I was not physically capable of performing it and I became injured at work again with a new set of restrictions. My local... View More

Nancy J. Wallace
Nancy J. Wallace
answered on Sep 22, 2017

Too bad you didn't get a lawyer for this claim. The Labor Code requires that the Employer offer Permanently Modified Employment within 2 weeks of the receipt of the notice of Permanent Work Restrictions...and most miss that deadline. That offer must include 85% of the pre-injury wages. So... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: Can a QME Dr out of the blue ask for a re-evaluation without the consent of either lawyer on both sides?

Had QME 5 years ago and injuries were found to be work related. Had 5 surgeries since and now arguing about acceptance of last surgery. Received a letter asking me to attend QME. I'm wondering if my attorney and their attorney who are friends, agreed to this without my knowledge? Everyone is... View More

Nancy J. Wallace
Nancy J. Wallace
answered on Sep 18, 2017

If you really feel your lawyer is not serving you, you need (1) a face-to-face to give her an opportunity to clearly and quickly demonstrate she is on your side and working in your best interests...and if she cannot do so soon and easily, then (2) dismiss her and 'substitute' in a new... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for California on
Q: Is it ok, if the supervisor delay me about 1-4 hrs on my schedule and make me wait on the back of the restaurant.
William John Light
William John Light
answered on Sep 18, 2017

Probably not. Contact the Labor Board. https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/howtoreportviolationtobofe.htm

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: bit on the job beginning of shift, skin broken superficial wound

and small puncture wound, dog not registered or licensed, no vaccs, what are my rights?

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Sep 15, 2017

Tell your employer you want to file a workers compensation claim. Go get needed medical attention. Depending on circumstances, you may have a claim against the dog owner, or others, for the injury. Call a PI attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: Open WC case but resigned after they changed my wages

I received a broken shoulder while at work by a thief And went back to work 4 days later but taking it easy. After a few weeks my back began to feel numb And was getting ignored by the doctors office when I'd call and complain. I got an attorney (WC) and was instructed to see a new doctor. I... View More

Nancy J. Wallace
Nancy J. Wallace
answered on Sep 14, 2017

The Work Comp Insurer is only responsible for 'reasonable treatment' on the body parts it either accepts as it's resonsibility or the body parts found by the Workers Comp Judge to be industrially-injured and requiring further/future medical treatment. If this Comp Insurer only... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: company always puts me out on disability even though wc approved with 3rd pa it has affected my service credit

been out 4 times for industrial injury and consequential injury of blood clots from surgery every time my boss puts me out under company provided disability even though they know its workers comp 3rd prty add accepts wc but denies disability then my boss shows it as personal injury and then they... View More

Nancy J. Wallace
Nancy J. Wallace
answered on Sep 14, 2017

The solution is to put every communication IN WRITING. Or to get an attorney who will put every thing in writing. IF YOU CAN PROVE these decisions are made solely to retaliate against you for requesting workers comp benefits, you can get an increase in Permanent Disability and get the losses... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: Ignored by my WC adjuster - Impossible to get a PTP.

CA Workers Compensation issue.

After receiving my report from the QME (not reached a permanent and stationary status), my first PTP stated that he couldn't do anything for me anymore. The adjuster (who will only reply to my emails 15+ days after) sent me a list and 2 PTP have already... View More

Domingo R. Castillo
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answered on Sep 14, 2017

Look for a Workers Compensation Specialist anywhere close to your home. You will eventually find one. If you cannot, contact the California Applicant Attorney Association (CAAA) and ask for a referral or list of attorneys.

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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: What happens to the workers compensation Dr. who evaluation that denied your worker compensation but then gets accepted

I had my claim overturned on a second doctors opinion so does the workers comp doctor who findings denied get penalized for anything ?

Nancy J. Wallace
Nancy J. Wallace
answered on Sep 14, 2017

Generally, nothing happens to a physician who writes the injured worker did not sustain any industrial injury. There are forms you can submit to the Director of Industrial Relations if you can show the physician performed below the standard of care. Here is a link to WCAB Forms... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: After 2 yrs. On disability. And still need surgeries. What happens with pay. Do you then apply for permanent disability.
Nancy J. Wallace
Nancy J. Wallace
answered on Sep 12, 2017

The Labor Code ends Temporary Disability payments from the insurer after 104 weeks -- two years. Even if you applied for Social Security Disability Insurance , you likely wouldn't be approved for more than one year. You can try an application for State Disability Insurance at... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: I avg 6k a week at my job in northern California. Approximately how much WC benefit will I be paid WC said 1172.00.

I was under assumption 2/3 of my wages.

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Sep 6, 2017

Your best bet would be to consult with an experienced worker's compensation lawyer.

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: Do I have to use paid time off before TPD?

I'm still working fulltime but scheduled for knee surgery on workers' comp. The doctor expects I'll need 4 weeks of TPD. My employer is putting me on FMLA and says I have to use my accrued Paid Time Off prior to getting TPD. I think this is inaccurate. What is the regulation?

Nancy J. Wallace
Nancy J. Wallace
answered on Aug 25, 2017

Your employer is incorrect. Show THIS to the employer: http://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/wc-td-tds-wage-loss.aspx

YOU are using the improper term. TPD = temporary PARTIAL disability, and TTD is Temporary TOTAL disability. For 6 weeks following surgery, you will be TOTALLY unable...
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4 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Workers' Compensation and Car Accidents for California on
Q: Car accident during work while driving the company's vehicle.

I got into a car accident while on the clock as I work in a mobile job. I was T-boned and they're still trying to determine who was at fault. The car I was driving was totaled. I was driving what I was told is "a company vehicle" at the moment the police report is still pending.... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Aug 22, 2017

Giving false information to the insurance company is insurance fraud and is a crime. Tell the truth. Losing your job is not as bad as being charged with a crime. You have a claim for workers compensation benefits for your injuries on the job. You have a claim for personal injuries against the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: A defendant has been asked to sign a no contest plea to a misdemeanor; in an insurance fraud case.

The same defendant has a workman compensation trial coming up soon; would like to know if accepting a no contest plea in the criminal case can be admissible in the workman compensation ? Should client accept plea deal.

Nancy J. Wallace
Nancy J. Wallace
answered on Aug 22, 2017

Pretty much EVERYTHING is admissible in a workers comp case. If there is a question as to whether or not a body part was injured on the job, and the WC Judge has to decide if that injury happened at work or away solely based on the injured worker's truth-telling, the WC Judge isn't... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: After voc exam on a 5 year workers comp case what is next? Trial? Will I need to be there? No settlement offer

I'm confused all has been done just waiting for what ? 5 year workers como case and might need a trial ? What is trial for ? No offers at all please help I've been struggling

Nancy J. Wallace
Nancy J. Wallace
answered on Aug 18, 2017

If you had an interview with Vocational Expert, then you have a lawyer: you'll be paying that lawyer Thou$sand$ and you should insist on a brief face-to-face meeting to know the next 3-4 steps... for the thousand$ you'll be paying this person, they owe you that. That said, THE INSURER... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: I have an open workmans comp case that I was still getting seen for. Recently re injured but not at work. Am I covered?

I dislocated my kneecap at work seven months ago. Was cleared to go back to work things have been better but my knee still makes a popping sound so I was going to appointments with an orthopedic monthly and was about to start seeing a PT. Just yesterday I was not at work and my knee popped out of... View More

Domingo R. Castillo
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answered on Aug 17, 2017

You have asked a very important question. If the same knee popped while you were doing your usual and customary activities, there is no reason why a doctor or adjuster should deny this. However, many do. In addition, if any other body part such as the other knee, low back, etc or lower extremity... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: 5yr wc case no offer. Done with Voc exam what's next trial ? Done it all including ame . On ssa and SSI already drainded
Nancy J. Wallace
Nancy J. Wallace
answered on Aug 15, 2017

If there is an Agreed Medical Evaluator, that means you have an attorney (only people with an attorney get to use an AME). You'll be paying this lawyer ten$ of thou$ands so you should be getting these questions answered from the individuals purporting to be your lawyer. That said, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: If I had a claim 7 years ago settle claim then just started working 4 months into the new job pulled a muscle

And my new job open a workers comp claim sent me paper work saying to note any injury 10 years back in if I don't tell the truth it perjury only receive 100 bucks now I'm back to work full time,should I report old injury even though it's a different part of the body.

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Aug 13, 2017

You must answer the question they've given you honestly and openly. You should disclose any previous work related injuries you suffered within the past 10 years, regardless of what part of your body. Failure to do so could cause you problems with your claim and harm to your credibility.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Products Liability and Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: during surgery i fell & broke a metal side table resulting in a neck injury who's responsible?

i was grabbed by the anesthesiologist by the neck with his two hands i don't recall this, the wcomp. doctor informed me of this on my follow-up visit with him. he told me that the hospital was concerned about this situation and are conducting an internal investigation! this was on may the... View More

William C. Head
William C. Head pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 13, 2017

Here is the Attorney I suggest consulting. Mr. Brian D. Witzer.

Tell him that William C. Head from Atlanta referred you to him.

witzerlaw.com

Address: 8752 Holloway Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Phone: (310) 777-5999

2 Answers | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: I was injured at work. Employer won't provide a claim form or insurance info.
Domingo R. Castillo
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answered on Aug 10, 2017

I suggest that you meet with an experienced workers compensation attorney who will address that problem and get your claim opened. Good luck.

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1 Answer | Asked in Workers' Compensation for California on
Q: It's been nine years and my workers comp case has not been settled, I have attorney, and have never been to trial

I have requested a trial before the judge many times but I have been ignored there have been many mistakes made. My input has not been listened too and they have believed the defense who has been dishonest. I have worked on my case myself to get mileage and providers when my attorney says after... View More

Nancy J. Wallace
Nancy J. Wallace
answered on Aug 8, 2017

I'm so sorry this is happening to you... sadly, it is not unusual. The system is not set up for timely, rapid resolution...it seems set up right now to allow every possible way for the insurer to legally decline payment. Sadly, you get nothing for losing you home and not finishing the... View More

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