Workers’ Compensation Case Process in San Bernardino

If you have suffered an employment-related injury or illness, the steps of seeking financial compensation can feel overwhelming. While the workers’ compensation system offers injured employees a chance to recover a monetary award, employers and insurance companies do not always make it easy.

Understanding the workers’ compensation case process in San Bernardino is helpful before filing a claim. Avoiding missteps can put you in the best position to secure financial recovery. Let a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer guide you every step of the way.

Reporting an Injury

The first step for employees in the San Bernardino workers’ compensation case process is to report the injury to an employer. There is no benefit in waiting to let an employer or manager know, although some people are physically unable to make a report right away.

Workers generally have 30 days to notify a company of an employment-related incident. While some exceptions could give a person more time, missing this deadline could make it impossible to recover compensation.

Although not legally required, submitting this report in writing is advisable.

Filing a Claim

The next step is to formally begin the San Bernardino workman’s compensation case process. To initiate the process, file with the California Workers’ Compensation Board. Investigators then review the filing and determine benefit eligibility. Employers or insurance companies may object to the claim on various grounds.

It is important to remember that workers have one year from the date of an accident to file their claim. Missing this deadline is a serious issue and will lead to the denial of the claim.

Appear at Hearings as Needed

After the investigation is complete, it may be necessary to appear at a hearing as part of the workers’ comp case process in San Bernardino. This step is unnecessary if the claim is immediately accepted, but the Board may require additional information following a denial.

During a hearing, workers can present evidence and call witnesses to challenge the insurance company’s reasons for rejecting the claim. For example, a worker could offer evidence showing that their injury was related to a workplace incident or provide witnesses to dispute that horseplay was involved.

What’s more, workers have the right to hire an attorney during this stage. Doing so is critical, as the other side will have their own legal counsel.

Receive Benefits

Once a claim is approved, the final step is receiving benefits. If undisputed, this process occurs quickly. Workers receive monetary benefits weekly, while medical care costs are paid directly to the provider.

Talk to a Lawyer About the San Bernardino Workers’ Compensation Case Process

While each of these steps might seem daunting, you never have to navigate it without help. The support of a skilled attorney could make all the difference when it comes to getting the benefits you deserve.

Now is the time to learn more about the workers’ compensation case process in San Bernardino. Reach out today for a private consultation.