Category Archives: Workers’ Compensation

What if a subcontractor’s Employee is Hurt on Your Worksite in California? Can they File for Workers’ Compensation Against Your Company?

Many companies in California work with subcontractors. You may be wondering: What happens if a subcontractor’s employee is hurt at your worksite? The short answer is that their workers’ compensation claim is through their own employer—but if your negligence contributed to the accident, your company may bear liability through a third-party liability lawsuit. Here, our […]

Workers’ Compensation Law in California: Commercial Traveler Regulations

As explained by the California Department of Insurance, employers are required to purchase and maintain no-fault workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Workers are generally covered as long as they were hurt within the “course and scope” of their employment. What happens if your employee is engaged in off-site travel? This is where California’s commercial […]

Report: Inpatient Hospitalizations for Workers’ Compensation Claims Costs Have Fallen in California

According to a report from the Claims Journal, inpatient hospitalizations for workers’ compensation cases are down approximately 50% in California from 2012 to 2022. The change is driven by several different factors, including a drop in overall workers’ compensation claims and an overall increase in outpatient procedures. Within this article, our Bakersfield workers’ compensation defense […]

California Workers’ Compensation: Is an Employer Liable for Serious and Willful Misconduct if an Employee is Responsible?

While workers’ compensation is generally the sole remedy that an injured worker has against their own employer, a company could face a serious and willful misconduct claim if gross negligence or an intentional safety violation caused that worker’s injury. This raises an important question: Is an employer still liable if an employee was responsible for […]

Is an Employer in California Considered “Uninsured” if Workers’ Compensation Coverage Expired?

In California, businesses and organizations are required to obtain and maintain no-fault workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. An employer that is uninsured is in violation of the law—and, as such, could face civil and even criminal sanctions. What happens if coverage lapses for a short period of time? The short answer is that an […]

How Long Does an Employer Have to Deny a Workers’ Compensation Claim in California?

Did an employee at your company file for workers’ compensation benefits? Employers—and their insurers and claims administrators—have the right to review the claim and approve or deny it based on the information provided. In general, the deadline to deny a workers’ compensation claim in California is 90 days. Here, our Fresno workers’ compensation defense attorney […]

Proposed Law: California Bill Would Require Employers to Notify Employees of Right to Hire Lawyer in Workers’ Compensation Claim

On January 24, 2024, Business Insurance reported that a proposed state law would require all employers to change their workers’ compensation notification to clarify and emphasize an injured worker’s right to consult with an attorney. Here, our Bakersfield workers’ compensation defense law firm provides an overview of the proposed law that would put additional obligations […]

What is the Legal Definition of Workers’ Compensation Fraud in California?

Workers’ compensation fraud is a serious issue. The California Department of Insurance estimates that fraud within the workers’ compensation system costs the state between $1 billion and $3 billion each year. This raises an important question: How is workers’ compensation fraud defined? Our Fresno workers’ compensation defense law firm answers the question by providing a […]

Contractor Sentenced in Workers’ Compensation Fraud Case in Simi Valley, California

According to a report from Hoodline, a contractor in Simi Valley was sentenced as part of a workers’ compensation fraud case. Mauricio Torres—the owner of a company called Vero’s Tree Service—was sentenced to one year of probation, fined $10,000.00, and ordered to pay financial restitution for knowingly failing to obtain mandatory workers’ compensation insurance coverage. […]

Physician in California Charged With the Filing of Fraudulent Workers’ Compensation Liens

According to a report from Business Insurance, a physician in the San Francisco Bay Area has been charged with a crime as part of a major workers’ compensation fraud case. Dr. Gary Martinovsky is facing charges for more than three dozen insurance violations. The matter is related to allegedly fraudulent medical liens. Here, our Pasadena […]