Workers’ compensation insurance provides medical coverage and wage loss benefits to employees who were hurt on the job. As emphasized by the California Department of Industrial Relations, “employers are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance.”
For employers and insurers, navigating the workers’ compensation claims process can be complicated. It is not uncommon to run into problems. Here is an overview of the top reasons why you should hire a workers’ compensation defense attorney to help resolve legal disputes in California.
Three Reasons to Get Help From a California Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
- You Have Questions About Your Rights and Responsibilities Under the Law
Employers and insurers can protect themselves against unnecessary workers’ compensation liability by ensuring that they have the proper practices and procedures in place. If you have any concerns about your rights or responsibilities under California’s workers’ compensation system, an experienced defense lawyer can help.
- You are Preparing to Resolve a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Many workers’ compensation claims are resolved without too much difficulty. There may be little or no dispute regarding an applicant’s eligibility or the extent of the coverage. However, with more serious injuries, cases are not always so clear. If there is a dispute, a California workers’ compensation defense attorney can protect your interests.
- You are Facing an Uninsured Employer Claim, a Serious and Willful Misconduct Claim, or a Labor Code Section 132(a) Claim
California has very strict rules and regulations regarding workers’ compensation insurance. When employers must live up to their obligations, they could face liability, potentially including serious monetary sanctions. Among other things, a business or organization may need to hire a workers’ compensation defense lawyer to:
- Defend an uninsured employer claim;
- Defend a serious and willful misconduct claim (California Labor Code Section 4553); or
- Defend a workers’ compensation retaliation claim (California Labor Code Section 132(a)).
All three of these claims involve the potential for direct employer liability. A company facing any of these issues should consult with a skilled workers’ compensation defense lawyer right away. These are time-sensitive cases.
A Proactive Approach Can Facilitate a Better Solution
When it comes to workers’ compensation defense, taking a proactive approach can make all of the difference. Often, quick action that all possible options—including defense strategies and settlements—can be evaluated and effectively pursued. If you have questions about defending or settling a workers’ compensation claim, please do not hesitate to contact us. A California workers’ compensation defense lawyer can help you determine the right path forward.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney Today
At Yrulegui & Roberts, our Fresno workers’ compensation defense attorneys work closely in partnership with our clients to help them achieve the best possible outcome. If you need legal help, we are more than ready to offer guidance and support. We work with most insurance companies and third-party administrators in California. Contact our firm today for confidential, no obligation initial consultation. From our legal offices in Bakersfield, Sacramento, and Fresno, our workers’ compensation defense lawyers are well-positioned to represent clients throughout California.
