If your treating doctor and the insurance company don’t see eye-to-eye on your work injury, a Qualified Medical Exam (QME) could decide your entire case.

In this episode of Work Comp Talk, we unpack the QME process with expert insights from Pacific Workers CEO, Eric Farber. Whether you're just starting your California workers’ comp claim or heading into a QME appointment, this episode will prepare you with everything you need to know.

🔍 What you’ll learn:

• What a QME is and how it differs from your regular doctor

• How QME doctors are chosen—and why deadlines matter

• What to say (and what not to say) during your exam

• Common mistakes injured workers make (and how to avoid them)

• How your QME report can influence treatment, benefits, and final case decisions

If you’re navigating California’s workers’ compensation system, don’t miss this essential guide to protecting your rights and maximizing your outcome.

📞 Need help with your case? Call 800-606-6999 or visit www.pacificworkers.com for a free consultation.

Have you reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and aren’t sure what it means for your workers’ comp case? In this episode of Work Comp Talk, we’re breaking down this vital phase of the California workers' compensation process, formerly called "Permanent & Stationary" and what it means for your future medical treatment, benefits, and case outcome.

🎙️ Join us as we explain:

• What MMI status really means

• Who decides if you’ve reached MMI

• What happens to your medical care and payments afterward

• Why this phase can signal the start of settlement conversations

• What injured workers in California must know before agreeing with an MMI determination

If you're an injured worker in California or supporting someone through a work injury, this episode is essential listening.

📞 Have questions about your case? Need clarity on your MMI status? Call Pacific Workers at 800-606-6999 or visit www.pacificworkers.com for a free case evaluation.

In episode #114, we get into the complex world of reimbursement in the California Workers’ Compensation system. Whether you're an injured worker, the family of an injured worker or know someone that has been injured at work, it's essential to understand how the reimbursement  processes work.

We break down what expenses are eligible for reimbursement and what you can submit for mileage reimbursement for travel to medical appointments. We also explore the ins and outs of medical provider reimbursements—from treatment approvals to payment delays and billing disputes.

You’ll learn:

• What you can add to a mileage reimbursement in CA workers' comp

• What qualifies as a reimbursable medical expense

• Tips for avoiding common mistakes that delay payment

This episode provides clear and actionable insights to help you get the reimbursement you’re entitled to.

Do you know about second opinions in the California workers’ comp system?

In this episode #113 of Work Comp Talk, we break down your rights to second opinions—at court, with a doctor, a lawyer and even at settlement. Learn how getting the right opinion can protect your health, strengthen your claim, and secure a fair outcome. Empower yourself with the facts every injured worker should know.

Are undocumented workers in California protected if they're injured at work? In episode 112 of Work Comp Talk, host Carmen and attorney Bilal Kassem discuss workers' compensation rights for undocumented immigrants, how California labor laws protect all injured workers, and what to do if you're afraid to file a claim. Learn the facts, dispel the myths, and take the first step toward protecting yourself on the job.

🔗 Sponsored by PacificWorkers.com – The Lawyers for Injured Workers

Are you STILL waiting on your workers' comp check? You're not alone. In episode 111 of Work Comp Talk Podcast, we dive into one of the most frustrating realities injured workers in California face—delayed benefits.

We break down: 🔹 Why these checks take so long 🔹 What the system isn’t telling you 🔹 Steps you can take if your payment is late

Whether you’re currently injured, supporting a loved one, or just trying to understand your rights—this episode is a must-listen.

Real talk. Real cases. Real answers.

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe for weekly insights into California workers’ comp.

Ever wondered what really happens with your workers’ comp case behind the scenes?  In episode 110, we pull back the curtain with Case Manager, Itzel Tabarez from Pacific Workers, the leading Northern CA Workers' Comp Law Firm. We uncover the nonstop work your legal team does to move your case forward. From overlooked case managers to late-night strategies, it’s not just about your attorney—it’s about the whole squad.

Listen in for eye-opening insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and why you’re never as alone in the fight as you might feel.

#WorkersComp #LegalTeam #CaseManagers #PodcastEpisode #WorkCompTalk #PacificWorkers

Getting the medical care you deserve after a workplace injury shouldn’t be a battle—yet thousands of California employees face denials, delays, and endless red tape.

In this eye-opening episode, we uncover why insurance companies and employers deny valid workers’ comp claims, from bureaucratic loopholes to disputed diagnoses. Learn how to protect your rights and cut through the system’s hurdles. 

In this episode of WorkCompTalk, Carmen Ramirez is joined by Laura Tunon from the intake team to discuss how intake specialists play a vital role in setting the foundation for a successful workers' compensation claim. If you’ve been injured at work and are unsure about the legal process, this episode provides expert advice on how intake specialists help guide you through your claim.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How intake specialists help you understand the workers' comp process

• What to expect when you first reach out to an attorney

• Common misconceptions injured workers have about hiring a lawyer

• Red flags to watch for when dealing with your claim

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Pacific Workers, the attorneys for injured workers. Learn more at pacificworkers.com.

Stay Connected: 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of WorkCompTalk!

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 02:00 - The Role of Intake Specialists 05:30 - Common Questions from Injured Workers 08:00 - Red Flags and When to Call an Attorney 12:00 - Misconceptions About Hiring an Attorney 15:00 - The Importance of Communication in Workers' Comp Cases 18:00 - Final Thoughts

#WorkersCompensation #InjuredWorkers #WorkplaceInjury #LegalAdvice #WorkersComp #PacificWorkers #IntakeSpecialists #WorkCompTalk

Denied Workers' Compensation? In episode #107 of Work Comp Talk, Carmen Bilal Kassem, discuss the challenges and steps involved when a workers' compensation claim in California is denied. They explain the process of filing a claim, investigating, and the types of claim denials including legal, factual, and medical reasons.

They talk about the importance of acting quickly, seeking legal advice, and the lengthy process of contesting denials. This episode provides crucial insights for injured workers navigating the complex workers' compensation system.

If you've been denied, know that you have options, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Need help? Pacific Workers is here to fight for you. Contact us for a FREE consultation today – no fees unless we win! 800-606-6999.