Workers' Compensation

Levy, Stern, Ford & Wallach (LSFW) represents injured employees throughout Southern California in workers' compensation claims, including in Los Angeles, Burbank, and the San Fernando Valley. 

Workers' compensation law defines the rights of a worker who is injured or becomes ill due to a work-related incident and allows the injured worker to recover appropriate benefits, including wage replacement benefits, medical care, vocational rehabilitation, disability benefits, or death benefits. The attorneys in our Workers' Compensation department bring with them over 40 years of experience in workers' compensation.  Our goal is to obtain the maximum benefits available for each client and to protect the rights of injured workers.

Do You Have a Claim?

What should I do if I get hurt on the job?

Report The Injury To Your Employer
Tell your supervisor right away. If your injury or illness developed gradually, like tendonitis or hearing loss, report it as soon as you learn it was caused by your job.  Reporting promptly helps prevent problems and delays in receiving benefits, including any medical care you may need to avoid further injury.  If your employer does not learn of your injury within 30 days, you could lose your right to receive workers' compensation benefits.

Get Emergency Treatment If Needed.
If it's a medical emergency, go to an emergency room right away.  Your employer may tell you where to go for treatment.  Tell the health care provider who treats you that your injury or illness is job-related.

Fill Out A Claim Form.
Your employer must give you a Workers' Compensation Claim Form within 24 hours of learning about your injury or illness.  Fill out and sign the employee portion of the claim form.  Describe your injury completely.  List every part of your body affected by the injury.  Give the form to your employer in order to officially file your claim.

Get Good Medical Care.
Get good medical care to help you recover.  A doctor who understands your particular type of injury or illness should treat you.  Tell the doctor about your symptoms and the events at work that you believe caused them.  Also, describe your job and your work environment.

What Happens After I File The Claim Form?

Your employer must fill out and sign the "employer" portion of the claim form and give the completed form to your employer's designated claims administrator.  The claims administrator handles claims for your employer and usually works for your employer's insurance company.  Your employer must give you a copy of the completed form within 24 hours of your filing it. Keep this copy.  The claims administrator usually must decide within 90 days whether to accept or deny your claim.

Seek Experienced Assistance

For additional information on workers' compensation matters, or to learn how LSFW can assist you with your claim, contact us by calling (213) 380-3140.  We also provide assistance for Spanish speaking clients.