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    FAQ

    Valencia Workers' Compensation Question and Answers

    Serving Clients in Santa Clarita for Work Injury Claims

    Below are some frequently asked questions regarding workers’ compensation. We hope this information will provide you with some general answers to some of your questions.

    The information on this page in no way represents or takes the place of legal advice from a licensed attorney and is provided for informational purposes only.


    We work closely with clients to educate them on their rights and legal options. Call The Bridgeford Law Office at (661) 771-3004 to schedule your initial consultation.


    Employee Workers’ Compensation Questions and Answers

    I’ve been injured on the job. What should I do next?

    First, get emergency treatment if you need it. Notify the health care provider that your injury is work-related. Next, report your injury to your employer within 30 days from the date of the injury.

    If your injury or illness developed over time, report it as soon as you learn it was caused by your job. If you fail to notify your employer in time, you lose your right to obtain benefits. Finally, fill out a claim form and give it to your employer

    Can I use my own doctor for a workers’ comp injury?

    If your employer provides workers’ comp through a certified health care network, you must select a doctor from the network’s approved provider list. If you don’t have a list readily available, you can ask your employer.

    If your employer does not provide care through a network, you can either talk to your primary care provider and ask if they treat workers’ comp patients, or you can find a doctor online.

    What benefits am I entitled to on workers’ compensation?

    If you’re injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance provides medical care, which is paid for by your employer to help you recover from your injury.

    You can also receive benefits for temporary disability, permanent disability, and supplemental job displacement, depending on the severity and length of your injury. Death benefits are also available if a worker is killed.

    When can I return to work after an injury?

    As soon as you’re cleared by your doctor, employer, and claims administrator, you can return back to work. If a doctor decides you cannot return to work while recovering from your injuries, you can’t be forced to go back to work.

    However, a doctor can send you back to your job with work restrictions if your employer is able to make accommodations. Depending on your injuries, you may be eligible for any number of disability benefits while you recover.

    Do I need an attorney to assist me with my workers’ comp claim?

    You’re not required to have an attorney for a workers’ comp claim, however, one may be beneficial under certain circumstances. If your employer denies your claim, you settlement offer doesn’t cover all your medical bills, or your boss retaliates against you for filing a claim, it’s important to enlist legal guidance.

    Do I get paid if I can’t work because of a work injury?

    Depending upon whether or not the injury is initially accepted, if the case is not initially accepted, you will likely be in the position to request state disability through EDD. If the injury is immediately accepted by the insurance company, you will receive a similar amount through the insurance company from a benefit called temporary disability (TTD) benefits.

    Interestingly, while EDD benefits/SDI can last up to one year, TTD benefits can last up to two years.

    Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim?

    “…California Labor Code §132(a) provides strict protection for employees against employers who discriminate or retaliate against them for filing a workers’ compensation claim. A violation of this rule can result in significant penalties against the employer…”

    Employer Workers’ Compensation Question and Answers

    Where do I get workers’ compensation insurance and how much will I pay?

    As an employer, you must purchase workers’ comp from either a licensed insurance company or through the State Compensation Insurance Fund. You may also choose to self-insure. Like a consumer, you should shop around for a carrier that meets your needs and provides a fair price.

    Your industry classification, company’s past history of work-related injuries and the number of employees all affect your annual premium.

    What should I do if my employee gets hurt on the job?

    You must provide a workers’ comp claim form to them within one working day after the date of their injury. Return a copy of the completed form to the employee within one working day of receipt. If your employees are covered by a Medical Provider Network, help arrange an initial medical evaluation with an MPN doctor.

    What can I do if I think my employee’s workers’ comp claim is false?

    Report your opinion to your workers’ comp claims administrator as soon as possible. Provide facts, witnesses and other evidence that may back up your claims. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) will work with other agencies to investigate possible fraud cases.

    Can I get my money back if I paid an employee while they were off work?

    You may be reimbursed for benefits you paid if you report the injury to the insurance carrier in a timely fashion and either (1) the insurance carrier has contested liability for the injury and you do not agree, or (2) the insurance carrier has not completed its initial investigation of the injury.

    When is a work-related accident not payable under my workers’ comp insurance coverage?

    An insurance carrier is not liable for benefits if:

    • The employee was injured while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
    • The injury was caused by the employee’s own willful attempt to injure themselves
    • A person who is not your employee injured your employee
    • The injury occurred in a voluntary off-duty recreational, social, or athletic activity
    • Horseplay caused the injury

    Our Ventura Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help

    Our experienced Ventura workers compensation attorneys have handled hundreds of cases, many of which involved complex issues and high-value claims. Our Santa Clarita work injury lawyers are dedicated to helping you achieve the results you are looking for. We will not accept settlements that are unfair to our clients.

    All client calls are returned and handled by the attorney assigned to their matter(s). At our firm, we genuinely care about our clients. At The Bridgeford Law Office you are not just a number. “We’ve got your back!”


    Contact our offices at (661) 771-3004 today to request your consultation.


     

    A Firm You
    Can Rely On

    • 19 Years of Experience in the Santa Clarita Valley in Your Corner

    • Attorneys Allen and Bridgeford Are Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialists by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California

    • Open Lines of Communication and Direct Attention from Our Dedicated Attorneys

    • Personalized Legal Care Where We Treat All Clients Like Family

    • We Take the Time to Listen to Your Needs During a Confidential Initial Assessment

    Client Testimonials

    • Very pleased with this Law Office

      “Very pleased with this Law Office for Workmans Comp representation. Work hard and not a dime out of pocket. Would highly recommend”

      Joel C.

    • They are exceptional at what they do.

      “I was a client for this law office a few years ago. I have nothing bad to say about Mr. Allen as well as Mr. Bridgeford. They are exceptional at what they do. I thank you all for helping when I needed it most!”

      Wendy G.

    • He is without a doubt the finest work comp attorney in So. CA

      “I had the good fortune to choose Mr. Bridgeford to handle my work comp case...Not only is he an EXTREMELY skilled lawyer who prevented the insurance company from doing various nasty things to me, but his caring, legal expertise & wonderful staff prevented all of it from happening and the outcome of the case was better than I ever could have hoped for...He is without a doubt the finest work comp attorney in So. CA and if you need a great one, then he's DEFINITELY the right man with the right staff for the job...Despite this being a very complex case with 4.5 years of litigation, they were always very attentive to my needs and most definitely saw that justice was done...I have heard many stories of work comp clients getting screwed over and Mark made sure that that did not happen in my case...You will not regret choosing him...I will be eternally grateful to Mark and the entire staff of Bridgeford Law...”

      David F.

    • At least this new year will be starting on a far better note than last year at this time.

      “At least this new year will be starting on a far better note than last year at this time. Thanks to your efforts this year at least my bills are paid, my medications are here, I'm not facing eviction and there's even plenty of food in case I get an appetite despite the pain. Thanks and have a great holiday!”

      Anonymous

    • The Bridgeford Law Office has gone above and beyond!

      “The Bridgeford Law Office has gone above and beyond! Mark and his team has worked hard on getting treatment for my injury. If a procedure was denied by the insurance company, Mark and Emily are ready to work on getting medical care approved. I highly recommend this office for anyone who has a work related injury. Thank you Bridgeford Law Office for taking care of my claim.”

      Jose V.

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    Meet Your Team

    • Mark K. Bridgeford
      Mark K. Bridgeford Founding Attorney
    • Gary W. Allen
      Gary W. Allen Senior Associate Attorney
    • Emily C. Peterson
      Emily C. Peterson Associate Attorney
    • Zachary Bridgeford
      Zachary Bridgeford Associate Attorney
    • Mark K. Bridgeford Founding Attorney
      Mark K. Bridgeford

      As the founder of The Bridgeford Law Office, Attorney Mark K. Bridgeford brings 40 years of experience to the table in the area of workers’ compensation law. Having established the firm in 1999, our founding attorney is well-versed in this complicated area of the law and is dedicated to helping employees and employers alike. He is a Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialists by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California.

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    • Gary W. Allen Senior Associate Attorney
      Gary W. Allen

      Attorney Gary W. Allen is a Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialists by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California and as such, has an in-depth knowledge of the law and how to apply it to cases involving a range of work injuries. As a Senior Associate Attorney, Mr. Allen often mentors junior attorneys and provides educational assistance to clients and staff in fields ranging from the claims process to the highly complex area of permanent disability ratings.

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    • Emily C. Peterson Associate Attorney
      Emily C. Peterson

      Attorney Emily C. Peterson is a devoted workers’ compensation lawyer, standing up for injured workers’ rights across the Greater Los Angeles area. She is also a proud member of the State Bar of California. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law in Athens, Georgia and is devoted to using her knowledge in the best interests of all clients to the firm.

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    • Zachary Bridgeford Associate Attorney
      Zachary Bridgeford

      Attorney Zachary O. Bridgeford is the newest addition to The Bridgeford Law Office, APC. He attended California State University, Los Angeles where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 2014. Four years later, he received his Juris Doctorate from Glendale University College of Law where he graduated as the class Valedictorian. He became bar certified in California that same year and has been practicing law in the field of Workers’ Compensation at our firm ever since.

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    (661) 775-9300

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