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    Workers' Compensation

    Helping Californians That Have Been Injured At Work

    Should I Hire an Attorney for My Workers Compensation Claim?

    After a work injury accident, an experienced worker’s comp attorney can provide clients with the insights they need to help them determine the best course of action.

    In cases that become contested (or litigated) the claim is brought, normally through an attorney on behalf of the injured worker, before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board which then assumes jurisdiction over the matter and allows the parties the ability to address disputed issues before that body.


    If you are unsure about your particular situation, please contact us for an initial case assessment with a Santa Clarita workers’ compensation attorney.


    When an employee is injured while at work, there are certain responsibilities an employee and employer must fulfill for a workers’ compensation claim to go smoothly. Contact our experienced Valencia workers’ compensation lawyers today to find out how we can help you especially if:

    • Your claim has been denied
    • You are appealing your decision
    • You have a preexisting condition
    • Your permanent disability rating has been challenged
    • Your workers’ compensation hearing is approaching
    • You are receiving government benefits other than workers’ comp

    In addition, you will find a detailed treatment of employer and employee responsibilities in workers’ compensation claims below.

    Is California a “No Fault” State for Workers’ Compensation

    In California, the workers’ compensation system is referred to a “no fault” system. This means that, generally speaking, a work injury is the result of an accident through no fault of the employer or the employee.

    When an injury occurs and a claim is filed it is not a lawsuit such as would occur with a civil or personal injury matter. Meaning that the employer is not being sued but rather the injury is reported to the employers’ insurance carrier and a claim is then opened up.

    Employer Responsibilities

    As an employer, you are responsible for providing a safe environment at work to prevent injuries to the best of your ability. However, if an employee is injured, you are responsible to perform the following duties:

    • You must complete a workers’ compensation claim form and forward it to your workers’ compensation carrier
    • If the injured employee needs medical attention, allow them to see the company doctor or leave work to see their own physician
    • Ensure that you do not violate any laws or the rights of the injured employee

    Your next step is to cooperate with your workers’ compensation carrier and its attorneys during the investigation of the injury. This means doing the following:

    • Provide any documents they may need, such as your payroll history or a copy of the injured employee’s personnel file
    • If they want to interview the injured employee’s supervisor or co-workers, allow them to speak without obstruction

    Your workers’ compensation attorney in Valencia can help you take care of these requests, if needed.

    Allowing Injured Workers to Come Back to Work

    You are also responsible for welcoming an injured employee back to work once they are physically ready. You may not penalize an employee, or terminate them, simply for having filed a workers’ compensation claim. You can face serious civil or criminal charges.

    Finally, you must assist your state workers’ comp board to ensure you are not committing fraud. While its true employees can fraudulently file for workers’ compensation, employers can also fail to process the appropriate workers’ compensation forms.

    When employers fail to provide insurance carriers with the correct claims forms, it could lead to an increase in premiums.

    Employee Responsibilities

    As an employee, you must act responsible while at work. If you’re injured at work in California while intoxicated or after knowingly violating a policy or code meant to protect you, you may not be entitled to workers’ compensation.

    Reporting Your Injuries

    If you are injured at work, you should report your injury to your immediate supervisor or employer right away. If you do not report your injury on a timely basis it could potentially impact your rights to receive benefits, both monetary and medical.

    Once you tell your employer, they are required by law to provide you with a DWC-1 Claim Form and may assist you in filling it out and send it to their insurance carrier. Review the form carefully to make sure it accurately reflects your injury and request a copy for your own records after you sign it.

    Cooperating With the Insurance Company

    Cooperate with any reasonable requests made by the insurance company. For example, you may need to see an in-network physician; if you fail or refuse to do so, it may raise suspicions or result in the delay, or denial, of your claim. If you falsify an injury, you may face serious criminal penalties for fraud which may include fines, jail and restitution.

    Recovering from Your Injuries

    Most importantly, you’ll want to focus on your recovery and getting back to work. An attorney can help ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to as a result of an industrial injury.

    How an Experienced Santa Clarita Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help

    The Bridgeford Law Office will provide you with the absolute best legal advice you can obtain concerning all areas of workers’ compensation in Valencia. Our years of experience in navigating the treacherous waters of the workers’ compensation system are a cut above the rest

    At our firm, we partner closely with our clients and business owners throughout the legal process to ensure a successful outcome.

     


    Contact our firm today at (661) 771-3004 and find out for yourself how we can help you.


     

    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.

    Ceiling Lamp It's Never Too Late or Too Early
    to Seek Legal Advice

    Our firm is here for you when you need us. Connect with us at any time.

    Turn to The Bridgeford Law Office, APC.<

    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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    Get in Touch

    Proudly Helping in Valencia
    & Surrounding Areas

    (661) 775-9300

    25060 Avenue Stanford
    Suite 285,
    Valencia, CA 91355,
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    38424 10th St East
    Suite 230,
    Palmdale, CA 93550,
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    Schedule a Confidential Assessmentto Start Your Case Today!