Medical Entitlements

What is Covered in a Workers' Compensation Claim?

Any worker who is injured in a workplace accident has an employee's right to compensation. According to the California Labor Code, every employer is required to offer some form of workers' compensation to cover any workplace injury-related expenses. Such expenses include bills for medical treatment, doctors' visits, and prescription medications. However, when it comes to medical treatment, employers can try to avoid paying for compensation through threats and illegal restrictions.

An Employee's Rights in the Medical-Legal Evaluation Process

When it comes to workers' compensation benefits, employees injured on the job are usually allowed to visit their own doctor or choose from a list of physicians provided by their employer. As long as they follow the regulations, their expenses must be covered by their employer's insurance.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for employers to threaten their employees with termination if he or she seeks compensation for their medical care in an attempt to save themselves the expense of a higher insurance rate. This act is illegal. Discrimination against an employee because of their injury is a misdemeanor and could result in fines and time in jail for your employer.

An injured employee should also keep in mind that any evaluation made by a physician is not restricted to a workers' comp case alone. Should the employee choose to pursue a personal injury case, the same medical evaluation can be used in that legal process, as well. Therefore, it is very important that you hire a Walnut Creek workers' comp attorney who can weigh your medical evaluation in the light of both a workers' comp claim and a personal injury claim and determine which option is best for you.

Your expenses should be covered by your employer if you have been injured at work. To fight for maximum compensation, contact a workers' comp attorney from Brand Peters PC.​​​​​​

Workers' Comp for Medical Mileage

Get Reimbursed for Your Injury-Related Travel!

When an employee is involved in an accident at their workplace and suffers a workplace injury as a result, the resulting expenses can be significant. Workers' compensation could cover most of the expenses. However, he or she will not only be faced with medical bills and wage loss, but will be required to travel more in order to visit doctors and pick up prescriptions. The mileage for such travel can add up very quickly, especially in today's economy where gasoline can be more than four dollars per gallon. Fortunately, these expenses could be reduced for an injured worker by filing for medical mileage reimbursement.

Medical Mileage Rates in California

As of July 1, 2011, an injured employee can receive 55.5¢/gal. as reimbursement for their medical mileage. This may not seem like much, but think of it this way-after 100 miles of travelling to and from doctors' appointments, pharmacies, and therapy sessions, you could receive more than $50 reimbursement. Though it a small percentage, it is better than nothing; and it is what you rightfully deserve. Keep in mind that you must complete and file the required form in a timely manner, so contact a Walnut Creek workers' comp attorney today to get legal help.

Speak with a Qualified Workers' Comp Lawyer in Walnut Creek: Call Us

Attorneys Jonathan Brand and Cole Peters are skilled in workers' compensation, personal injury, and crossover cases. They could review your case and provide a no-nonsense evaluation of your situation and your available legal options. Our team of attorneys share 60 years of combined experienced and have gained extensive knowledge and resources to use for your benefit. If you have been injured, fight for every bit of the compensation you deserve by calling Brand Peters PC.

Schedule your consultation today! Contact an experienced workers' comp attorney and start fighting for maximum compensation.