SEVEN MISTAKES YOU CAN AVOID WHEN INJURED ON THE JOB – PART 2

Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist

3. SDI – Do not delay! File for State Disability Benefits through Employment Development Department as early on as possible in your case – even if you are receiving monetary benefits for Workers’ Compensation from your employer or their insurance carrier. Filing for such benefits, even if denied initially, will usually help to establish a “claim date” that will allow you to pursue such benefits at a later date when, for example, your Worker’s Compensation benefits cease.

It is not unlawful to file for such benefits at the same time you are receiving your Workers’ Compensation benefits, although you cannot receive full SDI benefits in addition to your Workers’ Compensation benefits.

4. DO NOT REPRESENT YOURSELF – At least not without first speaking with an attorney experienced in handling Workers’ Compensation matters. Would you do your own heart surgery? Representing yourself in a system mired with complex litigation issues may not be a life and death matter, but your decisions, if in error, could cost you thousands of dollars, delayed or denied medical care, and/or substantial delays.

We’ve represented clients who came to us after having represented themselves for months, even years. In certain cases, they failed to file documents or pursue benefits in a timely manner, costing them thousands of dollars in benefits. Don’t let this be you.

(TO BE CONTINUED ON OUR NEXT BLOG)