California’s workers’ comp system has seen one of the biggest procedural changes this past year. In 2026, new Utilization Review (UR) rules have made deadlines tighter, created stricter documentation requirements, and heightened medical necessity requirements. As a result, more treatment requests are being denied than what we saw before. At Ratto Law Firm, P.C., our…
California’s SB 553 has created new rules for employers that are meant to protect against violence in the workplace. It is meant to prevent violent incidents, but it also has documentation requirements for incidents that do occur. It can have major implications for any worker who suffers workplace violence. Understanding how this works and the…
If you are trying to figure out a worker’s comp claim in California, you’ll likely see the term Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME). These evaluators play a key role in determining your level of disability, your medical condition, and if your injury is work-related or not. Their report carries significant weight in the workers’ comp system….
If you are injured at work, workers’ comp is usually there to help you get monetary compensation for your injuries. Workers’ comp does have its limits though, such as no access to pain and suffering damages and limited replacement of lost income. A third-party liability clam may be available if someone other than your employer…
Undocumented workers in California have the same rights to workers’ compensation as any other workers. This law exists to protect undocumented workers from being taken advantage of by employers. You have the right to file for and receive workers’ compensation benefits following a work-related injury. At Ratto Law Firm, P.C., our California workers’ compensation attorneys…
If you’ve suffered a work injury in California, you may be affected by a Permanent Disability rating. The rating is not just a random number, but directly affects the calculation for your workers’ compensation. It affects the amount of money you receive for the foreseeable future. At Ratto Law Firm, P.C., our California workers’ compensation…
Yes, you can file a workers’ comp claim for anxiety, PTSD, and depression in California. The state recognizes that not all injuries are physical. Despite this, there are specific legal standards that apply that make these claims less straightforward than many physical injuries. Knowing how the workers’ comp system handles these claims and what you’re…
California farmworkers and outdoor workers know the dangers of heat-related illness while at work. As temperatures continue to rise, this problem gets worse every year. Working long shifts in the sun or non-air conditioned areas leads to a significant risk of heat illness, especially if your employer doesn’t provide the right protections. California law has…
Most California employers are required to carry workers’ comp insurance. But what if they don’t? Knowing what to do if your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance is key to protecting your rights. At Ratto Law Firm, P.C., our California workers’ compensation attorneys help you fight for the compensation you deserve after a work injury….
If you work as a contractor or “independent contractor” in California, you’re likely wondering if workers’ comp actually applies to you. While independent contractors are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, very often you are misclassified. You could be an “employee” even if the company that hired you labels you as an independent contractor. California…
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