Salinas Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Accidents happen on the job. If you are seriously injured at work, it can severely affect your financial stability and the future of your family. This is why insurance is essential to both employees and employers.

Some employers cheat their workers by denying legitimate claims for compensation benefits. This is where our skilled and experienced Ratto Law Firm attorneys can help.

Workers compensation lawyers in Salinas, California

Salinas is home to more than 150,000 people. This region is known as the “Salad Bowl of America” as it produces more than half of the nation’s lettuce, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, and artichokes. Salinas also features more than 75 wineries highlighted by Blackstone and Estancia. With such a rich agricultural background, workplace injuries are inevitable.

We understand that many of our clients do not have the time, energy, and means to pursue legal action in these situations. Ratto Law specializes in workers compensation cases – with more than 30 years of experience in advocating for injured clients and their families before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board and Superior Court.

Our attorneys in Salinas have a trustworthy track record of helping employees navigate through the claims process to achieve emotional comfort and financial recovery.

No-fault system

California has a no-fault system which entitles injured workers to compensation whether the employer was negligent or not. While this system significantly cut back the long wait times in such court cases, it tends to limit the amount of compensation awarded to the injured party. This is where you need an attorney to advocate for you.

Do not expect insurance companies to be sympathetic to your plight. They will throw in every legal tactic to avoid paying you or paying as little as possible. With an experienced workers compensation lawyer, you will be able to fight back and claim what is rightfully yours.

What should you do if you get injured at work?

Time is not your friend when it comes to seeking compensation for a work-related injury. It is crucial that you take action immediately as any delay could prevent you from receiving benefits.

If you get injured at work, here are the steps you must take right away:

1. Inform your supervisor about your injury (written or verbal) within 30 days
2. File a DWC-1 or Workers’ Compensation Claim form
3. File a 4906 (g) or Declaration Pursuant to Labor Code form
4. File an Application for Adjudication of Claim form

Your employer is required by law to provide you with a claim form right after you notify them of your injury or illness. During your emergency treatment, document everything that your medical provider does.

The DWC-1 form is the first step in the claims process, so you need to answer every question. The form includes basic information such as your name, social security number, what body part was injured, and where the injury happened.

The DWC-1 form is sent to the insurance company to begin the investigation process. If you complete the form immediately, you might be able to secure $10,000 in medical care while your case is under review.

There is a statute of limitations involved in workers compensation claims so make sure you inform your employer about your injury within the 30-day period. Waiting too long can make it much harder to claim benefits.

Who can claim compensation for a work-related injury?

We can help you file for workers compensation claims for the following:

• Motor vehicle accidents at work
• Slip-and-fall accidents at work
• Construction injuries
• Heart trauma
• Head and brain injuries
• Knee and shoulder injuries
• Work-related death

Ratto Law Firm attorneys can assist you in seeking the following benefits:

• Medical care. Covers costs as you recover from your injury or illness.
• Temporary disability. Covers lost income as a result of your work injury.
• Supplemental job displacement. Covers retraining or education in case you are unable to return to your previous employment.
• Permanent disability. Continued benefits in case you are permanently unable to go back to work.
• Death benefits. Payments made to your spouse and other dependents if you die from a job-related injury or illness.

Our attorneys will make sure to file all necessary forms within the time limitations set by the state of California.

Once the investigation has concluded, we’ll begin negotiating with the insurance company to get the compensation you deserve. If an appropriate settlement is not reached, we shall represent you at trial and aggressively fight for your rights. We may also pursue a claim against third-party persons involved in your injury.

To help you focus on your full recovery, we will take care of tracking your case and ensure that you get the benefits you rightfully deserve.

Our legal representation is on a contingency fee basis, which means that you only pay us if we successfully claim appropriate compensation for you.

Why you should choose Ratto workers compensation lawyers in Salinas

We have been helping injured workers in California for many years. Working with the top medical professionals in Salinas, we can help get you the best medical treatment for your injury or illness.

If you are unable to return to work, we can also help coordinate treatments for you on a lien basis. This allows you to pay for your expenses after you have received compensation from your settlement.

Contact Ratto Law if you get injured or fall ill on the job.

Ratto Law attorneys have been advocating for the rights of injured workers since 1984. Our team has a combined 100 years of experience representing employees before the Workers Compensation Appeals Board.

We are dedicated to helping clients take legal action in situations such as work accident injuries, wrongful death on the job, and denied claims. Our experts offer quality representation for victims of occupational hazards, emotional difficulties, psychological problems, and those who have suffered permanent disabilities.

We understand that serious injuries can make it difficult for you to come to our offices. You may contact us through phone or email for a risk-free assessment of your situation. After going through your case, we will set you up with our associate who is best qualified to represent you.

Our highly skilled and experienced attorneys at Ratto Law work on a contingency fee agreement. As such, you aren’t obligated to pay us anything until we win your case.