Work Comp Talk Podcast

Tesla was created to prove that people didn't need to compromise to drive electric – that electric vehicles can be better, quicker and more fun to drive than gasoline cars. Today, Tesla builds not only all-electric vehicles but also numerous clean energy products. Tesla believes the faster the world stops relying on fossil fuels and moves towards a zero-emission future, the better. Unfortunately, all that faster world talk leads to people getting injured.

In this episode Bilal Kassem of Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers has a lot to talk about in regards to the things that are happening behind the scenes at Tesla facilities. With close to 200 Tesla injury cases in his law firm alone, the dangers of working at Tesla raise red flags. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury at work and you need help getting your benefits, reach out to a CA Workers' Comp Attorney. This podcast is presented by Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, call 800-606-6999 for a free case evaluation.

Settling a workers' comp case if a big deal. Many injured workers' fear that if they settle too soon they might loose out on benefits they will later need. Unfortunately, the easiest answer to give is, it depends. We know how discouraging it could be to hear that, because that's really not a helpful answer. Luckily, we share examples and analyzed this topic enough that we think we can help you figure out clues to finding out if settling your case makes sense.

Bilal Kassem, President and co-founder of Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers the #1 Northern CA. Workers' Comp Law Firm has already helped thousands of injured workers with their case. In this episode he explains what to look out for and shares clues that could help you determine if it's the right time to settle your case.

If you are dealing with a workers' comp case and would like a free consultation from one of attorneys, call us at 800-606-6999. Get the answers to the questions you have and find out if you are on the right path to getting what you deserve.

Legislation was passed several years ago reforming the law and limiting the monetary compensation awarded for Permanent Disability (PD) occurring from depression, stress, anxiety, etc. after suffering a physical injury.

For injuries occurring after 1/1/2013, an injured worker can no longer receive an increase in PD due to psychological distress, loss of sleep, or sexual dysfunction secondary to a physical injury, unless the injury is catastrophic or the individual was a victim of a violent act or was exposed to a violent act. To some extent, this put an end to recovery for "pain and suffering" in many workers' compensation cases.

Bilal Kassem, the Co-founder of Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers discusses all of this information on our latest episode. If you need legal assistance, his team has helped thousands of injured workers and can help you too! Connect with them at www.pacificworkers.com

When it comes to loosing a loved one, many families are faced with unexpected expenses in the aftermath. Recently, in the past few years crowdfunding platforms have helped families get back on their feet or cover funeral expenses. Unfortunately not all crowdfunding sites are equal, most don't verify until Fund The First was created.

Anyone can create an online campaign and request money from people for whatever their needs are. Fund The First was created to end the unverified accounts that lead to bad people, fake accounts and lost money.

Robert Garland from Fund the First joins Carmen and Bilal Kassem to talk about the it's Nation's Leading Verified Crowdfunding Platform. What primarily started out for First Responders, Military and Medical Professionals, has now grown to help many others around the Nation.

One of the most complicated parts of a workers' comp claim and the topic that is least discussed about is Utilization Reviews (UR) and Independent Medical Reviews (IMR). Injured workers' often just get a No for an answer when seeking back surgery or other types of benefits, there is never an explanation behind the answer no. Going through the medical treatment process is the CA Workers' Comp is not as easy as going to your medical doctor for a non related work injury. Bilal Kassem and Carmen Ramirez discuss what a UR and IMR is and what is the good and the bad from them.

After listening to this podcast, you will have a better understanding of how to navigate these complex situations within a workers' comp claim.

There are many times when injured workers are denied workers' compensation benefits. The denial may be due to a misclassification. Employers like to save money and try to consider their employees as contractors or independent contractors, when in reality they're not.

Bilal Kassem and Carmen Ramirez, help injured workers understand the difference of these classifications and guide you with great tips to manage a workers' comp claim under these circumstances.

30.8% of the population in Latin America lived below the poverty line in 2019, with 11.5% living in extreme poverty. Join us in this in depth discussion with Tommy Lee from the Comisión Latino Americana De Derechos Humanos in Medellín, Colombia. Pacific Workers' very own Founder, Eric Farber has also joined the organization. The ultimate goal is to continue to help others regardless of their nationalities and where they live. From helping Famous Athletes, Injured Workers' in the communities to now Latin American's Human Rights.

The mission is simple, to provide legal advice and promote, protection and vindication of Human Rights; Constitutional Guarantees; consolidation and strengthening of participatory and inclusive democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean; and, exercise Social Control in Public Management, and be protected by the "Declaration on Human Rights Defenders".

It's never too late to make a difference around the world, our time is now. Learn how you can also be a part of this difference.

To learn more about the Comisión Latino Americana de Derechos Humanos visit www.cldhu.org

Mark Hawke was a full time live in caregiver of a 100% disabled veteran. For the most part, he took care of himself and was in good shape, he would go on 5 mile walks or runs and even lift light weights.

 

Like many other workers, he injured himself after picking up his client. That was when everything changed for him. It all started when the employer was not doing much after the injury happened. Mark had to figure out how the Workers' Compensation System worked, all on his own. From looking for the insurance company responsible for his benefits to having to advocate for all of his injured body parts.

 

In this episode, we dive into the workers' comp story of Mark Hawke. You will not believe the crazy ups and downs, hoops and challenges he faced along the way.

One would think that if you die because of a work injury or illness your dependents would be taken care of. Unfortunately, the death benefits in the CA Workers’ Compensation System are not that great. Even though no amount of money is ever going to replace a loved one, there are some changes in how much a loved one gets, depending on the number of dependents.” - Bilal Kassem

What should you know about death benefits? - You are entitled to get up to $10,000 in funeral expenses. - The biggest issue is determining the number of dependents and who is eligible for the benefits. - There might be third party lawsuits in death cases as well. - The amount of the benefit is paid at a temporary disability rate. - You only need to prove that there was a .01% chance that the death was caused by a work injury or illness.

There have been many instances when the family of a loved one who has died due to work injuries or an illness, are not aware of the benefits they can get. Insurance companies and even sometimes employers will not even say a word when it comes to speaking about these benefits. Getting a free consultation from an attorney never hurts anyone and they are free. It’s better to know what you have and what you can do then to never know at all if you are entitled to any benefits after a death case.

Pacific Workers’, is a law firm in northern California that specializes in Workers’ Compensation only. With over 100 years of collective experience, this firm is like no other. From the many ways of communication to the ease of speaking to an attorney, there is a reason people keep coming to them for help. In this episode, Bilal speaks about some of the death benefits in the CA workers’ compensation system.

Carmen and Bilal also discuss how getting the right attorney can have a drastic impact on an outcome for the surviving dependents of a death case.

Links and Resources Death Benefits Blog Work Comp Talk Podcast Pacific Workers’ Website Pacific Workers’ Facebook Pacific Workers’ YouTube

Disabilities that render you unable to work, function, or lead an everyday life make you eligible for the permanent disability benefits through the workers’ compensation system under California law. Bilal talks about ratings given to body parts and deciding factors that are taken into consideration when doctors give a rating.