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Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Sacramento, California

You Can Count on Me to Protect Your Rights

Injured on the job? Claim denied? The Law Office of Cezar J. Torrez is devoted to serving injured workers. Workers’ compensation law is all I do and as a solo attorney, I personally handle your case.

My office is located in the Sacramento area, but I represent claimants throughout Northern California and statewide. Give me a call today for a free consultation. Hablamos español.

Your Rights and Benefits Under California Workers’ Compensation Law

If you have a work-related injury or illness, your employer is required by California law to pay for workers’ compensation benefits. The injury can be the result of either:

An accident or event at work such as a slip-and-fall, chemical spill or car accident while making deliveries; OR,
An injury that develops over time from job-related exposure such as hearing loss from being around loud machinery, back pain from lifting heavy objects or damage to joints from repetitive motions.

If you’ve experienced either of these, you may be entitled to one or more of the following benefits:

Free medical care – Your employer must cover all medical care related to your injury, including surgery, physical therapy and medications.
Temporary disability – Your employer must pay replacement wages until you are able to return to work.
Permanent disability – If part of your body is permanently damaged (but you can still work), you are entitled to partial disability benefits. If you are not able to work anymore, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits.
Supplemental job displacement benefits – If you can’t perform your old job, you may be eligible for a voucher to pay for school or skill training for a new occupation.

Why You Should Get a Workers’ Comp Lawyer

Workers have many rights under California law, but the workers’ compensation system still favors employers in many ways. As your workers' compensation lawyer, I can stand up for you:

To appeal a denied claim
To make sure you are getting your full entitled benefits
To get the necessary medical treatment
To fight the termination of your benefits
To make your employer honor a doctor’s work restrictions
To negotiate a lump sum settlement (if it is in your best interests)
To pursue any third-party lawsuits you may have

Workers’ compensation can be confusing. I can help you understand your rights and protect them. Below, I answer some frequently asked questions about California workers’ comp. For answers to your specific situation, please call me for a free consultation. I represent injured workers in Sacramento & throughout California.

Protecting Your Rights
Is My Top Priority

Reach Out Today

Why Was My Claim Denied?

The employer or insurance company may reject a claim for many reasons, such as:

Incomplete paperwork
Failure to report an accident to your employer
Insufficient medical records.
Or they may reject the claim as not work-related.

A Sacramento workers' compensation attorney can help you resubmit your claim or appeal your case before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. If you’re experiencing challenges with filing your claim, or if your claim has been denied, we can help – Call The Law Office of Cezar J. Torrez today.

Can I Sue My Employer Instead of Filing for Workers’ Comp?

No. Workers’ compensation is the only remedy in California. You cannot sue your supervisor or co-worker even if their negligence caused your injury. However, you may have a personal injury lawsuit against a third party other than your employer. For example, if you were injured at a construction site, you could sue a manufacturer of defective equipment or a subcontractor who created a safety hazard.

How much does a workers' compensation lawyer cost?

Most workers' compensation lawyers in California work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if you win your case. The fee paid to the attorney(s)is usually a percentage of your settlement or award, which will vary based on a number of factors.

Can I File for Workers’ Compensation if I Had a Previous Injury?

Yes. A prior injury or preexisting medical condition is not a barrier to workers’ compensation. However, you must show that a workplace accident or working conditions caused the re-injury or made your condition worse than it was before.

If you’ve been injured on the job in the Greater Sacramento area, or anywhere in California, we’re here to help – Call The Law Office of Cezar J. Torrez today.

How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim?

In California, you generally have one year from the date of your injury or illness to file a workers' compensation claim. However, there are some exceptions to this, such as if your employer didn’t provide you with a workers' compensation claim form, and other potentially mitigating factors.

If you have questions about your workers' compensation claim or need help starting your claim, call us today for a free consultation.

Can I See My Own Doctor for a Workplace Injury?

Only if you have health insurance AND filed a pre-designation form with your employer before the accident occurred stating that you want to be treated by your regular doctor for any work injuries. Otherwise, you must first seek treatment from a doctor on a list of approved workers’ compensation providers. You can later switch doctors if you are not comfortable with the treatment you are getting.

I Have Chronic Pain from My Job, but I Did Not Have a Workplace Accident. Can I Get Workers’ Compensation?

Yes. Workers’ compensation covers overuse injuries that develop over time from repetitive motions on the job. If there was no specific incident, you must show that the working conditions caused your injury. Workers’ comp also covers injury or illness from occupational exposures such as noise or toxic chemicals in California.

I Am Passionate About Helping My Clients

I grew up in a working-class neighborhood and worked blue-collar jobs before I became a lawyer. I understand that your body is your livelihood and that if you can’t work, you can’t pay your bills and feed your family. You can count on me to fight for you at every stage of the process.

Contact me today for a free consultation. I have represented people throughout California. Call or contact me online.

Hablamos español.