If you’ve been injured on the job, you probably have more questions than answers. What are you entitled to? Can you trust your employer or their insurance company to play fair? Do you need legal help and if so, who can you actually count on?
That’s where the skilled Burbank workers' compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti come in. We help people just like you hardworking folks who got hurt doing their job understand their rights, deal with the paperwork, and get the benefits they need to recover.
Whether you slipped at a studio set, pulled your back lifting equipment, or developed a repetitive strain injury at your desk, we’re here to make sure you’re treated fairly. No upfront fees. No pressure. Just answers, support, and a team who knows how to deal with insurance companies.
As a trusted Burbank personal injury lawyer, Adrianos Facchetti has built a reputation for helping injured workers feel heard and for getting results when it counts.
What Is Workers’ Compensation in California?
Workers’ compensation is a safety net. If you get hurt doing your job, this program helps cover medical care and lost wages without needing to prove anyone was at fault. That’s because California is a no-fault workers’ compensation state. It’s meant to make things faster and simpler for injured workers.
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury in Burbank whether it was a fall on set, carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive work, or something more serious like a head injury this system exists to protect your legal rights.
Employers in California are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. That means if you’re hurt, they must offer access to medical treatment, wage replacement, and other benefits. But getting those benefits isn’t always smooth. Insurance companies don’t always play fair, and paperwork can stall your comp claim. That’s when talking to a top-rated workers' compensation attorney in Burbank becomes essential.
What the Numbers Say - Workplace Injuries in California
According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 450,000 nonfatal work-related injuries were reported in California last year. That includes workers in industries that are common in Burbank film crews, warehouse employees, healthcare workers, and drivers for delivery services.
The most frequent injuries? Strains, sprains, back issues, and injuries caused by repetitive motion or heavy lifting. Carpal tunnel syndrome and joint damage are common, especially among office workers and editors.
Compensation claim payouts vary, but on average, injured workers in California receive thousands of dollars in medical coverage and temporary disability benefits. That’s only if their claims are approved and processed without delay.
Our Burbank-based law firm understands the realities behind these numbers. We’ve seen firsthand how even a minor injury can lead to major problems if the insurance company disputes the claim. That’s why our legal team fights to make sure your story is heard and your rights are protected.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits You May Be Entitled To
When you’re hurt at work, the goal is simple: get better and stay afloat financially. The workers’ compensation system provides several types of support to help with both. But the path isn’t always clear. Our Burbank compensation lawyers can walk you through each benefit and ensure you’re not leaving anything on the table.
Medical Benefits
This covers the care you need to recover doctor visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and sometimes surgeries. If you’ve been in a work-related accident, like falling from scaffolding or getting hit by equipment, medical expenses can add up fast.
For example, a warehouse worker in Burbank who injured their knee lifting heavy boxes needed months of physical therapy. Because their employer had proper compensation insurance, all treatment was paid for without coming out of their pocket. That’s how the system should work.
Temporary & Permanent Disability Benefits
If your injury keeps you out of work, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits partial wage replacement while you recover. If your condition doesn’t fully heal, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits, which can support you long-term.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Sometimes an injury makes it impossible to return to your old job. Vocational rehabilitation helps you learn new skills or find work you can do safely. These benefits are especially helpful for older workers or those in physically demanding roles.
Death Benefits for Families
When the worst happens, families can get financial support. Death benefits are available if a worker dies from a work-related injury or illness. This might apply to accidents involving delivery vehicles, construction mishaps, or chemical exposure in labs or hospitals.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries in Burbank
Job-related injuries happen everywhere from sound stages to hospitals to delivery routes. Some accidents are sudden, like falling off a ladder. Others creep up, like wrist pain that starts to interfere with your work.
In Burbank, we’ve seen a wide variety of injuries tied to the city’s unique job landscape:
- Film and studio accidents, like lighting rig failures or slips during set construction
- Repetitive strain injuries, especially from editing or post-production work
- Warehouse injuries from loading and lifting heavy equipment
- Delivery truck accidents on crowded city streets
- Exposure to cleaning agents or lab chemicals in healthcare or biotech settings
- Construction site injuries, including falls and machinery accidents
A retail worker once came to us after slipping on a freshly mopped floor during their shift. No wet floor sign. No accident report filed. Their manager told them to “walk it off.” Instead, we helped them file a claim and get their medical bills covered through workers compensation insurance.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury in Burbank
Getting hurt at work can leave you confused about what to do next. These steps can help protect your health and your rights from day one.
Step 1 – Report the Injury to Your Employer
The sooner you speak up, the stronger your claim. You don’t have to write a long report just notify a supervisor or manager and make sure it’s recorded. Waiting too long can give your employer or their insurance provider a reason to question your claim for compensation.
Step 2 – Get Medical Treatment Right Away
Even if your injury feels minor, get checked out. Some injuries, like brain injuries or deep tissue sprains, aren’t always obvious at first. You’re allowed to see a doctor under your employer’s workers compensation coverage. In most cases, your employer will give you a list of approved providers.
Step 3 – Document Everything (Photos, Forms, Doctor Notes)
Keep every receipt, form, and doctor’s note. Take photos of the injury or accident scene, and gather witness statements if possible. This creates a clear record for your compensation application.
Step 4 – File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
You’ll need to complete a claim form (DWC-1) and submit it to your employer. The time frame is short within 30 days of your injury. Once that’s done, your employer should file with their insurance provider. If they don’t, a workers comp lawyer can step in.
Step 5 – Consult a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If anything feels off your claim is delayed, your benefits are denied, or you’re told your injury doesn’t qualify speak with a compensation attorney. A good one will explain your legal options, deal with your insurance provider, and work to get you maximum benefits.
We’ve handled everything from simple wrist sprains to catastrophic injuries involving life pension benefits. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay unless we win.
What If Your Workers' Compensation Claim Gets Denied?
Claim denials aren’t unusual. It could be something small missing paperwork or something bigger, like your employer claiming the injury wasn’t work-related.
The most common reasons include missed deadlines, lack of medical evidence, or disputes over how the injury happened. But a denial doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
You have the right to appeal. The process starts with filing an Application for Adjudication of Claim, and then presenting your case at a hearing. This part can be complex, especially when dealing with compensation insurance coverage and the legal process. That’s when an experienced injury attorney becomes critical.
Studies show that injured workers who work with lawyers are far more likely to win appeals and receive higher settlements. That’s why we recommend connecting with award-winning workers' compensation attorneys early, especially if you’ve received a denial letter.
Can You Sue Your Employer for a Workplace Injury?
In most cases, you can’t sue your employer if you get hurt on the job in California. Workers’ compensation laws are designed to replace personal injury lawsuits, meaning your employer provides coverage, and in return, you can’t take them to court even if the injury was serious.
But there are exceptions.
If your employer acted with clear misconduct or ignored safety rules, you may have grounds for legal action beyond a basic comp claim. Also, if your injury was caused by someone else like a subcontractor, a property owner, or an equipment manufacturer you might be able to file a third-party claim for additional compensation.
If you’re an independent contractor and got hurt on the job, things get even more complicated. Many workers are misclassified and might actually qualify for benefits. Speaking with a Burbank personal injury lawyer or an employment attorney in Burbank, CA can help you find out where you stand.
Timeline – What Happens After You File a Claim?
Once you file your workers’ compensation claim, the clock starts ticking. Here’s what usually happens:
Within 90 days, your employer’s insurance company has to decide whether to accept or deny the claim. During this period, you’re entitled to receive up to $10,000 in medical coverage whether they’ve approved the claim or not.
You’ll likely need to attend a medical evaluation to confirm the type and extent of your injury. This can be simple for obvious injuries, like a broken arm, or more complex for issues like traumatic brain injuries or chronic pain.
If approved, payments usually begin within 14 days. That includes wage replacement benefits and reimbursement for medical visits. But delays are common especially if your paperwork isn’t complete or the insurance company disputes something.
Knowing what to expect especially from the timeline can ease a lot of stress. If you ever feel things are dragging or unclear, legal advice from workers comp lawyers can speed up the process.
Why Work With a Burbank Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Filing a claim might seem straightforward. But the smallest mistake or missed deadline can lead to denied benefits or weeks of waiting.
Workers’ comp lawyers understand the rules and how to deal with insurance companies that delay, underpay, or reject claims. We help you stay on track, push for fair compensation, and keep your case from falling through the cracks.
If your claim has been denied or you’ve been pressured to return to work before you're ready, legal counsel can make a real difference. And if you're worried about cost don't be. We offer free initial consultations to all workers who have been hurt while at work.
It’s your health, your paycheck, and your future. Let the best workers compensation lawyer in Burbank help you protect them.
Choosing the Right Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Burbank
Not all lawyers are the same. Some firms treat you like a case number. Others only show up when it's time to settle. You want someone who knows workers’ comp inside and out and who actually cares about your outcome.
Look for experience with workplace accidents and personal injury claims. Local knowledge helps too. A lawyer familiar with Burbank’s industries from studios to logistics knows what injuries are common and how insurance companies usually respond.
You should also check for results. Ask how many cases they’ve handled like yours, and what kinds of settlements they’ve secured. Good communication matters just as much. If you’re left wondering what’s going on, or you can’t get a straight answer, it’s time to move on.
Watch out for red flags like hidden fees, pushy sales tactics, or vague promises. The best firms are upfront. A no-win, no-fee setup means exactly that: you don’t pay unless your lawyer wins your case.
If you're unsure, reach out. A quick call can tell you a lot about how a firm works. And if you want experience, straight answers, and real support, consider working with Burbank’s top workers’ compensation lawyer at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Comp in Burbank
What types of injuries qualify for workers’ compensation?
Most injuries that happen while you're working are covered. That includes sudden accidents like slips, falls, and equipment issues and injuries that build up over time, like back pain or repetitive strain from typing. Even some stress-related or mental health conditions may qualify, depending on the situation.
What if the injury was partly my fault?
California’s workers’ comp system doesn’t assign blame. So even if you made a mistake, you can usually still receive benefits. Unless you were doing something illegal or were clearly off-duty, your claim should still be valid.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
You have 30 days to report the injury to your employer, and up to one year to file your claim. But the sooner you act, the easier things are to document and the less likely your claim gets delayed or denied.
What should I do if my employer doesn’t have workers’ comp insurance?
It’s illegal for most businesses not to carry insurance. If your employer doesn’t have coverage, you may be able to file a claim with the state’s Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund. You can also explore personal injury claims if your employer acted recklessly.
How long will it take to receive benefits?
If your claim is accepted, temporary disability payments usually start within 14 days. Delays can happen if the insurance company wants more info, so the better your paperwork and medical proof, the faster the process goes.
Get a Free Consultation With a Burbank Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Whether your injury happened yesterday or months ago, it’s not too late to get help from a Burbank workers' compensation lawyer who’s in your corner.
We offer free initial consultations to all injured workers. You can schedule a no cost, no-obligation appointment today just call us at (626) 793-8607.
We’ll listen to what happened, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward a fair settlement. Whether it’s compensation for pain, lost wages, or medical care, we’ll fight to make sure you get what the law says you deserve.
You’ve done your job. Now let us do ours.
