In California, when you get hurt on the job, you can not file a personal injury claim against your employer. You must go through the workers’ compensation system to secure your right to medical treatment, temporary disability and permanent disability benefits.

Getting hurt at work means your “exclusive” remedy is workers’ compensation. There are exceptions to the rule: S&W claims and other specific laws allowing claims against employers that do not respect employees and violate the rule of law.

Third party claims or personal injury claims can emanate from the job site. When individuals or companies, out side of your employer, are negligent and cause injuries, the victims are allowed to make ‘third party’ claims and/or file lawsuits in Superior Courty to recover damages. When people get hurt by the negligence of someone outside of their employer, it is recommended that the injured party be represented by a lawyer knowledgeable in personal injury AND workers’ compensation.

Over the last twenty years I have come into contact with the victims of major injuries and their families. There is never an “easy” way through the medical, disability and life changing nature of these events. My job is to stay focused on the goal, fighting for appropriate benefits and damages under the law, and providing the comfort, support and legal counseling that people deserve.