The Lighter Side of Employment Law
Governing the employer/employee relationship, employment law involves a hugely diverse range of subjects with the common goals of protecting employee’s rights and laying down guidelines for employer’s responsibilities.
With its roots in the Roman Empire, employment law came into its own with the Industrial Revolution, and began to coalesce the various loosely defined laws that previously existed, into more concrete regulations.
The Master and Servant Act of 1823 recognised that there had to be rules by which workers and employers were governed, and was described as being for “the better regulations of servants, labourers and work people”. This was followed in 1833 by the Factory Act, which prohibited the employment of children under 9 years old. Gradually regulations were restructured and redefined until the present umbrella of employment law was developed, and with nearly 20 years in the business, Sketchtley Solicitors offer expert advice for both employers and employees.
Whilst many outside the industry see employment law as potentially a dry and dusty subject, from within, we see the real life effects of cases and how they can affect individuals, companies and any future legal amendments. Over the years, we have all collected cases to recount over a glass of single malt – those cases that looked hopeless initially, or so daft we were embarrassed to be involved, for example, and here’s a couple of the more unusual ones.
Unusual Employment Law Cases
Spring 2016 saw a Mr Frederic Desnard raise a tribunal claim against his employer. Desnard, a perfume company manager, was seeking £280,000 in compensation due to being given menial and incredibly tedious tasks after a lucrative contract was lost. He described his “descent into hell” as feeling like burnout, but far less interesting, and claimed that his profound level of boredom lead to him taking sick leave, followed by his subsequent redundancy.
The decision was made by the Paris Labor Court, unable to reach a conclusive decision, to refer the case to a professional judge. We’ll leave you to find the final ruling – but the case opens up several questions.
- When does being “bored out of your mind” go from being an adjective to a medical diagnosis?
- Would this constitute a potential breach of implied trust and confidence, if, as Desnard claims, his employer gave him boring tasks in order to encourage him to give notice?
- France’s higher court has recognised over 200 cases of employees being ‘intentionally sidelined’, in similar circumstances to Desnard, and states it is a form of moral harassment.
- By having never complained to his employer about being bored, as well as accepting his inflated salary, it could cast doubt on the legitimacy of Desnard’s claim
Another unusual case, again from France, involved contestants on a ‘Big Brother’ style TV programme called Temptation Island. They claimed that as they were filmed continuously for two weeks, they were entitled to overtime, holiday pay and it constituted unfair dismissal when the programme finished. Finding in their favour, the Tribunal said that the contestants were employed, and that it took concentration and hard work to tempt people of the opposite sex. The programme was cancelled soon after.
Finally, from the employment law archives, a claim was raised by a Jewish employee against his employer, a firm in London. As a forfeit for arriving late, any tardy employees would be given a costume to wear for the day – one had to wear a Bo Peep costume, for example. The Jewish man, being late to his desk, was given a Nazi uniform. While the employer agreed that it was inappropriate, he defended it by arguing that all employees were treated the same, and it was a running office joke. Considering that a Northern Irish Protestant employee had previously been provided with a Pope costume, it’s a wonder that no one had raised a claim sooner. The defense of ‘office banter’ will never be successful, and not surprisingly, the Tribunal found in favour of the employee.
Employment law is always going to be a fascinating area, covering, as it does, so many components of human life, and looking back through the files can not only help us with future cases, but can provide an interesting talking point, too.
5 Benefits of Hiring a Workers Comp Attorney in 2019
Every day, roughly 12,600 employees are injured at work.
If you’ve been in an accident that you know wasn’t your fault – and was even directly caused by your company’s negligence – you deserve to be compensated.
You shouldn’t have to pay for medical bills, deal with lost wages because you can’t work, and have to shoulder the emotional toll the accident had on you on your own.
You don’t deserve financial ruin on top of everything else.
It’s time to hire a workers comp attorney.
But what is having a workers comp lawyer on your side the right move?
Read on to find out.
1. The Potential to Increase Your Settlement Amount
Today’s employers pay out about $1 billion every week in workers compensation costs.
But what if your company can afford to hire the best representation? What if your own insurance company is denying you coverage? What if the company is incorrectly claiming the accident was your fault?
It can be tough to get the compensation you deserve.
A workers comp attorney fights for you to get the highest possible amount of compensation, whether your case goes to trial or if you choose to settle out of court.
2. They’ll Handle the Paperwork
You don’t have the time – or even the physical strength – to collect medical records, gather witness statements, and file the proper court documents for your case.
What’s more?
You certainly don’t have the expertise or the understanding of the way the legal system works in the way that a workers compensation attorney at Mann Law Firm or another legal professional does.
Incorrectly filing paperwork, a failure to present insurance and medical records, and missing filing deadlines can destroy your case.
A worker compensation lawyer can break down the legalese and bureaucratic red tape on your behalf. This way, you can focus on healing.
3. They’ll Help You Pursue Long-Term Benefits
Many people just aren’t aware of how many different kinds of awards you might be eligible for within a workplace/personal injury lawsuit.
For example, you could win wage loss replacement, medical treatment coverage, coverage for travel expenses to receive medical treatment, and even file a third party liability civil lawsuit.
If your injuries are particularly severe and mean you may not be able to work again in the future, you can pursue permanent disability benefits.
These benefits mean that you’ll still be able to provide for yourself and your family even if you are no longer employable in your field.
Now Is the Time to Hire a Workers Comp Attorney
If you’ve been injured at work, you shouldn’t attempt to handle your case on your own.
Hire a workers comp lawyer as soon as possible.
Remember that most workers comp lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you’ll only have to pay once the case is closed and you’ve won the settlement you deserve.
Want to know what to look for in the right workers comp attorney?
Curious about what you can do to better protect yourself – or your employees – in the workplace?
Bookmark our blog for continual access to legal advice, tips on workplace safety, and much more.
4 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Workers’ Comp Attorney
Someone gets injured at their place of work about once every 7 seconds.
While in some cases, the accidents are minor and clearly the fault of the employee, in other cases, the company’s negligence is obviously to blame.
If you’re considering filing a lawsuit against your company, you need to have the right workers’ comp attorney on your side.
Read on to learn which questions will help you to determine if a potential workers comp lawyer is the right choice for your case.
1. “What Are Your Credentials?”
Keep in mind that the credentials of a workers’ comp attorney go far beyond where they went to school and how many years they’ve been in practice.
You also need to know if they’re a member of any legal clubs/organizations, their trial record, how they continue their education, and, of course, if their license is valid in your state.
Also, ask how many times they’ve gone to trial vs. settled out of court, and their experience with cases similar to your own.
2. “How Much of a Settlement Could I Receive?”
Next, ask the workers comp lawyer what kind of a settlement they believe your case could realistically reach.
You should also ask what that compensation will cover. Will the company be responsible for your medical bills separate from the settlement amount? If so, what kind of treatment or payment limits may be in place?
Will you be eligible for disability payments? What about your family if you’re permanently disabled and can’t work in the future?
3. “Who Will Work on My Case?”
Your attorney will likely seek the help of other legal professionals while working through your case.
You need to know exactly who has access to your information, how the fee for their time works, and their credentials.
You don’t want to get stuck paying for work at the leading attorney’s rate when they’ve really passed off the work to someone else.
4. “What Is Your Fee Structure?”
One of the most important questions to ask an attorney relates to payment.
Will you need to pay in a lump sum, are they paid only if you win, or will you be billed monthly based on the case as a whole or hours worked?
It’s also extremely essential that here, you ask about who is expected to cover the litigation costs.
Remember, you’ll need to pay to access important documents, to file your case, and of course, for legal advice. Some firms may advance the litigation costs to you, others may not, and others will try to get your opponent to pay.
You may or may not need to repay some or all of these costs – so make sure you’re clear on that before you begin.
It’s Time to Hire a Workers’ Comp Attorney
Now that you know how to find the right workers’ comp attorney, it’s time to start your search.
Want to learn more about what you can expect in terms of pushback from your employer? Curious about your rights? Ready to prepare for court?
Our blog is here to help with the kind of no-nonsense legal advice you need, so check back in with us for the latest legal news, tips, and tricks.
Should I Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
If you fall off a delivery dock and break your leg at work, cut off your finger while slicing vegetables at the deli, or contact a long term illness from work, workers’ compensation insurance is supposed to cover your medical expenses and pay for any lost days of work. Though employers notoriously underreport on-the-job accidents, millions of Americans are hurt at work each year. Almost 8,000 people in Georgia made official workers’ compensation claims between January and June of 2019 alone!
During the stressful aftermath of a workplace injury, employees who apply for workers’ compensation will also be facing intimidating regulations, specific deadlines, and may not even be aware of all their rights and protections. Atlanta workers may differ from rural workers, and injury claims and procedures can vary widely by industry across Georgia.
There are steps employees can take to protect themselves in the event of a workplace injury.
- Immediately report every injury or work related illness to your supervisor, your HR Department, and your union representative if you have one.
- Visit the employer-specified medical provider, or workers compensation may not cover your full bill.
- Tell the medical providers you were injured on the job.
- Make sure your medical records are detailed and complete.
- Request your employer’s workers compensation policy handbook or brochure.
- If your employer says you’re not covered, he or she may not be correct (or may be lying). This could significantly delay your claim.
If your claim is denied or significantly delayed, perhaps it’s time to contact the best workers compensation attorney Atlanta has to offer. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney knows the laws regarding coverage in Georgia, and remember that procedures in Atlanta may differ as much from Las Angeles as from New York in important ways. Legal counsel will protect YOUR best interests and can help you navigate a sometimes daunting system during a time of physical, emotional, and financial difficulty.
Your counsel will request a formal copy of the Employee’s Claim for Workers’ Compensation Benefits form, accurate and detailed records of your injury (or illness), and a record of the days of missed work, dates of treatment, driving and/or expenses for medical treatment, and all of your out-of-pocket prescription costs. The more accurate your records, the stronger your case will be. Therefore, following the steps above will help you significantly during a difficult time.
Workers Comp vs. Personal Injury Compensation Lawsuits: 5 Differences
The difference between personal injury and workers’ compensation claim may be difficult to tell as some people classify one for the other whereas they are technically not the same.
Workers’ compensation is a mandatory insurance indemnification that employees receive from their employees in case of an accident during work. On the other hand, personal injury compensation is a legal payment that is made when an individual is injured or has an accident yet it’s another person who is responsible for the loss incurred.
Private industry employers reported about 2.9 million nonfatal work-related injuries and complaints in 2016.
When you get injured while at work you could file for a personal injury compensation claim or a worker’s compensation claim depending on factors that led to the injury. They both have different procedures that must be followed and payments available.
Do you know the differences between a personal injury compensation suit and a worker’s comp lawsuit? Learn all about them here.
1. Fault
Workers’ compensation claim provides money and medical benefits to workers when they are hurt or fall sick during employment duties. In case of death of an employee, the workers’ compensation offers benefits to the dependents of the worker killed on duty. It does not matter who was at fault.
Whereas the personal injury lawsuit is formalized through a civil court to determine whose fault it was for the accident or injury. In this case, the victim must prove that the defendant is guilty of negligence that led to the accident.
2. Damages
In a worker’s compensation claim, the value of benefits is based on your average salary. You are entitled to receiving both permanent impairments and medical bills. Vocational rehabilitation to enable you to get back to work is also covered on this compensation claim.
In a personal injury claim, the damages are based on the gravity of the harm. This will include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, as well as treatment expenditures already incurred or are yet to be incurred.
Additional compensation on personal injury is of pain and suffering damages. This is not available in the workers’ compensation claim. In extreme cases, victims in the personal injury claim may receive punitive damages as punishment to the defendant and discourage future wrongdoing.
Punitive damages are not available in the workers’ compensation claims.
3. Ability to Sue
As the workers’ compensation insurance covers for damages incurred by the victim, it may be difficult to sue the employer.
In the personal injury claim, the victim can sue the employer as long as they can provide evidence of direct involvement or responsibility for the accident.
4. Pursuing the Claim
In personal injury compensation, the victim’s lawyer brings a claim through the defendants’ insurance company. The attorney for a personal injury case will negotiate for a fair settlement or file a lawsuit on behalf of their client.
Whereas in the workers’ compensation, the victim files for claim through the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company.
5. Financial Obligation
In the workers’ compensation case, benefits are paid by the employer’s insurance company. In the personal injury claim, damages are covered by the business insurance policy or the defendant may personally pay for the damages.
Know When to File for Personal Injury Compensation and Workers’ Compensation
When injured at work, consider legal remedies. Determine who is liable for your injury – if it directly occurred during a work assignment, it’s a recurring accident or a one-off accident.
This action will help you determine whether to go for personal injury compensation or the workers’ compensation claim.
6 Things You Shouldn’t Say To an Employment Lawyer
When your employer does something and you have a case against them, your first course of action is to contact a labor and employment law firm. Doing this could help you get an employment lawyer to represent your case. Nevertheless, you get rejected over and over again.
It might be that your case is not as good as you thought, or because you said something erroneous to the lawyer. Some things can easily turn them away so if you said any of the following phrases, do not be surprised the attorney turned his back.
1. “Other Lawyers Would Charge Me Less”
Some attorneys charge more than others, but they are working more for their clients’ cases or because they are more experienced. If you want to have a good lawyer and win your process, don’t be petty and blame them for how much they charge. It’s their work after all, and they spent years gaining the experience, thus have the right to set their quote. Expect to be charged more sometimes, but do not complain.
2. “My Past Lawyers Did not Pry About My Personal Interest”
This is, most likely, untrue. Attorneys usually make sure the situation is in your best interest. If you set your expectations too high and they weren’t realistic, then it’s not on the attorney, but on you. Telling this to a potential lawyer will make them think poorly about you.
3. “I would Like to Negotiate the Fee Over Phone”
Fees are already quoted and cannot be negotiated. The lawyer chooses how much he charges for their services. Consequently, refrain from saying this if you want them to consider your case.
4. “This Is an Easy Win”
Is it, really? If the case is so easy, why do you need a lawyer in the first place? Keep in mind that attorneys work hard to obtain their status, so if they win, it has nothing to do with how easy your claim is. There are situations when attorneys lose. If they win, it’s because of their skills and not an unchallenging case.
5. “I Want a Pro Se Lawyer”
Lawyers have become lawyers not only because they like it. They also need to make money and feed their families too. As such, they won’t work for free, and should not. There are no-cost services that might work if you need it, but not employment attorneys.
6. “I Didn’t Fill Out the Questionnaire”
A questionnaire is necessary if you want the lawyer to have every fact that could help the case. Attorneys are busy and don’t have time to ask for every single piece of evidence. Make sure to always fill out everything that will be favorable to your claim.
When seeking the help of an employment attorney, you need to show respect and professionalism. Don’t utter the above phrases, or every lawyer will reject you. Make sure to behave suitably and build a good relationship.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer 101: Can you sue your employer for negligence as an injured worker?
If you are wondering whether you can sue your employer after you have already received a worker’s compensation for the injury or illness you have acquired while working for your employer, then the direct answer would be a NO.
As a general rule, an employee can no longer sue their employer once they have received their compensation. However, there are a few exemptions regarding this situation. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be able to sue a third party that directly caused your injury.
Listed below are some of the exemptions that allow you to sue your employer or a third party outside of worker’s compensation. If you want to sue your employer for negligence, you can watch this video:
1. When your employer does not have an insurance for worker’s compensation
All state laws require every employer to have an insurance for worker’s compensation. However, if you are unlucky and you landed a job where your employer does not have a worker’s compensation insurance, then you can sue your employer in civil courts for the injuries you have suffered.
In some states, California included, they have taken the steps necessary to make a fund especially for people who were unfortunate enough to work for employers who do not have the legally required worker’s compensation insurance.
If you live in California, and your company cannot provide you with a worker’s compensation, you can choose to file a claim in the state or sue. The decision is yours to make, but it would be a better choice to get a CA workers’ compensation attorney advise you first before you make any decision.
2. When your employer intentionally caused your injury.
In many states, the law allows employees to sue their employers when the employer’s actions have caused intentional harm to the employee. However, different states have different definitions and standards for what is considered an intentional act. Therefore, it is really challenging to prove this in court. Unless, of course, your employer physically assaulted you in the workplace and you have witnesses to prove it.
Another difficulty in suing your employer for intentionally causing your injury is the length of time it takes for cases like these to get resolved. It can be difficult to guess how long it would take for your case to be resolved because it will all still depend on the circumstances surrounding your case and the laws in your state. So if your injury was caused by your employer, then it is recommended to seek the advice of a worker’s compensation lawyer.
3. When you are injured by an equipment or machine that was defective
If your injury in the workplace was due to an equipment or machine that you use for your job and the said equipment or machine is fundamentally dangerous, you can sue the manufacturer. You can hold them accountable and sue them for your pain and suffering.
Of course, you must first be able to prove in court that the manufacturer knew of the inherent danger of the equipment or machine, and did not do anything about it. For example, during their quality control of the equipment or machine, it showed some signs that it could be dangerous, but they went ahead and sold it anyway. That can be used against them in court to prove their fault.
4. When a toxic chemical used in your workplace caused your injury
When the employees’ jobs require them to be exposed to or handle some chemicals, it is a possibility that they will develop an illness or be injured at work, which are referred to as toxic injuries. Chemicals like asbestos, silica, radium, and other toxic chemicals are already well-known to cause diseases when there is prolonged exposure. If that is the case, then you can file a lawsuit for a toxic tort.
There are two types of toxic injuries: acute injuries and latent injuries. Here is the difference between the two:
- Acute injury – These are the type of injuries that are immediately apparent. Poisoning and chemical burns are examples of acute injuries. Because of the immediate injuries caused by the toxic chemicals, it can be easy to prove the relation between the injury and the chemical in court. Thus, it will be easier to win your case.
- Latent injury – These are the type of injuries that take time to develop. Cancer and lung disease like emphysema are examples of latent injuries. Because it takes years for these injuries to develop, relating these diseases as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals can be challenging to prove in court. Despite it being challenging, there are numerous cases that have succeeded and won.
Suffering an injury can change one’s life. It may prevent you from working again and the pain caused by the injury may become permanent. Not to mention the medical bills that can be the cause of your bankruptcy.
That is why it is necessary for employers to provide worker’s compensation for their employees. But if your case falls under the exemptions listed above, then you should immediately get in touch with an attorney so you can start the process of suing your employer.
Mechanic’s Lien And What You Need To Know About It
Understanding Mechanic’s Liens
Mechanic’s lien, despite their name, is regularly used by subcontractors and suppliers as a lawful case against property that has been rebuilt or improved. For instance, on the off chance that you are redesigning your washroom and the supplier who provided the bathtub isn’t paid by the general contractual worker, a lien can be set against your house to recoup the cash.
What can be surprising to a majority of owners is that it doesn’t make any difference in the event that you have already officially paid your contractor for the item or the bathtub. If the subcontractor or supplier isn’t paid by the contractor, the law allows the subcontractors to come after you and the property that was improved (which is typically your house). At last, you might be responsible for paying for the work twice or being compelled to sell your house, so it is critical to understand how mechanic’s liens work and how to stay away from them.
Why Mechanic’s Liens are Allowed
It might seem essentially out of line that you can finish up paying for the contractor’s irresponsible conduct. The reason for permitting mechanic’s liens in the first spot is that between the person with enhanced property and the person who upgraded your new marble bathtub, the supplier’s needs to get paid seem to be more prominent.
The law also presumes that you can thusly sue the general contractual worker. While this is valid, this doesn’t generally help you in the short term. For instance, a supplier places a mechanic’s lien against your house because the general contractual worker neglected to pay him the actual amount in a timely fashion. You can unquestionably go record a lawsuit against the contractor, and after some time perhaps garnish his wages or power him to sell his property. However, that takes time, and wringing cash out of a person who doesn’t repay his suppliers can be troublesome. In the interim, you owe twenty thousand dollars and have only a few days to repay the subcontractor or else your property will be sold to settle the mechanic’s lien against you.
The main contention that now arises is how you can avoid ending up in such situations. There are a few ways to follow so that you never end up in this menace.
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Keeping away from Mechanic’s Liens – Option 1: Pay with Joint Checks
One approach to ensure that subcontractors and suppliers get paid is to compose a series of checks, made out together to the general contractor and the specific subcontractor or supplier. Moreover, the check at that point must be cashed if a definitive recipient endorses it, ensuring that the subcontractor or supplier gets paid.
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Staying away from Mechanic’s Liens – Option 2: Get a Lien Waiver
Another approach to staying away from mechanic’s liens is to have the contractual worker get lien waivers from everybody whom the contract worker is responsible for paying. In numerous states, a contractual worker must give a waiver to all work for which the temporary worker has been paid before tolerating further payments from the proprietor.
What to do if you are stuck in a situation like this?
There are various firms you can approach that can help you out of this situation, one of the top firms being National Lien & Bond, where you can find full lien compliance services. It is advisable to keep all the notices and receipts with you to keep the procedure easier and also try to follow up regarding the payment of the supplier in order to remain in safe waters.
Putting the Top 5 Myths of Workers Comp to Bed
Myths are abundant these days whether we are talking sports, politics, health insurance and of course workers compensation. Therefore it will be extremely beneficial for anybody working in the state of Georgia to seek out a Georgia workers compensation lawyer.
By contacting a workers compensation lawyer in Georgia you’ll take the guesswork out of your claim, When it comes to on the job injuries you don’t want to leave anything to chance and rest assured you’ll be taken care of in the best possible way.
Here are the 5 biggest myths when it comes to filing a workers comp claim.
It Was Your Fault
Even if the accident was your fault you still have the right to file a claim for workers compensation. This is due to the fact that workers comp is considered a no-fault claim. However, it should be noted that if you were on drugs or alcohol while the accident happened then you will probably be denied or are unable to file a claim, Another thing to keep in mind is that you cannot file a mental illness claim for workers comp.
You’ll Get Fired
Your employer needs reasonable cause to fire you (technically). So if you file a workers comp claim you should not be fired and if so your employer could face repercussions. So you would do best to lawyer up before you file a claim and protect yourself from any funny business from the company your work for.
All the Time in the World
Another common misconception regarding workers comp claims is that you can file a claim at any moment after your injury. This is not the case. There is a statute of limitations on when an employee can file a claim after an injury. The time clock on this starts ticking the day of your injury and you have exactly one year to file something.
Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have had a history of injuries you can still file a workers comp claim so long as the latest injury happened on the job and you were not drunk or high. Many people think they are not allowed to make a claim if they have a history with an injury, but you can still do it.
Wash Your Hands of it
Our last myth about workers comp claims in Georgia is that once you file your claim you don’t have any other requirements. You must keep in contact with your employer on a regular basis typically at least once a week. You’ll need to keep them posted on how your healing process is going otherwise you can lose out on your benefits. You may also need to come into work on a part-time basis depending on the severity of your injury or injuries. When the claim officer assesses the extent of your injuries a reasonable timetable and possibly an easing back to regular hours will be implemented.
Filing a Workers Compensation Claim in the State of California: An Overview
In order to receive benefits for a work-related injury or illness in the State of California, there are several things you should consider. This article will cover some of the most essential factors when filing a workers’ compensation claim in the state of California.
Seeking Compensation
If you have suffered an injury or illness in your place of work, you may have the opportunity to seek financial restitution. Under California law, you may be entitled to receive insurance benefits as well as paid time off. If you are considering filing a workers’ compensation claim in California, the following are a few of the most essential steps to take:
- Report the injury or ailment to your supervisor as soon as possible
- File a workers’ compensation claim with your California employer
- Consider the time limitations in the filing process
The Importance of Workers’ Compensation Claim Deadlines
When filing a workers’ compensation claim in the state of California, it is crucial to be sure that all documents are submitted in a timely manner. It is important to understand that time begins to work against you the second the accident, injury, or illness takes place. Many claims are often denied not for the amount of evidence supporting the injury, rather, because the claim was not handled in a timely manner.
There are other illnesses or injuries that are more difficult to place with an exact time to considering many conditions can get worse over time. If this is your case, immediately speak to a qualified attorney who has experience in these types of cases. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand what time restrictions your particular case faces.
Reporting the Injury or Illness
One of the first and most important steps to take after an injury or illness at work has occurred is to seek medical attention immediately. Further, as soon as it is possible, report the injury or illness to your supervisor. Not reporting the injury or seeking medical attention can have devastating consequences on your right to obtain compensation for your losses. In the State of California, an injured worker has a maximum of thirty (30) days to report the injury or illness to his or her supervisor.
Understanding What Benefits You May Be Entitled To
A workers’ compensation claim could cover all of your medical expenses. It can cover expenses such as the diagnosing or treatment of the injury or illness. Further, with the compensation received, you can also pay for more expensive treatments such as surgeries other rehabilitative treatments.
It is worth mentioning that a workers’ compensation claim will not cover punitive damages. Punitive damages cover losses such as emotional pain and stress or the inability to make an income, among many other damages. In the event that you seek to cover other costs, you will need to file a civil lawsuit.
The Bottom Line
When looking to file a worker’ compensation claim, it is usually important to obtain the support of a qualified attorney who has your best interests at heart. A workers’ compensation attorney can be beneficial to the outcome of your claim. A qualified attorney can guide you through the process of filing the claim and ensure that all documents are submitted in a timely manner. If you are considering filing a workers’ compensation claim in the state of California, the guidance of an attorney can help you receive maximum benefits.
