Burbank Workers' Comp Lawyer
We've got your back
No attorney's fees are owed unless we recover compensation; clients may be responsible for case-related costs and expenses.
Find out if you have a case.
We are available 24/7 and will conduct a free consultation.
If your job caused an injury or illness, California workers' compensation can pay for your treatment and part of your lost wages, even if the accident was partly your own doing. Respaldo Law represents Burbank workers in these claims, with attorney Razmig Maadanian handling each case.
Is my injury covered?
Coverage generally depends on whether the injury arose out of your work and happened in the course of it. That includes one-time accidents and illnesses caused by work conditions. There are limited exceptions, such as injuries caused by intoxication or intentionally self-inflicted.
Injuries from repetitive work
Some injuries have no single accident date: a shoulder worn down by overhead work, wrists strained by years of repetitive motion, hearing damaged by noise. The law sets the date of injury for these at the point you first had disability from the condition and knew or reasonably should have known your job was responsible. Starting the claim promptly after that point matters. What to do after a work injury →
Benefits While You're Off Work
When a doctor says you can't work, temporary disability generally pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a yearly maximum. The first check is generally due within 14 days after your employer learns you were injured and unable to work, with payments every two weeks after that (Labor Code § 4650). For the full list of benefits, see Medical care, wage replacement, and other benefits →
Starting the claim
Your employer owes you a DWC-1 claim form within one working day after it learns of the injury (Labor Code § 5401). Fill out the employee section, return it, and keep proof of the date you turned it in. That date starts the insurer's clock to accept or reject the claim. Read the step-by-step process: What to file, and what happens after you file →
When the insurer pushes back
Adjusters can delay a claim to investigate, deny it, or dispute the treatment your doctor recommends. Each of these can be taken to the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board. If nothing is decided within 90 days of the claim form, your case may be presumed compensable. See Your options for challenging it →
Common questions
- I was hurt during a break or at a company event. Does that count?
- Depending on the facts, your injury may be covered by California's workers' compensation laws, but exceptions exist. Call us for a free consultation.
- I just started this job. Can I still file?
- Yes. For a physical injury, there's no minimum time on the job; coverage generally starts on your first day.
- The insurer mentioned settling. What should I know?
- Don't agree to anything until you understand which type of settlement is being offered and what it does to your future medical care. A workers' comp judge has to approve any settlement before it takes effect. Why every settlement needs a judge's approval →
Workers' Comp Guides
- How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in California
- What to Do After a Work Injury
- California Workers' Comp Benefits
- Workers' comp settlements: C&R vs. Stips, judge approval, and what to check before you sign.
- Denied workers' comp claim: why claims get denied and how to challenge one.
Talk with Razmig Maadanian about your Burbank work injury. Free consultation: (626) 899-9051.