Injured at Work? Hire a Workers Comp Lawyer in Los Angeles

July 3, 2025

Getting injured at work can flip your life upside down. From emergency care to lost income, workplace injuries can create long-term stress for you and your family. But with the help of an experienced workers comp lawyer, you don’t have to face the system alone.


If you’ve been hurt on the job, contact us today at 310-572-1664. At the Law Offices of Reuben J. Felstiner, we help injured workers across Los Angeles get the benefits they’re entitled to—so they can focus on healing, not red tape.


What to Do Immediately After a Workplace Injury

Knowing what to do right after an injury is critical. Time matters, and the steps you take (or don’t take) can affect the outcome of your case.



1. Tell Your Supervisor Right Away

Start by reporting the injury to your supervisor. This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a requirement. California law says you must notify your employer within 30 days of the incident. But the sooner, the better. Early documentation helps support your claim and gets you on the right track.


2. Get Medical Treatment

After notifying your employer, seek medical attention—even if you think you’re fine. Some injuries, like concussions or internal issues, don’t show symptoms immediately. Your employer may direct you to an approved doctor from their network, or you can choose your own if you’ve predesignated one.

Be clear and consistent when describing how the injury happened. Every word in your medical record can impact your case.


3. Keep a Personal Record

Write down everything related to your injury. Include:

  • Date, time, and place of the injury
  • Witness names and contact info
  • Conversations with supervisors and insurance reps
  • All medical visits and diagnoses

Organized notes help your workers comp lawyer build a stronger case.


4. Complete the Workers' Comp Claim Form

Your employer must give you a DWC-1 claim form within one working day of learning about your injury. Fill it out accurately and return it quickly. This starts the official compensation process and puts your claim on record.

Magnifying glass over a jigsaw puzzle with the missing piece revealing the words

How a Workers Comp Lawyer in Los Angeles Can Help

You might think workers’ comp is simple—but in reality, claims can get denied, delayed, or underpaid. That’s where a skilled workers comp lawyer becomes a game-changer.


Navigate the Legal Maze with Confidence

California’s workers’ compensation laws are complex. A lawyer ensures you don’t miss deadlines, overlook forms, or get taken advantage of by insurance adjusters. With the right legal help, your paperwork is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.


Secure the Full Benefits You’re Owed

Many people don’t realize how much their claim is worth. Insurance companies might offer minimal benefits or deny treatment altogether. Your lawyer fights to make sure you receive:

  • Coverage for all approved medical treatments
  • Temporary or permanent disability benefits
  • Mileage reimbursement for travel to medical appointments
  • Supplemental job displacement benefits if you can’t return to work


Protect Your Rights Against Employer Retaliation

It’s illegal for your employer to fire or punish you for filing a claim—but that doesn’t stop some from trying. A workers comp lawyer ensures your rights are protected and holds employers accountable for illegal retaliation.


Why Hire a Local Workers Comp Lawyer

Having someone who knows the system—and your city—can make a big difference.


Local Knowledge You Can Trust

Attorney Reuben J. Felstiner has years of experience handling workers’ comp claims throughout Los Angeles. He knows the judges, understands local court processes, and can quickly act if your case runs into trouble.


Personalized Attention, Close to Home

When you work with a local firm, you’re more than a case number. You get real, responsive legal guidance from a team that understands your community, your industry, and your unique needs.


Common Situations That Call for a Workers Comp Lawyer

Still unsure if you need legal help? These are common red flags that signal it’s time to contact an attorney:

  • Your claim was denied for unclear reasons
  • Your medical treatment was stopped before you recovered
  • You’re being asked to return to work too soon
  • You’ve been fired or demoted since filing your claim
  • You were injured by a third party, like a vendor or equipment supplier
  • You’ve been offered a settlement that seems too low

If any of these sound familiar, don’t wait—get legal support immediately.


Can I Sue Outside of Workers Comp?

In some cases, yes. If your injury was caused by someone other than your employer—such as a negligent contractor or defective equipment—you may also be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit.

This is where our firm stands out. We also handle personal injury claims, giving you a team that’s equipped to pursue every available source of compensation.


Don’t Wait—Get the Help You Deserve

Every day you wait could be a day you lose benefits. A workers comp lawyer like Reuben J. Felstiner can help make sure your claim is handled properly from the beginning.


We take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most: healing and getting back on your feet.

Call us at 310-572-1664 now for a free consultation or click here to get started today.

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Workers’ compensation is a vital safety net for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. In California, including Downey, this system provides medical benefits, wage replacement, and disability compensation to injured workers. Understanding your rights and navigating the claims process can be challenging, making legal guidance essential to securing the benefits you deserve. This no-fault system means that employees do not have to prove their employer was at fault for the injury to receive benefits. However, employers and insurance companies sometimes attempt to minimize claims or deny them outright, making it crucial for injured workers to understand their rights and seek proper representation when needed. What Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Cover? If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be entitled to the following workers’ compensation benefits: Medical Treatment: Covers necessary medical care, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation services. Temporary Disability Benefits: Provides wage replacement if you’re unable to work due to your injury. Permanent Disability Benefits: Compensates for lasting impairments that affect your ability to work. Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits: Covers vocational training if you cannot return to your previous job. Death Benefits: Offers financial assistance to the families of workers who suffer fatal job-related injuries. These benefits aim to provide financial relief and help injured workers recover without the added burden of lost wages and medical expenses. However, securing these benefits is not always straightforward. Steps to Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Downey, CA Filing a workers’ compensation claim involves several crucial steps: 1. Report Your Injury Immediately – Notify your employer as soon as possible. Delayed reporting can impact your eligibility for benefits. 2. Seek Medical Treatment – Obtain necessary medical care and inform the provider that your injury is work-related. 3. Complete a DWC-1 Claim Form – Your employer should provide you with this form to officially file your claim. 4. Employer’s Role – Your employer submits the claim to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. 5. Claims Administrator Review – The insurance provider will review the claim and determine eligibility. 6. Legal Assistance (If Needed) – If your claim is delayed, denied, or undervalued, seeking legal representation can help protect your rights. Why You Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Navigating a workers’ compensation claim can be complex, especially if your employer or insurance provider disputes your case. An experienced attorney can help you: Gather medical evidence to support your claim. Appeal denied claims and negotiate settlements. Ensure you receive the maximum benefits available under California law. Protect you from employer retaliation for filing a claim. Having a dedicated legal advocate ensures that your rights are upheld and that you do not settle for less than what you deserve. Common Challenges in Workers’ Compensation Cases Many workers face obstacles when filing a claim, such as: Claim Denials: Insurance companies may deny claims due to lack of evidence, missed deadlines, or disputes over whether the injury is work-related. Delays in Medical Treatment Authorization: Employers or insurers may delay approving necessary medical treatment, affecting recovery. Disputes Over the Severity of Injuries or Disability Ratings: Insurance adjusters may argue that the injury is not severe enough to warrant compensation. Employer Retaliation: Some workers experience demotion, job loss, or workplace harassment after filing a claim. These challenges highlight the importance of securing legal representation to protect your rights and ensure a fair outcome. Workplace Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation Workers’ compensation covers a wide range of workplace injuries, including: Slip and Fall Accidents – Occurring due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate safety measures. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) – Such as carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive motions. Exposure to Harmful Substances – Including toxic chemicals or hazardous materials. Machinery Accidents – Injuries resulting from operating heavy machinery or tools. Vehicle-Related Injuries – For workers who drive as part of their job duties. Psychological Trauma – Stress-related disorders caused by workplace conditions. Even if your injury does not fall into these categories, you may still be eligible for benefits under California law. Get the Legal Support You Need in Downey, CA If you’ve been injured at work, don’t navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation alone. The Law Offices of Reuben J. Felstiner are here to help you secure the benefits you deserve. Call us today at 310-572-1664 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation