Legal Guidance for Injured Workers in Fremont, Hayward and the Entire San Francisco Bay Area
Many employees miss work when they are injured or suffer a work-related illness. If you are unable to work for a significant period of time, the California Workers’ Compensation program offers benefits for conditions that result in partial and total disability. If your benefits are delayed or your insurer offers a compensation settlement, you need legal help to decide how to proceed.
Located in Oakland, the Law Offices of John E. Hill, P.C. offers effective advice and representation for obtaining the full benefits to which you are entitled. We explain the details of a potential settlement offer that would conclude your case and help you evaluate whether to accept the offer or to continue through further phases of the claim process.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Settlements for Lost Wages
If you are diagnosed with a disability as a result of your workplace injury or illness, your employer or insurance company may opt to dispute the claim. Employers often fight prognoses of the following types of disability:
As you recover from your illness or injury, your doctor monitors your progress. When you reach a point in the healing process at which your recovery appears complete (or has progressed as far as it will), your condition is considered “permanent and stationary.” Your doctor issues a P&S report that details information about your injury, the types of work you can do and the proximate cause of your disability.
If you are deemed to have a permanent disability, you may be eligible for a wage settlement package from your insurer.
Structuring a Benefits Settlement to Suit Your Future
When you reach a point of maximum medical improvement, disputes may arise with your insurer over previously unpaid temporary disability and future claims for permanent disability. Payment for permanent partial disability differs from compensation for permanent total disability.
When you secure representation from the Law Offices of John E. Hill, P.C., our attorneys help you consider important features of your settlement structure, including the following:
It is important that you do not verbally accept any offer from your employer or insurer to settle your Workers’ Compensation case without first receiving adequate advice and considering your options. If the settlement is not structured carefully, you may limit your ability to obtain medical care and other assistance in the future.
Work With Workers’ Compensation Attorneys You Can Trust in Northern California
A permanent injury lasts a lifetime. Do not shortchange your future — consult an experienced California Workers’ Compensation attorney at the Law Offices of John E. Hill, P.C. for useful advice. We maintain flexible office hours and offer a free initial consultation. Contact our firm online or call (510) 588-1000 today. Hablamos español.
We handle car accident cases involving injury claims, insurance disputes, vehicle damage, and compensation for your losses.
We handle personal injury cases involving accidents, negligence, medical expenses, and compensation for your suffering.
We represent clients in workers’ compensation cases involving injuries, lost wages, medical care, and employer disputes.
We fight for clients in civil rights cases involving discrimination, police misconduct, unlawful arrests, and violations of constitutional rights.
We assist clients in employment litigation involving wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, and wage disputes.