San Jose Workers' Compensation Attorney

Lawyers For Employees With Work-Related Injuries in Santa Clara County

Each year in California, hundreds of thousands of employees are injured due to their work. Many of them require significant medical care, and they may be temporarily or permanently unable to return to work. The costs of these injuries can add up quickly, but fortunately, state law requires all employers to provide workers' compensation that covers many of these costs for injured employees.

At Cramer & Martinez, LLP, our attorneys work to ensure that eligible employees receive the workers' compensation benefits to which they are entitled. With more than 20 years of combined experience, we know how to navigate the claims process, handle disputes as they arise, and successfully appeal denied claims. If you have been injured on the job in San Jose, we will put our knowledge and skill to work for you.

Injuries Covered Under California Workers' Compensation

In most cases, California employees who are injured at their place of work or while performing work tasks are eligible for workers' compensation benefits, regardless of who is at fault. Coverage extends to injuries from a single event, injuries due to repetitive stress, and the work-related aggravation of pre-existing injuries. Some common types of work-related injuries that we assist with include:

• Joint injuries, including to the knees, shoulders, elbows, and other body parts. Examples include sprains and strains, torn ligaments, broken bones, tendonitis, and other repetitive motion conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Back injuries, including muscle pain due to physical exertion or poor posture, slipped disks, and catastrophic injuries to the spinal cord that may cause paralysis.
• Head injuries, including concussions and other traumatic brain injuries from forceful impacts in a collision or fall.
• Vision and hearing loss due to occupational hazards, including traumatic injuries, chemical exposure, bright lights and eye strain, and high levels of environmental noise.
• Occupational illnesses, including COVID-19 and other contagious diseases, as well as conditions caused by long-term exposure to dangerous substances.

Representation Through the Workers' Comp Process

After your work-related injury, we will guide you through the process of getting benefits. This starts with bringing your injury to the attention of your employer as soon as possible and completing a claim form to submit to your employer's claims administrator for review. If your claim is accepted, we can continue to advise you during your treatment and the determination of your eligibility for additional benefits to ensure that you are being treated fairly. If you have any disagreements with the claims administrator or your primary treating physician, we can represent your interests as we attempt to resolve them.

If your claim is initially denied, we will work to ensure that this is not the end of your pursuit of benefits. We can help you petition for an appeal with the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, and we will be your representative and advocate throughout hearings, settlement conferences, and any other necessary steps, including a trial if no other resolution is possible.

Understanding Workers' Compensation Benefits

Several different types of benefits are available depending on your condition, and we can help you understand which ones you may be eligible for, including:

• Medical care, meaning full coverage of the costs of the treatment recommended by your physician and approved by the claims administrator. This benefit is available to any employee with an accepted workers' compensation claim.
• Temporary disability benefits, which usually cover two-thirds of your lost wages if you cannot work at your previous wages while you recover from your injuries.
• Permanent disability benefits, which continue to cover lost wages if your injuries permanently limit your ability to perform your job at your previous wages.
• Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits, which help pay for education and training that make it possible for permanently disabled employees to acquire a new job.
• Death benefits, which help to provide for the spouse and dependents of an employee who is killed at work or dies due to work-related injuries.

Contact a San Jose Workers' Compensation Lawyer

For a free consultation regarding the specifics of your case, contact us at 408-848-1113 today. We serve injured employees in San Jose and throughout Santa Clara County and surrounding areas, including Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and Hollister.