Workers' Comp Information & Assistance LEGAL HELP

Did you know that if you don't have an attorney, they have a free service called the Information & Assistance Unit that has officers on hand to answer your questions pertaining to the legalities of the WC system? There are 24 offices in California and the link to those phone numbers are here.

I've posted about this before but I recently talked to another injured Californian that did not know about this FREE service. I have used it on several occasions by going to a Workshop, calling for help and even going down in person to have specific questions answered. I would advise you to have specific questions written down before talking with an officer an keep them limited to WC issues only. That's their area of expertise- not Social Security or Long Term Disability.

California Division of Workers' Compensation:
http://www.dir.ca.gov/ and Info & Assistance
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Another thing to try is contacting a lawyer with your questions, you might get a response. It a total long shot but it could work even if this lawyer knows he or she won't take the case, they could take the time to answer a question or two..... Just don't hold your breath!!

DO YOU KNOW HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

I found some wonderful advice in a blog by someone that was hurt on the job in North Carolina. (please note the link and visit it if you'd like!) I have only edited it to be California specific (rather than NC).

IF YOU ARE HURT ON THE JOB: __Tell a supervisor immediately. __Get the full names of everyone who witnessed the accident. __Write up an accident report. __File a DWC form with California's Division of Workers Compensation (DWC) __Follow employer's request (go to employer's doctor, follow rx orders). __If you feel that you are not being treated fairly, call the DWC. MAKE A FOLDER TO HOLD ALL OF YOUR EMPLOYER'S INFORMATION, MEDICAL RECORDS, WORKERS' COMP CORRESPONDENCE AND ALL OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION TO YOUR CLAIM !!! Including: __Employee Handbook __All medical screening and job classification tests __Any awards, write-ups or employee warnings __A calendar of vacation days, tardy and sick days __A copy of all memos and correspondence that pertain to you and your job. __DO NOT write on any of your documents; keep a notebook, or journal, with date, time, names, companies or doctors, nurses etc. __Trust No One--get it in writing! MEDICAL CARE: __Get a copy of anything that you have been asked to sign. __Get a copy of any papers from doctor visits or doctor's report. __If you do not understand what has been written, ask someone to explain the information to you. __If the doctor's reports do not match what you have been told, you may need to secretly record each doctor visit. California Division of Workers' Compensation: http://www.dir.ca.gov/ and here is all the contact info. __If you do not have an attorney, they have a free service called the Information & Assistance Unit that has officers on hand to answer your questions pertaining to the legalities of the WC system. (link to those phone numbers here) __They cannot help you once you retain a lawyer. __Unlike other courts, it can take three months to remove your attorney from your case if you are not satisfied with the service. __Keep a record of everyone you speak with, the time, date, and the reason for the call. __Fight for your rights to be heard.