Orange County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Orange County, CA
If you’ve been injured at work, you may have a lot of questions and don’t know where to turn. At Bentley & More LLP – our Orange County workers’ compensation attorneys represent workers throughout Orange County. In 2017, The Daily Journal named its 75 Top Labor & Employment Lawyers in the state of California – with our very own Keith More as the only Workers’ Compensation attorney named to the list.
Why You Need An Orange County Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Any day on the job can end in a work injury. While employees in high-risk industries such as construction, oil and gas, and mining may be in more danger than others, even those in office jobs can suffer serious injuries. Traumatic events, repetitive motion injuries, strained muscles, and illnesses from toxic exposure all qualify as work-related injuries. Contact the Orange County personal injury lawyers at Bentley & More LLP, for legal advice regarding workers’ compensation cases and personal injury claims after a workplace injury in Southern California.
What Are Some Common Causes Of Work Injuries In Orange County?
Every day, millions of workers put their lives on the line for the good of the American economy. Workers in almost every industry can face some type of hazards, whether it’s loose carpeting in the office or Orange County traffic as a delivery person.
California, like all other states, has a workers’ compensation program to provide benefits to injured workers without requiring proof of negligence. This program will give compensation to injured workers for on-the-job injuries such as:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Falling from heights
- Muscle strains/overexertion injuries
- Hit by falling objects
- Vehicle crashes and collisions
- Toxic substance injuries/illnesses
- Exposure to loud noises
- Fights/assaults at work
- Animal attacks
- Machine entanglement
- Wrongful death
It is important for all California workers to realize that workers’ compensation is not the only possible outlet for financial recovery. Workers injured in negligence-related incidents may be able to pursue greater or additional compensation through the civil court system with personal injury cases. Knowing what to do if you have a personal injury case in California helps safeguard critical evidence from the outset. If your accident involved someone else’s negligence or intent to harm, talk to an Orange County accident attorney before you file for workers’ compensation. Another legal route to a maximum settlement may be in your best interest.
Workers’ Compensation Statistics and Benefits
In 2023, workers’ compensation programs paid $64.1 billion in benefits to injured workers across the United States, with medical care making up more than 47% of that total, according to the National Academy of Social Insurance. In California, employers with one or more employees must have a workers’ compensation insurance plan or self-insurance plan. Below is the breakdown of benefits to which each worker is entitled through the program:
- The total cost of medical care related to the injury. Understanding what damages you can recover in a personal injury case in California helps ensure every financial and personal loss is accurately valued. This may include hospital bills, surgeries, medications, live-in care, medical equipment, and other past and future medical costs. Any medical treatment necessary to “cure or relieve” the side effects of a personal injury are coverable under workers’ compensation.
- Temporary disability benefits. If a worker loses wages because of a temporary disability from the injury, he or she will receive partial lost wages. Eligibility kicks in as soon as the worker loses three days of work or more. The California workers’ compensation system pays two-thirds of average weekly wages during this time, subject to a weekly minimum and maximum that changes each year based on the state average wage. For 2026, that range is $264.61 to $1,764.11 per week.
- Permanent disability benefits. These benefits will apply if impairment remains indefinitely. It comes in the form of a weekly permanent disability benefit of two-thirds of average weekly wages.
- Supplemental job displacement benefits. If an employer doesn’t offer alternative work while you heal, and you cannot return to work for the employer within 60 days of losing temporary disability benefits, you are eligible for these benefits. You will receive a voucher worth $6,000 for education-related job training for a new position.
- Death benefits. If a worker dies from his or her injuries, a surviving spouse or other dependent can receive a lump sum death benefit. Minor children may also receive a weekly death benefit in the same amount as temporary disability benefits, until the child turns 18.
In 2012, the Governor signed a workers’ compensation reform bill, Senate Bill 863, into law. This bill increased the benefit amounts for injured workers. For questions about how much the system may entitle you to after a workplace injury or death, speak to an Orange County workers’ compensation attorney. The team at Bentley & More LLP, has helped many injured workers and their families pursue the full benefits available to them under California law. If you aren’t sure whether to file a workers’ compensation or personal injury claim, our experienced attorneys can help you understand your options.
Orange County Workers’ Comp Attorneys for Construction Workers
The construction industry accounts for roughly one in five workplace deaths nationwide, according to data compiled by OSHA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2024, construction workers put their lives in danger by operating from great heights, around heavy machinery, with dangerous equipment, and near toxic materials.
The construction industry takes one in five workers’ lives, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Construction was responsible for 21.4% of all U.S. worker deaths in 2015. Construction workers put their lives in danger by operating from great heights, around heavy machinery, with dangerous equipment, and near toxic materials. OSHA identifies the following four causes as the most common for construction worker deaths:
- Falls: Falls from scaffolds, roofs, ladders, equipment, and platforms can end in fatal injury. The industry can help prevent falls by teaching proper scaffold construction, height safety, and providing personal fall protection gear.
- Struck by the object: Objects such as building materials, handheld tools, and debris can fall on workers and cause serious or fatal head and brain injuries. Lack of proper head protection and securement of materials contribute to these injuries.
- Electrocutions: Working around live wires and electrical components is an incredibly dangerous field that requires a great deal of training and safety gear. Employers who don’t take the risk of electrocution seriously may fail to properly train employees to work around these elements.
- Caught-in/between: Construction employees may get caught between a motor vehicle and a stationary object, gears in a piece of heavy machinery, or caught in collapsing structures. A safe work environment can prevent these fatal injuries.
OSHA gives hundreds of citations to California workplaces for broken rules and safety violations. Hundreds of construction workers would still be alive today were it not for the negligence of employers, product manufacturers, and other parties. As an injured worker or a surviving loved one, discover your rights in terms of workers’ compensation or a personal injury claim in Orange County. Keep in mind that in most cases, filing for workers’ compensation means giving up your right to sue your employer for negligence. There are limited exceptions, For example, if your employer intentionally injured you or didn’t carry the insurance California law requires. Before making this decision, speak with one of our Orange County construction accident lawyers.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Workers’ Compensation
Workplace injuries don’t have to stem from one-time traumatic events to qualify for workers’ compensation. Many workers don’t realize that they could be eligible for workers’ compensation due to carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). Carpal tunnel cases are becoming more common as more and more employees perform their jobs behind keyboards.
It is up to an employer to help prevent the development of carpal tunnel by providing proper equipment, training courses on proper typing techniques, and allowing breaks from work. If a doctor recently diagnosed you with carpal tunnel syndrome, consider whether your tasks at work caused or contributed to this injury. If you type a lot, use a cash register, push, slice, or press objects without ample rest at work, carpal tunnel may be a work-related injury.
If this is the case, you could qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, since California law treats repetitive stress injuries as a compensable “cumulative injury” under Labor Code section 3208.1. If an employer’s (or third party’s) negligence contributed to your carpal tunnel, consider pursuing monetary recovery through a personal injury claim instead of or in addition to workers’ comp. The workers’ compensation injury lawyers at Bentley & More LLP, have experience representing workers with RSIs in Orange County.
Orange County Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for Factory Workers
Factory workers take on unique tasks and functions in the workplace. They exist in hazardous work environments that could pose the risk of crush injuries, slip and falls, repetitive motion injuries, and equipment-related harms. The most common injuries factory workers suffer from workplace accidents include:
- Overexertion
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Muscle strains from heavy lifting, bending or twisting
- Transportation injuries
- Exposure to harmful substances
- Contact with objects/equipment
- Fires/explosions
- Amputation injuries
Factory workers often do not have the proper training or safety gear to protect themselves from common injuries. Such workers (or their survivors) may have personal injury/wrongful death claims against the employer in these cases. Injured factory workers should always consult with an attorney before filing for workers’ compensation because they could be eligible for greater benefits through a PI claim than with a workers’ comp claim in Orange County.
Workers’ Comp Retaliation in California
Injured workers should never be afraid to file workers’ compensation claims because of the fear of employer retaliation. California law has provisions in place to prevent employers from retaliating against employees who come forward with safety complaints, violations, or work-related injuries. It is against the law for your employer to terminate your job, demote you, cut your pay or hours, or take any other adverse employment action against you because of your workers’ compensation claim.
If you believe you have a case of workers’ comp retaliation, our lawyers can help. We understand the elements an employee needs to bring these types of claims in Orange County. Our team can go up against major companies and corporations on your behalf, to get to the bottom of an alleged retaliation case and its effects on your life. You may be eligible for job reinstatement and compensation for your losses. Never take retaliation lying down. Retain an Anaheim worker’s compensation lawyer to defend your rights as a California worker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in California?
In most cases, you have one year from the date of your injury to file a claim. For injuries that develop over time, like repetitive stress injuries, the deadline may start later. Talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss a deadline.
Can I sue my employer instead of filing a workers’ compensation claim?
Generally, no. Workers’ compensation is usually your only option against your employer. Limited exceptions exist, such as when an employer intentionally causes harm or fails to carry required insurance.
Can my employer fire me for filing a workers’ compensation claim?
No. California law protects you from retaliation, including firing, demotion, or pay cuts, for filing a claim or reporting a workplace injury. Retaliation is a separate claim from your workers’ compensation claim and should be discussed with your lawyer as soon as you suspect retaliation.
Does workers’ compensation cover repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel?
Yes. California treats these as cumulative injuries, and workers’ compensation can cover them even without a single, sudden accident.
What if I’m an independent contractor?
Independent contractors are generally not covered by workers’ compensation. An attorney can help you figure out whether your work was properly classified, or whether you may have a personal injury claim.
How much does it cost to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in California?
Most workers’ compensation attorneys work on contingency, so you pay nothing upfront. Fees are capped by law, typically between 9% and 15% of your award, and must be approved by a workers’ compensation judge. We can explain fees to you during your initial consultation.
Hear From Our Clients
“Exceptional Legal Representation – Highly Recommend!
We can’t thank Keith More and Dane Gilliam enough for the incredible job they did handling our son’s workers’ compensation case. Our son experienced a debilitating severe traumatic brain injury involving a golf cart while working in Malibu. After a rough start with a previous attorney who completely mishandled the case, Keith and Dane were a breath of fresh air. From our very first consultation, they were professional, compassionate, and fully committed to achieving the best possible outcome.
They took the time to explain every step of the process, answered all our questions with patience and clarity, and kept us informed throughout. What really stood out was their responsiveness — if we called, they either picked up right away or returned our call promptly.
Their negotiation skills were outstanding. They secured a settlement that far exceeded our expectations and brought us peace of mind during a very stressful time.
If you’re looking for a workers’ comp firm that genuinely cares and will fight for your rights, look no further. We are beyond grateful for their support and highly recommend them to anyone in need of expert legal help.” – Ray Johnson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Speak to An Orange County Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
Orange County Workers’ Compensation Lawyer, Keith More
Your story is our priority at Bentley & More LLP. We pride ourselves on our defense of California’s vulnerable workers in the face of serious work-related injuries and wrongful death. Our injury lawyers in Orange County have appeared on broadcasts such as NBC, The Dr. Oz Show, KTLA 5, and several others for their coverage of notable cases. Our unwavering dedication to the clients we serve sets us apart.
When you come to us with a serious injury after a work accident, our experienced legal team will listen to your story carefully, list your legal opportunities, and help you take a stand against negligent employers or other parties. Take the first step toward pursuing the compensation the law may allow. Contact us online or call our Orange County law firm at (949) 870-3800 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Bentley & More LLP Office
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 870-3800
Orange County, CA Related Workers’ Compensation Resources
- How to Find a Good Personal Injury Lawyer in California
- Do I Need a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Case in California?
- Common Mistakes in Personal Injury Cases in California
Orange County, CA Workers’ Compensation Legal Resources
- California Department of Industrial Relations – Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
- California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) – Santa Ana District Office
- Cal/OSHA – Division of Occupational Safety and Health Enforcement
- California Labor Code – Section 3208.1 (Cumulative Injuries)
About Orange County, CA
Orange County is home to celebrated cultural landmarks like the Orange County Museum of Art, which showcases world-class artistic exhibitions and enriches community cultural life. However, high-density industrial centers, logistics facilities, and commercial construction projects throughout the county contribute to thousands of workplace incidents annually, leading to over 20,000 workers’ compensation claims filed across the region each year. In response, local workplace safety regulators and municipal inspectors have increased compliance audits and safety enforcement programs. These protective measures ensure Orange County remains a vibrant, safe community for workers and businesses alike.
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