Union Employee Injury: Understanding Your Workers’ Compensation Rights in Southern California
If you’re a union employee in Southern California, understanding your rights regarding workers’ compensation is essential. Workers in unionized environments often have specific protections and benefits due to their collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). This article will explore the unique aspects of workers’ compensation for union employees, ensuring you are well informed and prepared should you face an injury on the job. If you got hurt on the job in Southern California and are having difficulty with your workers’ comp claim, contact Invictus Law, P.C. to speak with a California Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation.
The Role of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs)
Collective bargaining agreements are negotiated contracts between the union and the employer, outlining the terms and conditions of employment, including workers’ compensation benefits. These agreements often provide additional protections and benefits beyond state-mandated workers’ compensation laws. For union employees, it is crucial to understand how your CBA impacts your workers’ compensation rights and benefits.
Some CBAs may offer benefits that exceed those provided by state law, such as higher compensation rates, extended medical coverage, and more comprehensive rehabilitation services. CBAs might also include provisions that protect your job while you are recovering from a workplace injury, ensuring that you have a position to return to once you are medically cleared.
The Role of the Union in Workers’ Compensation Claims
As a member of the bargaining unit, your union represents you in many areas of employment. The union can play a role in protecting your rights and advocating on your behalf during the workers’ compensation process. Your union representative can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the benefits you are entitled to under both the state law and your CBA. They may even intercede on your behalf to help you get benefits. However, a union rep may or may not have any specialized skills in this area. They are not attorneys, and their skills are based on practical experience in representing employees and negotiating with employers.
A workers’ compensation attorney, on the other hand, will be well-versed in the laws and legal procedures related to workers’ comp. Beyond just interfacing with the employer, a lawyer routinely deals directly with insurance carriers and represents injured workers in many settings, including before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board and in court.
Even with the support of your union, having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is crucial to ensuring you receive the full benefits and protections you are entitled to. At Invictus Law, P.C., we specialize in representing union employees in Orange County and the Inland Empire who have been injured on the job. Our attorneys understand the complexities of workers’ compensation claims and the additional nuances involved in cases involving union employees.
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling workers’ compensation claims for union and non-union employees, ensuring we understand the specific protections and benefits outlined in your CBA. We provide personalized legal representation, tailored to meet your unique needs and circumstances. Above all, we are committed to advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive the maximum benefits available under the law and your CBA.
Contact Invictus Law, P.C., for Help With Workers’ Compensation Claims in Orange County and the Inland Empire
As a union employee in Southern California, understanding your rights and protections under your CBA and state workers’ compensation laws is essential. If you have been injured on the job in Orange County or the Inland Empire, the team at Invictus Law, P.C. is here to help. Contact us today at 949-287-5711 or 888-9WORKLAW to schedule a consultation over the phone or at our offices in Orange and Ontario, and learn more about how we can assist you in securing the benefits you deserve.
