What services does a Bakersfield workers’ compensation attorney provide?

A workers' compensation lawyer in Bakersfield offers diverse legal services to represent employees who have incurred work-related injuries or illnesses. The services are designed to protect injured workers from being denied medical care, compensation for lost wages, and other benefits as provided by California workers' compensation law.

One of the main services offered by a Bakersfield workers' compensation attorney is claim filing and management. Workers' comp claims can be intricate, with detailed documentation, timely filing, and communication with employers and insurance companies. A lawyer makes certain that all paperwork is accurately filled out and forwarded within the time limits, minimizing the denial due to technical discrepancies.

Another critical service is representation in denied or disputed claims. When an insurance company or employer denies a claim, disputes the extent of the injury, or disputes whether the injury occurred on the job, an attorney can obtain evidence, work with medical providers, and represent the injured worker at WCAB hearings.

A Bakersfield lawyer also assists in negotiations for settlements. Most workers' compensation claims resolve through lump sum settlements or structured settlements. An attorney negotiates on behalf of the injured employee to make certain the settlement does include future medical treatment, wages lost, as well as future disability.

In permanent disability and lengthy medical treatment cases, attorneys are essential in securing medical assessments, interacting with vocational specialists, and negotiating fair compensation levels in accordance with the disability rating. They can appeal improper ratings or object to QME decisions.

In addition, a workers' compensation attorney provides guidance and counsel during the process. This involves assisting clients in learning their rights, counseling on whether to go back to work, and assessing eligibility for other benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or unemployment.

In other cases, in the event that a third party (other than the employer) is to blame for the injury, such as a contractor or piece of equipment, an attorney can also seek a third-party personal injury claim, leading to extra compensation beyond that provided through workers' comp.

Finally, a Bakersfield workers' compensation lawyer protects injured workers from exploitation by insurers or from being burdened by the intricacies of the law. Their job is to represent, inform, and obtain the most favorable result for their clients during a difficult and trying period.

At JoePluta.net, attorney Joe Pluta is committed to fighting for individuals facing permanent disabilities. With deep legal expertise and a client-first approach, he works tirelessly to secure the benefits, compensation, and peace of mind his clients