Santa Clarita Workers’ Compensation Disability Lawyers

When a worker is injured on the job or develops a work-related illness in California, navigating the complexities of the workers' compensation system can be as challenging as dealing with the injury itself. Employers can also face legal issues and disputes in providing this insurance coverage for their employees. 

For over 25 years, The Bridgeford Law Office, APC. has been at the forefront of representing clients in workers’ compensation claims, issues, and disputes led by two Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialists recognized by the California Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization. 

We guide workers and employers alike through the California workers’ compensation system, ensuring that the rights of both are vigorously protected. Our team has built a reputation for legal proficiency and attentive service for clients in Santa Clarita, Valencia, Canyon Country, and beyond. 

Need help with a disability claim or dispute? Contact us online or at (661) 387-3712 to speak with a Santa Clarita workers’ compensation disability attorney. 

California Disability Compensation in Workers’ Compensation

Disability compensation in California is a component of the workers' compensation system designed to provide financial benefits to employees sustaining workplace injuries or illnesses. It aims to cover lost wages and medical expenses resulting from the disability.

Four principal categories of disability have been created under California workers’ compensation law: 

• Total temporary disability (TTD): This applies when workers are healing and cannot perform their duties. TTD benefits act as a temporary substitute for lost wages.
•  Permanent disability (PD): If an employee's condition leads to permanent limitations that impact their earning capacity, PD benefits help accommodate this long-term loss.
• Partial disability: This addresses situations where a worker retains some ability to work but cannot perform all of their previous duties or suffers a reduced earning capacity.
• Vocational rehabilitation: These are services provided to support an injured worker if they cannot return to their former job, including training in new skills or help with job placement.

Determining Disability in Workers’ Compensation Claims

Determining disability in a workers' compensation claim is a critical step that affects the type and amount of benefits an employee receives. This process typically involves a thorough review of medical evidence, including diagnosis, treatment records, and prognosis, provided by health care professionals. 

An employee’s functional limitations and capacity for work are assessed, often considering factors such as age, occupation, and skills. In some cases, an Independent Medical Examination (IME) may be requested to objectively evaluate the injury and its impact on the worker's ability to perform job-related tasks. 

Compensation for Each Disability Category

California's workers' compensation system provides distinct levels of compensation based on the category of worker disability. Each category comes with a tailored compensation plan to reflect the extent of the injury or illness a worker has sustained:

• Total temporary disability (TTD): Although the duration of these benefits can vary, California typically offers TTD payments at about two-thirds of the injured worker's average weekly wage, subject to minimum and maximum amounts. These benefits continue until the worker can return to work, the injury is deemed permanent, or until a specified number of weeks have passed within five years after injury. 
• Permanent disability (PD): When an injury or illness results in permanent limitations, workers can receive permanent disability benefits. The amount is also based on the worker's pre-injury wages and the severity of the permanent impairment as determined by a disability rating.
• Partial disability: Compensation for partial disability is calculated based on how much the injury affects the worker's ability to earn a living. It covers the wage loss difference between the worker's wage before the injury and what they can earn in the modified or alternative work provided by their employer after the injury.
• Vocational rehabilitation: If workers cannot return to their previous line of work, they may receive support services, including retraining, tuition for educational programs, job-search assistance, and sometimes, maintenance allowances during the retraining period.

How We Help Employees in Disability Claims

At The Bridgeford Law Office, we extend our deep understanding of workers' compensation law to serving employees who have sustained work-related injuries or illnesses. 

Should you find yourself facing the complexities of a disability claim, we can assist in the following ways:

• Claim submission guidance: We provide precise guidance to ensure that employees submit their workers' compensation claims accurately and promptly to avoid unnecessary delays or denials based on technicalities.
• Rights and benefits education: Our firm educates workers on their rights under California’s workers' compensation laws and the breadth of benefits they may be entitled to, fostering informed decision-making throughout the claims process.
• Negotiation with insurance companies: We have a wealth of experience interacting with employers' insurers to negotiate fair settlements, reflecting the full spectrum of benefits owed to the injured worker, including medical treatment and disability compensation.
• Legal representation: If disputes arise, our skilled attorneys are prepared to represent employees at hearings or talks to challenge underpayments, denied claims, or premature cut-offs of benefits.
• Maximizing compensation: Leveraging our knowledge of disability ratings and the subtleties of California compensation law, we work to ensure that employees receive the maximum compensation to which they are entitled.
• Return-to-work assistance: For those eligible for vocational rehabilitation, our team supports workers in navigating these benefits, which may include career counseling, job training, and even educational tuition assistance to facilitate a successful return to the workforce. 

How We Help Employers in Disability Claims

The Bridgeford Law Office can assist employers in disability claims in the following ways: 

• Interpreting medical evaluations: We can help ensure an accurate representation of the employee's medical condition and its correlation to their work responsibilities, which ultimately guides the determination of the appropriate category of disability benefits.
• Navigating legal complexities: We offer insights into the nuances of workers' compensation laws, helping employers conform to regulations while protecting their interests.
• Claims management support: Our legal team can help at every stage, from claims filing to representing the employer during hearings or appeals.
• Workplace safety programs: By helping develop and implement injury prevention and return-to-work policies, we look to current issues and proactively strategize to avoid future claims.
• Liaising with insurance: Collaborating with insurance providers is crucial to ensure claims are handled correctly, liabilities are minimized, and costs are controlled, a synergy we strive to perfect.
• Employer education: We empower employers with knowledge, providing them with resources to better understand their obligations and their employees' rights.