Los Angeles Work Comp Attorney FAQ – the workers’ comp system

Work Comp Attorney- Help Center

Los Angeles Workers Compensation Attorney

In an effort to educate potential clients on the different aspects of California’s Workers’ Compensation system we have created this extensive FAQ addressing the most commonly asked questions about how work comp law works in Los Angeles.

Should you have any questions, please chat on our website or call us to provide you with more information since Workers Compensation Law is full of complex and cumbersome administrative procedures, Contact our Los Angeles Work Comp Lawyer Today in order to maximize your potential case results.

The workers' comp system seems very confusing. Should I get an attorney?

That’s a question you have to answer for yourself. The vast majority of workers’ compensation claims are resolved between injured workers and claims administrators with no problems. You’re not required to have an attorney, even if you have a disagreement with the claims administrator.

However, if your case is complex you may benefit from having one. Your attorney can’t directly charge you for his or her services. Your attorney’s fee will be paid out of a portion of your workers’ compensation benefits. If you decide not to get an attorney, the I&A officer at your local DWC district office can help you with your claim. Even if you decide to hire an attorney you should educate yourself about your rights and responsibilities, stay in communication with your employer and claims administrator and don’t be afraid to ask them questions.

I'm having a problem getting my benefits. What resources are available to me?

Your local I&A officers are a great resource and their services are free. They are not there to act on your behalf as an attorney would, but they’ll help you understand how to act on your own behalf. Attend a free seminar for injured workers at a local DWC district office for a full explanation of workers’ comp benefits, your rights and responsibilities. You can also make an appointment with an I&A officer and speak to them privately at your convenience.

You can also find a lot of information on the I&A page of the DWC’s website. Check out the fact sheets and guides for injured workers. The fact sheets provide answers to frequently asked questions about issues affecting your benefits. The guides will help you fill out forms you may need to get a problem with your claim resolved at the local DWC district office.

I'm disabled and need assistance in order to use DWC services. Is there any help available?

Yes. If you have a disability and are using the services of the Division of Workers’ Compensation you may be eligible for a reasonable accommodation. A reasonable accommodation is assistance given to disabled individuals to promote equal access to and participation in our programs and services. Those services include the Worker’s Compensation Appeals Board, the Information and Assistance Unit, the Retraining and Return to Work Unit and the Disability Evaluation Unit. You can find out more about reasonable accommodation, including how to request one, at the disability accommodation page.

For more information on receiving an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation.

Besides workers' compensation benefits, can I get any other financial assistance?

Other benefits may be available. These include:

Benefits paid by the state and federal governments such as State Disability Insurance (SDI), unemployment insurance, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments
Benefits offered by employers and unions, such as sick leave, group health insurance, long term disability (LTD) and salary continuation plans
Payments if your injury was caused by someone other than your employer.

How do I find out what's going on with my case?

If you have an attorney, he or she should be keeping you up to date. If you don’t have an attorney, contact the I&A officer at your local DWC district office for a status report. The DWC also has a call center through which many calls to local offices are routed. The call center staff is also fully equipped to give you status updates on your case.