Have you watched your co-workers try to go it alone after an on-the-job injury?

Heard horror stories about employees losing their homes while waiting for Disability or Workers Compensation checks?

Do you know how a Workers' Comp claim can affect your right to either return to your job or receive Disability Retirement?

The laws covering Workers' Compensation confuse many employees - and their managers. For example, many people don't realize there are different kinds of injuries covered by Workers' Compensation:

• Bob lost his footing on wet tile, fell and broke his leg;
• Jane, who types at a computer for several hours a day, has severe pain in her wrists and forearms from carpal tunnel syndrome;
• Armando's breathing difficulties, just diagnosed as chronic bronchitis, began when he was transferred to a chemical storage facility;
• Karen always had trouble with bursitis in her knees but now she can hardly walk, let alone continue the physical requirements of her new position;
• Frank broke his nose and injuries his neck in a car accident while making a delivery;
• Anne's doctor says the stress created by tensions between her and the boss were factors in her recent heart attack.

ALL of the above are potential Workers' Compensation claims. Be aware; protect your rights. You or a loved one may be entitled to Workers' Compensation benefits now and not realize it.

BEFORE AN INJURY OR CONDITION ARISES:

BECOME FAMILIAR with what Workers' Compensation may cover and your employer's policies and procedures. Remember, it need not be an injury from a single event or accident.

CHOOSE a primary treating physician and notify your employer. By law, the treating doctor has control and the presumption of correctness on all issues including the duration of temporary disability, extent of permanent disability, and - most important - the scope of medical treatment. If you do not select your own physician, your employer will choose who controls your treatment.

REPORT your work injury to your supervisor as quickly as possible. Workers are routinely denied benefits because they waited overnight or over a weekend to report an injury of condition. DO IT RIGHT AWAY!

PROMPTLY request medical treatment for your injury or condition.

CALL the law firm as quickly as possible. If you can't contact us, have a family member or close friend call. By doing so, it will ensure that you receive all appropriate benefits under the law.

DO NOT trust any insurance company or employer representative to protect your rights! They're paid to protect someone else's interests.

ATTORNEYS an request a fee of only 12-15% if there is a recovery.

Edward J. Singer knows how Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury laws can affect your rights on the job - and down the road.

• A disability caused by work or non-work injuries may affect your job - and your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.
• Your employer may have to apply for Disability Retirement for you.
• Resigning because of an injury could prevent you from receiving just compensation under the law.
• You may be able to sue your employer if you are terminated for medical reasons and do not receive proper due process.
• A Workers' Compensation decision may impact a BCEA member's claim for an Industrial Disability Pension under CalPERS.
• Some BCEA members may be "safety members" and entitled to tax exempt benefits.
• You may lose your rights if you do not act to protect them in a timely manner.

Trust the legal expertise of Edward J. Singer when you or a loved one is injured on or off the job.

Edward J. Singer, workers' compensation attorney for BCEA members and their families, an provide legal representation to ensure that you or your relatives receive fair compensation for job-related or non work-related injury, hardship and distress.

Dedicated to representing union members, we provide superior legal expertise and aggressive representation.

We know what obstacles BCEA members face when trying to navigate the Workers' Compensation and retirement channels: tangled bureaucracy, miles of red tape, extensive delays, and even dismissals of legitimate claims.

Making a false or fraudulent Workers' Compensation claim is a felony subject to up to five (5) years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both imprisonment and fine.