Experienced Workers Comp Attorneys in Santa Ana

Serving Clients in Santa Ana

Getting hurt at work can turn your life upside down in an instant. You may be facing medical appointments, lost income, pressure from your employer, and the stress of not knowing what comes next. For many injured workers in Santa Ana, the workers’ compensation system feels confusing and overwhelming, especially when you are trying to heal at the same time.

At Fontes Law Group, our workers’ compensation attorneys help injured workers understand their rights and move through the process with confidence. We guide you through each step, help you avoid common mistakes, and protect you from delays and denials that can affect your medical care and income benefits.

Workers’ compensation does not have to become a long, frustrating battle. Many cases can be resolved through strong documentation, clear communication, and strategic negotiation. Our team uses years of experience to help you access medical treatment, temporary disability payments, permanent disability benefits, and job retraining when necessary.

When Your Workers’ Compensation Case Needs Strong Advocacy

While we always aim to resolve claims efficiently, some cases require more involved representation. If your employer disputes your injury, if the insurance company delays treatment, or if your benefits are denied or reduced, our Santa Ana workers’ compensation lawyers are fully prepared to step in and fight for you.

We understand how much is at stake. Delayed care can make your injury worse, and unpaid benefits can create immediate financial pressure. When negotiations are not enough, our team is ready to advocate for you through the workers’ compensation appeals process, medical evaluations, hearings, and all required legal steps.

If you suffered a workplace injury or illness and need support, reach out to Fontes Law Group. We help injured workers in Santa Ana get the medical care, income protection, and stability they need to move forward.

Why Clients Choose Fontes Law Group

Experience. Compassion. Results.

At Fontes Law Group, our workers’ compensation team is dedicated to protecting injured workers with experienced legal guidance and a client-first approach. We understand how a workplace injury can disrupt your health, income, and family life, and we know how to pursue the full medical and wage benefits you are entitled to under California law.

• Proven success securing workers’ compensation benefits for injured employees

• All team members speak Spanish

• Offices in Santa Ana and Riverside

• No fees for your initial consultation

• Trusted by workers and families throughout Southern California

California Workers’ Compensation Overview

The truth is that workplace injuries are far more common than people realize. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, private-sector employers reported nearly 2.7 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in a single year. The same agency reported thousands of worker deaths from job-related accidents. 

When an injury happens, the impact reaches every part of your life. The physical pain is only part of it. Many families are left facing sudden medical bills, lost income, and pressure to return to work before they are ready. That is exactly why California created its workers’ compensation system. It exists so injured workers have medical care, income support, and a path toward recovery.

What California Law Requires From Employers

In California, every employer must provide workers’ compensation coverage. They can buy insurance through an approved carrier or apply to become self-insured through the Department of Industrial Relations.

This system works on what the law calls a “no fault” rule. That means you do not have to prove your employer did something wrong in order to receive benefits. If your injury or illness is related to your job, you can file a claim and access the benefits the law provides.

In exchange, workers generally cannot sue their employers for negligence. There are exceptions, and we help families understand when those exceptions apply.

What Workers’ Compensation Covers

Workers’ compensation in California provides several types of benefits. Each benefit is designed to support a different part of your recovery.

Medical Care

California law requires employers or their insurance carriers to pay for all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work injury. This includes:

• Doctor visits
• Physical therapy
• Hospital stays
• Surgery
• Prescription medications
• Medical equipment
• Transportation to and from medical appointments

You do not need to use your private health insurance for treatment. Workers’ compensation should cover all authorized care. Most employers use a Medical Provider Network (MPN), which is a group of approved doctors who treat injured workers. If you need help understanding your options inside or outside the MPN, we guide workers through that process every day.

Temporary Disability Benefits

If your injury keeps you from working, temporary disability benefits help replace part of your lost income while you recover. These benefits generally pay two thirds of your average weekly wages. Payments continue until you can return to work, up to a state-mandated limit.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Some injuries change a worker’s life forever. When a doctor determines that your condition has stabilized but you still have lasting limitations, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits. These benefits are based on a disability rating, which measures how much the injury impacts your ability to work long term.

If the rating is very high, you may also qualify for a life pension.

Job Displacement Benefits

Workers who cannot return to their old job because of a permanent injury may qualify for a $6,000 Suplemental Job Diplacement benefit (SJDB) retraining voucher. This voucher can help pay for education, skill training, and other approved programs so you can prepare for a new career.

Death Benefits for Families

When a worker loses their life because of a job-related injury or illness, the law provides financial support for dependents. This includes spouses, children, and others who relied on the worker for financial support. Families may also receive help with burial expenses. The DIR explains these benefits here: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc.

How to Start a Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you were injured at work, or if you learn that your medical condition is related to your job, the first step is reporting it to your employer as soon as possible. They must give you a workers’ compensation claim form within one business day. Filling out this form completely and accurately is very important. It lists every part of your body that was injured and starts the official claim process.

Once it is submitted, the insurance company investigates and decides whether to approve or deny the claim. If your claim is denied, you have the right to challenge that decision. Many workers feel confused or discouraged at this stage, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Our team supports injured workers through the entire appeals process.

To know more about the steps, read here: 16 Steps of a Workers Compensation Lawsuit in California

When an Employer Has No Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Some employers try to cut corners by failing to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If that happens, you are not trapped. California allows injured workers to file a lawsuit for personal injuries and pursue compensation directly from the employer. This can include full lost wages, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages in some cases.

We help workers understand these options and take action when employers fail to follow the law.

When Someone Else Is Responsible for Your Injury

Not all workplace injuries are the employer’s fault. Many accidents involve a third party, such as:

• A subcontractor
• A delivery driver
• A property owner
• A defective equipment manufacturer

In these situations, you may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury claim. This gives you the chance to recover additional compensation that workers’ compensation does not cover, including pain and suffering.

What About Independent Contractors?

Independent contractors are not covered by workers’ compensation. However, if you were misclassified or if someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may still have the right to file a lawsuit. Misclassification is common in industries like construction, delivery, and seasonal labor.

Helpful Resources

FAQs About Workers Comp