Fresno Workers Comp Attorney

If you’re injured at work, workers’ compensation provides medical treatment and compensates you for lost wages. In most situations, by carrying workers’ compensation insurance, employers gain immunity from personal injury workers compensation claim.

But how can you know if you are eligible for workers’ compensation? How much should you receive? How do you know if you’ve provided a complete and accurate application? Call the workers compensation lawyer of Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian. We help injured workers overcome the hurdles in the system and receive the workers compensation benefits they need.

If you’re injured at work, protect yourself and call Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian and speak to a Fresno workers compensation attorney immediately.

Common Fresno CA Workers Comp Injuries

In Fresno, like in any other bustling city, workplace accidents can occur unexpectedly, leaving employees injured and uncertain about their rights. When these accidents happen, understanding workers’ compensation becomes crucial for both employees and employers.

Tomassian Pimentel & Shapazian, with its expertise in personal injury law, sheds light on common Fresno workers’ compensation accidents and the legal implications involved.

Workplace accidents in Fresno span various industries, from agriculture to healthcare, construction to manufacturing. Despite the diversity, some accidents occur more frequently than others. Here are some common Fresno workers’ compensation accidents:

  1. Slips, Trips, and Falls: Whether in an office building, on a construction site, or in a retail store, slips, trips, and falls are prevalent. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, or cluttered walkways can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and sprains.
  2. Overexertion: Jobs requiring repetitive motions or heavy lifting can lead to overexertion injuries. These injuries often affect the back, shoulders, and wrists and can result in chronic pain and reduced mobility.
  3. Struck by Objects: In environments where heavy machinery or equipment is used, workers are at risk of being struck by falling or moving objects. This includes construction sites, warehouses, and manufacturing plants.
  4. Vehicle Accidents: Workers who operate vehicles as part of their job, such as delivery drivers, truck drivers, or construction equipment operators, face the risk of accidents on the road or at job sites. These accidents can result in severe injuries and even fatalities.
  5. Fires and Explosions: Certain industries, like manufacturing or chemical plants, carry a higher risk of fires and explosions due to the nature of their work. These accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, including burns, respiratory problems, and trauma.
  6. Electrical Accidents: Workers in industries dealing with electricity, such as construction or maintenance, are at risk of electrical shocks, electrocution, and burns. Faulty wiring, exposed electrical components, and improper safety procedures contribute to these accidents.
  7. Falling from Heights: Construction workers, roofers, and window cleaners are at risk of falling from heights. Without proper fall protection measures in place, such as harnesses and guardrails, these accidents can result in serious injuries or death.
  8. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs): Workers who perform repetitive tasks, such as typing, assembly line work, or operating machinery, are susceptible to RSIs like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. These injuries can cause chronic pain and disability.
  9. Chemical Exposure: Employees working with hazardous chemicals or materials may suffer from exposure-related injuries, including chemical burns, respiratory problems, and long-term health complications.
  10. Assaults and Violence: In certain professions, such as healthcare or law enforcement, workers may face the risk of assault or violence from clients, patients, or the public. These incidents can result in physical injuries and psychological trauma.

Navigating the aftermath of a workplace accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and financial concerns. However, understanding your rights under Fresno’s workers’ compensation laws is essential.

Workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees injured on the job, covering medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and disability benefits. In exchange for these benefits, employees generally waive their right to sue their employer for negligence. However, navigating the workers’ compensation process can be complex, with potential challenges such as denied claims or disputes over the extent of injuries.

This is where having experienced legal representation becomes invaluable. The attorneys at Tomassian Pimentel & Shapazian specialize in workers’ compensation cases, advocating for injured workers’ rights and helping them navigate the legal process effectively.

Whether you’ve suffered a slip and fall, a repetitive strain injury, or a more severe workplace accident, our team is here to provide compassionate support and aggressive representation. We understand the nuances of Fresno’s workers’ compensation laws and will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.

WORKERS COMPENSATION BENEFITS AVAILABLE IN CALIFORNIA

Depending on the particulars of your injury claim, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation profits that include:

  • Comprehensive medical care including surgeries, prescriptions, therapy, and mileage reimbursement
  • Temporary disability profits if you cannot work in the short term
  • Permanent disability profits to cover lost wages if you do not completely recover from your injury
  • Supplemental job displacement profits for job retraining if you cannot return to the job where you were injured
  • Death profits for survivors if a family member sustains a fatal injury in a work-related accident

The first doctor you see after a workplace injury may be determined to get you back to work promptly; if necessary, our Fresno workers compensation profits attorneys can direct you to a doctor who will evaluate your condition without an agenda set by the employer or insurance company. Written reports from the doctors who’ve treated you are usually the most important factor in the approval or denial of your profits.

After we evaluate your case, our Fresno workers compensation profits attorneys calculate the benefits you should receive; depending on your injuries, you may receive temporary or permanent benefits for partial or total disability, or death benefits if you are a survivor.

ENSURING THE BEST TREATMENT AFTER A WORK RELATED INJURY

Written reports from your doctors are typically the most important element in the determination of your benefits. Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian can ensure that you receive the best medical attention. Based on the medical treatment utilization schedule (MTUS) used by the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), your employer and claim administrators will conduct a mandatory utilization review (UR) to decide if your treatment is genuinely needed.

The MTUS describes treatments that are considered effective, their length, and their frequency. Your doctor must provide findings that coincide with the MTUS. Our Fresno work injury attorneys can ensure that the treatment described in the UR is proper and adequate.

Especially if your injury involves chronic pain, post-surgical therapy, a rare condition, or if the effectiveness of your treatment plan cannot be predicted, it’s vital to have your rights fully protected during the UR. Call us as early as possible after you suffer a workplace injury.

WE CHALLENGE UNREASONABLE WORKERS COMP DEMANDS

Our workers’ compensation clients often express these concerns:

  • I’m still hurting, but the company doctor says I must return to work.
  • My employer offered me a modified position, but I’m not ready to return.
  • I can’t do my old work, but my employer won’t accommodate my limitations.

WE HELP YOU THROUGH THE WORKERS COMP PROCESS

In California, no permanent disability is paid unless a doctor makes a precise finding of permanent disability.

Therefore, it’s imperative to be evaluated by doctors who are not favoring an employer or insurer. We compel workers comp insurance companies to pay full benefits, and we make sure you see a doctor who will provide an honest assessment of your condition.

Our Fresno workers compensation attorneys help you through each step of the process. Although an injury can be sustained at any job, those in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and heavy industry are at highest risk.

Workplace injuries may include repetitive stress injuries, machinery-related injuries, chemical burns, and exposure to toxic compounds.

Questions to Ask a Fresno Workers Compensation Lawyers Before Hiring

When considering hiring a Fresno workers’ compensation lawyer, it’s crucial to gather as much information as possible to ensure you make an informed decision. Here are some questions to ask during the initial consultation:

  1. What is your experience handling workers’ compensation cases in Fresno?
  2. Have you worked on cases similar to mine? If so, what were the outcomes?
  3. Can you explain the workers’ compensation process in Fresno and what I can expect?
  4. How do you communicate with clients throughout the duration of their case?
  5. Will I be working directly with you, or will other members of your team be involved?
  6. What is your approach to handling disputes or denied claims with insurance companies?
  7. What fees do you charge for your services, and how are they structured?
  8. Are there any potential additional costs or expenses I should be aware of?
  9. How long do you anticipate my case will take to resolve?
  10. Can you provide references from past clients or testimonials of your work?
  11. Are you familiar with the local workers’ compensation laws and regulations specific to Fresno?
  12. How do you stay updated on changes in workers’ compensation laws and precedents?
  13. What is your assessment of my case and the likelihood of a successful outcome?
  14. Can you explain any potential risks or challenges we may encounter along the way?
  15. How do you prioritize client satisfaction and ensure that their needs are met throughout the legal process?

These questions will help you evaluate the lawyer’s experience, communication style, approach to handling cases, and compatibility with your needs and expectations. By asking these questions upfront, you can make a more informed decision about who to hire to represent you in your workers’ compensation case.

MORE YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FRESNO WORKERS COMPENSATION

  1. Some employers actually violate safety regulations or remove safety equipment. If you’re injured because an employer willfully did this, you may receive additional compensation. Call our Fresno workers compensation attorneys to discuss your case if your employer violated a safety regulation or illegally removed safety equipment.
  2. Repetitive stress occurs when repetitious physical actions are performed for an extended period. Our Fresno workers compensation attorneys collect the vital evidence that links your repetitive stress injury to your job.
  3. You may be exposed to harmful substances, especially in agricultural, heavy industry, construction, and manufacturing jobs. Exposure may result in cancers, lung disease, nerve damage, and other serious conditions. Our Fresno workers compensation attorneys will consult with specialists to prove that work-related exposure to a toxic substance is the cause of such a condition.

We keep flexible hours to meet your needs, and we return every call promptly. We serve clients in Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kingsburg, and Hanford counties. Our staff speaks Spanish and French, so don’t let a language barrier keep you from the legal help you need. Call Tomassian, Pimentel & Shapazian today at 559-545-0383 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.