Newport Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Work isn’t always safe. Whether it’s a ladder that slips, a back injury from too much heavy lifting, or months of wrist pain from typing nonstop, jobs sometimes leave more than just a paycheck behind. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you shouldn’t be left holding the bag.
Bentley & More LLP’s Newport Beach workers’ compensation lawyers step in when employers and their insurance companies won’t take responsibility.
You work hard. When you get hurt, you deserve more than excuses or delays. We’re here to help you push back and fight for the benefits you’re owed under the law. And in Newport Beach, the law gives workers some strong protections—if you know where to look.
What Workers’ Compensation Truly Covers
Think of workers’ comp as a safety net. It’s supposed to catch you when you get hurt on the job. But that net has a lot of holes, especially when insurance companies get involved. Here’s what the law says they owe you if you qualify:
- Medical treatment for your work-related injury or illness.
- Temporary disability payments when you can’t do your regular job.
- Permanent disability benefits if you don’t fully recover.
- Supplemental job displacement benefits, such as vouchers for retraining.
- Death benefits for families who lose a loved one in a work-related incident.
These rights come from the state’s workers’ comp system.
When Insurance Delays Go Too Far
No one expects their claim to be rubber-stamped overnight. But when days turn into weeks or months, and you’re still getting the runaround, something’s wrong.
Some workers tell us the insurance company asked for more paperwork again and again. Others got sent to a “company doctor” who barely looked up from their clipboard. These delay tactics aren’t just frustrating, they hurt your chances of getting fair treatment.
Our Newport Beach workers’ compensation attorneys have seen what happens when insurers try to drag things out. It’s not just about money. It’s about your health, your ability to work again, and how your family holds it together.
Common Injuries & Workers Comp Claims
Not every job injury is a broken bone from a bad fall. Some problems build up over time, and employers sometimes act like those injuries don’t count. They do.
We’ve helped people in Newport Beach with injuries like:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from years at a desk.
- Lower back injuries from loading docks or construction sites.
- Respiratory problems linked to long-term chemical exposure.
- Repetitive strain injuries in warehouse jobs.
- Traumatic brain injuries after slip-and-fall incidents.
- Burn injuries from industrial accidents.
- Knee and shoulder injuries requiring surgery.
These aren’t rare. They’re the kinds of injuries that keep people from returning to work or force them to take lower-paying jobs. In some cases, the damage is permanent.
Employers Have Legal Duties Too
You’re not the only one with responsibilities under the workers’ comp system. Employers are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees, even if they only have one.
That means they must:
- Post a notice about workers’ comp benefits where it’s easy to see.
- Provide a claim form within one working day after learning about the injury.
- Forward that form to their insurance carrier.
- Not fire or retaliate against you for filing a claim.
Violating these rules isn’t just wrong, it’s illegal. The Division of Workers’ Compensation spells out precisely what employers must do. If your boss didn’t follow these steps, it strengthens your case.
Don’t Let Retaliation Scare You
Some workers worry about filing a claim because they don’t want to lose their jobs. That fear is real. But state law protects workers from being punished for using the workers’ comp system.
If you got demoted, fired, or treated differently at work after reporting an injury, let us know. Our Newport Beach workers’ compensation lawyers take those cases seriously.
You may even have a separate legal claim beyond the regular workers’ comp benefits if your employer retaliated. In some situations, courts allow you to recover damages for lost wages and emotional distress.
What Makes Bentley & More LLP Different
You probably have choices when it comes to workers’ comp lawyers in Newport Beach. So why do injured workers choose Bentley & More LLP?
We don’t treat you like a case number. Our team listens, digs into the facts, and fights for a result that makes sense for your real life, not just what looks good on paper. Whether your case settles or heads to court, we’re with you every step of the way.
Here’s how that plays out:
- We don’t pressure you into a quick settlement just to close your case.
- We don’t hand you off to junior staff after your first meeting.
- We look for every option to increase your recovery, sometimes beyond workers’ comp.
Some law firms stop at workers’ comp. We look further. That means if you were hurt because of defective equipment, a negligent subcontractor, or another driver, we’ll explore third-party claims, too.
Third-Party Workers’ Comp Claims: More Than One Way to Get Paid
Workers’ compensation has limits. You can’t sue your employer for pain and suffering. But that doesn’t always mean workers are stuck with the basic benefit structure.
If someone outside your company contributed to your injury, you might be able to bring a third-party lawsuit. Here’s what that may look like:
- A delivery driver hurt in a crash caused by another driver.
- A construction worker injured by faulty scaffolding.
- A warehouse employee hurt by a contractor who ignored safety rules.
These cases fall outside the regular comp system and may allow for much larger payouts. They also have different timelines and rules. That’s why our Newport Beach workers’ compensation attorneys often look beyond your immediate workplace to see who else may be at fault.
You Only Get So Much Time—Don’t Wait Too Long
Deadlines in the workers’ compensation system don’t leave a lot of wiggle room. If you miss them, you may lose your chance to collect benefits at all.
In most cases, you need to report your injury within 30 days. Then you have one year from the date of injury—or from the date you knew it was work-related—to file your claim. But sometimes shorter limits apply. That’s especially true if your injury happened on government property or during work for a public agency.
The sooner you act, the better. Not just for the legal timelines, but to collect stronger evidence, get the right treatment, and stop insurance companies from twisting your case.
Common Roadblocks in Comp Cases
Some claims move smoothly. Others hit speed bumps—or brick walls. Here’s what trips people up most often:
- Disputes about whether the injury was work-related.
- Denials based on “pre-existing conditions.”
- Doctors picked by the insurance company who downplay your injury.
- Delays in treatment approvals.
- Lowball settlement offers that don’t cover your long-term needs.
When things go sideways, having Newport Beach workers’ compensation attorneys in your corner makes all the difference. We push back on bad decisions, gather second opinions from trusted doctors, and build a strong case that speaks louder than excuses.
You Don’t Pay Anything Up Front
Legal help doesn’t need to break the bank. In fact, most workers’ comp cases are handled on a contingency basis. That means we get paid a percentage of your recovery, usually 15% or less, and only after you’ve received money from your case.
That fee is even set by law and reviewed by a judge. So don’t let cost stop you from getting legal help. We only get paid if your case results in a benefit or settlement for you.
What If You Can’t Work Again?
Not all injuries heal cleanly. Some workers never return to their old jobs—or to work at all. In those cases, the law provides permanent disability payments based on how badly your injury affected your ability to earn a living.
These benefits are calculated using a formula that considers your age, job type, medical restrictions, and more. If your injury makes it impossible to return to your previous field, you might also be eligible for retraining vouchers. These benefits are explained on the Return-to-Work Supplement Program page.
But the system doesn’t always value your loss fairly. We work with independent medical examiners and vocational experts to present a clearer picture of how your injury changed your work future—and what that’s actually worth.
Don’t Guess—Get Straight Answers
A lot of workers try to figure out the system on their own. And it’s easy to get lost. You might have questions like:
- Do I need to see the company doctor?
- What happens if I miss the filing deadline?
- Can I sue someone besides my employer?
- What if I already went back to work but still hurt?
- Can I get more help if I have multiple injuries?
Instead of guessing, talk to someone who’s dealt with cases like yours. Our Newport Beach workers’ compensation lawyers offer honest advice based on your specific situation, not some online checklist.
Construction Sites and Factory Floors Aren’t the Only Danger Zones
People picture hard hats and forklifts when they think about workplace injuries. But even an office job may lead to serious health problems. We’ve represented receptionists with severe neck issues, teachers who slipped on school property, and delivery drivers injured on their routes.
No matter what kind of job you have, you deserve to be treated fairly. And if you’re not, Bentley & More LLP will be ready to step in.
When Death Happens on the Job
Some tragedies don’t end with an injury. They end with a funeral. Families in Newport Beach who lose a loved one to a work-related injury may apply for death benefits through workers’ comp.
These payments may include burial expenses and regular support payments for spouses, kids, or dependents. But sometimes the insurance company fights even these claims.
Let us help during this hard time. Our Newport Beach workers’ compensation attorneys know how to gather the documents and expert opinions needed to support a death benefits case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Comp
Can I get workers’ comp benefits as a part-time or seasonal employee?
Yes. Workers’ compensation laws in Newport Beach apply to part-time, full-time, and even seasonal workers. As long as you’re classified as an employee and not an independent contractor, you should be covered. Your work status doesn’t affect your eligibility for benefits—it just might change how payments are calculated based on your earnings.
What happens if I was injured while working from home?
If you were doing work-related tasks at home and got injured, you might still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. The key is whether you were doing something for your employer then. For example, if you slipped while walking to your kitchen during a personal break, that might not count. But if you tripped over a computer cord while attending a video meeting, that probably does. Each case depends on the specific facts.
Will I have to testify in court about my injury?
Not always. Many workers’ comp cases settle before going to trial. If a hearing becomes necessary, you might have to appear before a workers’ compensation judge to explain your side. But most of the time, your attorney prepares written statements, medical records, and other documents that tell the story without needing a full courtroom appearance. If you do need to testify, we’ll help you feel ready and supported.
Ready to Talk? Contact Bentley & More LLP
Keith More, Newport Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you were hurt on the job—or your loved one was—don’t wait for the insurance company to do the right thing. Contact Bentley & More LLP today and speak with our Newport Beach workers’ compensation lawyers.
We’ll review your case, outline your options, and tell you what we’d do if we were in your shoes. There’s no cost to talk, and there’s no pressure to sign anything.
Call us now or use our online form to set up a free consultation. Let’s talk about how to protect your future and hold the right people accountable. Call (949) 832-7646 or contact us online.
Bentley & More, LLP – Newport Beach Office
4931 Birch Street
Newport Beach, CA 92660
P: (949) 870-3800