If you suffered an injury at work in Riverside, you have legal rights and options for compensation. Dordick Law Corporation represents injured workers throughout Riverside County. We help you manage mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your future. Our team handles workplace accident claims with the focus and determination your case deserves.
How Dordick Law Corporation Protects Your Rights
Our firm identifies situations where you may have claims beyond workers’ compensation. If a third party’s negligence caused your injury, you may pursue a separate civil lawsuit. Examples can include contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners. You can receive workers’ compensation benefits while pursuing these claims. Third-party liability claims can result in significantly higher compensation than workers’ compensation alone.
We also recognize when employers violate California labor laws. retaliation claims, wage theft, and failure to provide safe working conditions may entitle you to additional damages. These damages go beyond workers’ compensation benefits. Under California Labor Code §132a, employers cannot retaliate against employees for filing workers’ compensation claims.
Why You Need a Workplace Accident Attorney
Insurance companies employ experienced adjusters trained to minimize claim payouts. They may dispute the cause of your injury. They question the necessity of medical treatment. They pressure you into accepting inadequate settlements. An attorney protects your interests throughout the claims process.
Dordick Law Corporation handles the communication with insurance companies. We ensure your rights receive protection at every stage. We gather medical evidence and document your lost wages. We build a compelling case for maximum compensation. If your claim faces denial, we represent you in appeals and hearings before workers’ compensation judges.
What Qualifies as a Workplace Accident in Riverside?
A workplace accident occurs when an employee sustains an injury or illness directly related to their job duties or work environment. California law recognizes a broad range of workplace injuries as compensable. These include acute injuries from single incidents and cumulative injuries that develop over time.
Common workplace accidents include construction site falls, machinery-related injuries, repetitive strain injuries, chemical exposures, vehicle accidents during work duties, such as car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, and occupational diseases. The key factor is whether the injury arose out of and occurred during the course of employment.
Understanding Coverage Scope
California’s workers’ compensation system covers most employees, regardless of fault. This means you can receive benefits even if your own actions contributed to the accident. You must have been performing job duties at the time. The system prioritizes getting injured workers medical treatment and wage replacement quickly. You don’t need to prove employer negligence.
How California Workers’ Compensation Works
California’s workers’ compensation system provides a no-fault insurance program. It protects injured employees when they suffer workplace injuries. You become eligible for specific benefits designed to cover your medical expenses. The system also replaces lost income during recovery.
The system operates on a straightforward principle: injured workers receive guaranteed benefits regardless of fault. In exchange, you generally cannot sue your employers for workplace injuries. However, important exceptions exist that may allow additional claims beyond workers’ compensation. The California Department of Industrial Relations oversees the workers’ compensation system to ensure compliance and protect worker rights.
Understanding Your Benefits and Coverage
Workers’ compensation benefits in California include:
- Medical treatment for all work-related injuries, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and necessary medications
- Temporary disability benefits that replace two-thirds of your average weekly wage while you cannot work
- Permanent disability benefits if your injury causes lasting impairment
- Vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your previous job
- Death benefits for families of workers wrongfully killed on the job
Your wage replacement amount depends on your average weekly earnings before the injury. It also depends on the severity of your condition. California sets minimum and maximum benefit amounts that adjust annually. For 2025, temporary disability benefits range from $252.03 to $1,680.29 per week. The exact amount depends on your average weekly earnings. The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board maintains current benefit rates and handles appeals.
Steps to File Your Workplace Accident Claim
Taking immediate action after a workplace injury protects your rights. It also strengthens your claim. The workers’ compensation process in California follows specific steps. Injured workers must navigate these steps carefully.
First, report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Ideally, report it on the day it occurs. California law requires employers to provide you with a workers’ compensation claim form (Form DWC-1). Your employer must post notices explaining your rights and responsibilities under workers’ compensation law.
What to Do Immediately After Your Injury
After reporting your injury, seek medical treatment promptly. Document everything related to your injury and treatment. Keep medical records, prescription receipts, and communications with your employer and insurance company. Record any time you miss from work. Note how your injury affects your daily activities.
You must notify your employer in writing of your workplace injury within 30 days. This applies to the injury date or when you first knew the injury was work-related (California Labor Code §5400). Complete and return the DWC-1 claim form promptly. Your employer’s insurance company has 14 days to accept or deny your claim. If they deny your claim, you have the right to appeal. You can request a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge.
Common mistakes include delaying medical treatment, failing to report the injury promptly, accepting a settlement without legal advice, or not documenting your condition and lost wages. Each of these errors can significantly reduce the compensation you receive.
Beyond Workers’ Compensation: Additional Claims
While workers’ compensation provides your primary recovery avenue, California law often allows injured workers to pursue additional claims. These claims can substantially increase total compensation.
Third-party liability claims arise when someone other than your employer caused your injury. For example, a defective tool may have caused your injury. You can sue the manufacturer. Another company’s negligence may have caused your accident. You can pursue a claim against that company. These lawsuits operate separately from workers’ compensation. They can result in compensation for pain and suffering. Workers’ compensation does not cover pain and suffering.
Third-Party Liability and Other Recovery Options
Identifying third-party defendants requires careful investigation. We examine how your injury occurred. Equipment manufacturers, property owners, contractors, and other companies may bear responsibility. Our investigation determines whether additional defendants exist. We identify what claims you can pursue against them. Catastrophic injuries may also qualify for enhanced damages.
Employer negligence claims present another avenue in limited circumstances. You generally cannot sue your employer for workplace injuries. California recognizes exceptions when employers intentionally cause injury. Additionally, serious and willful safety violations may increase your workers’ compensation award. This increase happens within the compensation system itself. We evaluate whether your situation qualifies for these rare but valuable claims. Wrongful death claims may also apply in fatal workplace accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Accidents in Riverside
Can my employer retaliate against me for filing a workers' compensation claim?
No. California law prohibits employer retaliation against employees for filing workers’ compensation claims. Retaliation includes termination, demotion, reduced hours, wage cuts, or any adverse employment action. These actions cannot occur because you filed a claim. If your employer retaliates, you can file a retaliation claim. You can pursue damages, including lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages. We investigate retaliation claims thoroughly. We hold employers accountable for illegal conduct.
What if my workplace accident claim is denied?
A claim denial does not end your case. You have the right to appeal. You can request a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge. The appeals process allows you to present medical evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments. These support your claim. Many denied claims succeed on appeal when properly represented. We handle the entire appeals process. We file the appeal and present your case at the hearing.
How long do I have to file a workplace accident claim in California?
You must report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Ideally, report it on the day it occurs. You must notify your employer in writing within 30 days. This applies to the injury date or when you first knew the injury was work-related (California Labor Code §5400). Most workers’ compensation claims must be filed within one year. This applies to the date of injury, the last date benefits were provided, or the last day of medical treatment, whichever is latest (California Labor Code §5405). Delaying action weakens your position. You may lose benefits. Contact us immediately after your injury to protect your rights. Call (310) 341-7176 today.
What types of injuries are covered by workers' compensation?
Workers’ compensation covers acute injuries from single incidents and cumulative injuries developing over time. Covered injuries include construction falls, machinery accidents, repetitive strain injuries, chemical exposures, vehicle accidents during work duties, and occupational diseases. The injury must arise out of and occur during the course of employment. Most employees are covered. Some categories, like independent contractors, may have different rules. We evaluate your specific situation to determine coverage.
How much compensation can I receive for my workplace injury?
Compensation depends on your average weekly earnings before the injury. It depends on the severity of your condition. It depends on whether your injury causes permanent disability. California sets minimum and maximum benefit amounts that adjust annually. Temporary disability replaces two-thirds of your average weekly wage. Permanent disability benefits depend on your impairment rating. Medical treatment is covered in full. Third-party claims may provide additional compensation for pain and suffering. We calculate your full entitlement. We pursue maximum recovery for your case.
Do I need to use my employer's insurance company's doctor?
You have the right to choose your own doctor for workers’ compensation treatment. If your employer maintains a Medical Provider Network (MPN), you must initially use network providers. If no MPN exists, you can choose your own doctor after 30 days. This applies from when you reported your injury. You can request a change of physician. You have the right to obtain a second opinion from another doctor. If you disagree with the insurance company’s doctor about your condition or treatment needs, you can request an independent medical examination. We protect your right to appropriate medical care throughout your recovery.
Ready to Protect Your Rights?
Don’t handle this process alone, contact our firm. Insurance companies have experienced adjusters working to minimize your compensation. You deserve an attorney from Dordick Law Corporation who fights for your interests.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation today for a free consultation. Call (310) 341-7176 to discuss your workplace accident claim. Our team of attorneys represent injured workers throughout Riverside County. Let us help you recover the compensation you deserve. View our case results to see how we’ve helped injured workers.
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