San Diego Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

A workplace injury can disrupt every aspect of your life. From mounting medical bills to missed paychecks and uncertainty surrounding when, or if, you will be able to return to work, the aftermath of a job-related injury is rarely simple. California’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide support to injured employees, but in practice, claims are often delayed, undervalued, or outright denied. 

Singleton Schreiber represents injured workers across San Diego and throughout California, helping them pursue the workers’ compensation benefits they are entitled to under the law. If you were hurt on the job or developed a work-related illness, our San Diego injury attorneys can guide you through the process and protect your rights at every stage. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation and learn more about how we can help you. 

Why Choose Singleton Schreiber to Handle Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in San Diego?

At Singleton Schreiber, our attorneys have extensive experience standing up to powerful insurers and corporations on behalf of injured individuals. When you choose us, you benefit from:

• Attorneys experienced in high-stakes injury and liability cases
• A team that prepares every case as if it will go to trial
• Personalized attention and clear communication
• No upfront legal fees, we only get paid after we help you recover your benefits

Understanding Workers’ Compensation in San Diego, CA

California law requires employers with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance (CA LAB §3700). This coverage is intended to provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job, regardless of who was at fault. In exchange for providing this coverage, workers typically cannot sue their employer directly for negligence.

Benefits of workers’ compensation may include:

• Medical care related to injury or illness
• Temporary disability benefits during recovery
• Permanent disability benefits for lasting impairments
• Supplemental job displacement benefits if unable to return to prior role
• Death benefits for surviving dependents in cases of fatal injury or illness

While these benefits are guaranteed by law, insurance companies often look for ways to limit what they pay. That’s where experienced legal representation can make a significant difference. 

Common Workplace Injuries and Occupational Illnesses San Diego Workers Face

Work-related injuries can happen in any industry, from construction sites and warehouses to offices, hospitals, and retail environments. Singleton Schreiber handles workers’ compensation claims involving a wide range of injuries, including:

• Slip, trip, and fall injuries
• Back, neck, and spinal injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome
• Injuries caused by heavy machinery or equipment
• Exposure-related illnesses involving chemicals, toxins, or asbestos
• Traumatic injuries such as burns, fractures, or amputations

If your condition developed over time rather than from a single incident, you may still have a valid workers’ compensation claim. 

Who Is Eligible to File a Claim?

Workers’ compensation benefits are generally available to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. Independent contractors, freelancers, and volunteers are typically excluded, although misclassification is a common occurrence. If you were labeled as an independent contractor but treated like an employee, an attorney can help determine whether you may still qualify for benefits. 

Deadlines for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Timing matters in workers’ compensation cases. In most situations, you must notify your employer of your injury in writing within 30 days of becoming aware of it (CA LAB §5400). However, the written notice requirement may also be met if your employer already has knowledge of the injury from any source, such as a supervisor witnessing the incident or being otherwise informed (CA LAB §5402). You then have one year from the date of injury, or the date you discovered it, to file a formal claim. 

Missing these deadlines can put your benefits at risk and may bar you from filing altogether. In some cases, exceptions or tolling provisions may apply that extend or modify these deadlines. Experienced legal guidance can help you ensure all required steps are completed correctly and on time and determine whether any exceptions apply to your situation. 

Speak With a San Diego Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

If you were injured at work or diagnosed with a job-related illness, you do not have to navigate the workers’ compensation system alone. Singleton Schreiber is here to help you understand your options and fight for the benefits you deserve. 

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help with your San Diego workers’ compensation claim.