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San Fernando Valley, Lancaster, Palmdale and Santa Clarita Attorney Knows the Latest Legal Developments in Workers’ Compensation Law and Settlements

Attorney represents workers with injuries under Senate Bill 863

The Law Office of Scott A. Schwartz is up to date on recent changes to workers’ compensation laws. We represent injured workers in San Fernando Valley, Palmdale, Lancaster and Santa Clarita, as well as central coast counties, including Ventura County, Kern County, San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County.. Our office has the knowledge and skill to properly represent you, and we keep up with ever-changing requirements to help you file your workers’ compensation claim under the new law.

Keeping up to date on the changing landscape of workers’ compensation law is our job

In August 2012, Senate Bill 863 was signed into law, making sweeping changes to workers’ compensation law in California. Because workers’ compensation laws were designed and put in place to provide benefits to the injured worker, it is important to understand the changes to the benefits available. The new law made changes to permanent disability benefits, introduced a new system for resolving disputes over medical treatment and made several other changes. At the Law Office of Scott A. Schwartz, we understand these revisions. Let us explain how they can impact your case.

What is different or new?

The changes to available workers’ compensation benefits were put into place out of a need for a balancing act between the rising costs of treatment and the low amount of compensation awarded to injured workers. An increase in permanent disability benefits and an improvement in efficiency within the workers’ compensation court system were the two main areas of focus when lawmakers and labor union representatives began negotiations.

The staff at the Law Office of Scott A. Schwartz is well versed in these changes and knows how they affect your case. For instance, if there is a dispute regarding medical treatment, or your treatment is denied or delayed, you as the injured worker have the right to ask for a review of the physician’s decision by an independent doctor. This process is referred to as the independent medical review process (IMR) and was passed in an attempt to make certain there is no bias when reviews of recommended treatment are made. Another effect of the new law is an increase in the value placed on a permanent disability. What this means to the injured worker is that if you sustain a permanent and lasting injury, workers' compensation will pay you more than it would have paid before the new law took effect. Our office has the knowledge and skill to navigate smoothly through the new law to get you the compensation that meets your specific case facts.

Schedule a free initial consultation with a knowledgeable attorney today

At the Law Office of Scott A. Schwartz, consultations are free. If you’ve been injured on the job and you live in the San Fernando Valley, Lancaster, Palmdale or Santa Clarita areas, we can help you file your workers’ compensation claim. We know the new law and can explain how it impacts you. Reach us at 818.350.2658 or online to schedule your appointment.

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