Introduction to Workers’ Compensation
Navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation can be challenging, especially for employees of large corporations like Lockheed Martin. Mark V. Larson of Larson & Dauer, ALC, is a leading expert in this field, dedicated to ensuring injured workers receive the benefits they deserve. With extensive experience in dealing with Lockheed Martin and a deep understanding of California’s workers’ compensation system, Mark V. Larson has become a trusted advocate for employees seeking compensation for work-related injuries caused by their employment at Lockheed Martin. This also includes helping employees deal with the inevitable mistreatment, harassment, failure to accommodate, and the overall poor working conditions at Lockheed Martin.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation with Mark V. Larson
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system designed to benefit employees injured. In California, injured employees can receive benefits even if the employer is not at fault. Mark V. Larson emphasizes that understanding the types of claims and benefits available is crucial for injured workers.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Mark V. Larson explains that there are two primary types of workers’ compensation claims:
- Specific Trauma Claims: These claims involve injuries resulting from a single incident, such as a car accident, a fall, or heavy lifting. Common examples include back injuries, burns, and injuries from falling objects.
- Cumulative Trauma Claims: These injuries develop over time due to repetitive motions or tasks. Common cumulative trauma injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and chronic back pain. Larson also highlights other possible cumulative trauma claims, such as cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal disorders, and psychological conditions.
Benefits Available to Injured Workers
According to Mark V. Larson, California’s workers’ compensation system offers four primary benefits:
- Temporary Total Disability Compensation: For workers temporarily unable to work due to their injury.
- Permanent Disability Compensation: For workers with lasting impairments from their injury.
- Medical Treatment: Coverage for reasonable and necessary medical care to treat the injury.
- Job Voucher or Qualified Injured Worker Compensation: For workers unable to return to their previous job, providing training or education for new employment.
In cases where a work-related injury results in death, Larson notes that surviving dependents may be entitled to accrued benefits and death benefits, including burial expenses.
Navigating Disability Compensation
Mark V. Larson explains that injured workers may receive disability compensation if they cannot work temporarily or if their employer cannot accommodate their restrictions. Based on their wages and employer specifics, workers can receive temporary total disability compensation for up to two years within five years. If workers are not receiving this compensation, they may apply for state disability.
For permanent disability compensation, the extent of the impairment is reviewed based on medical evidence, and the compensation is calculated from a disability schedule adopted by California. Larson stresses the importance of thorough medical evaluations in determining the appropriate compensation.
Medical Treatment for Work-Related Injuries
Larson acknowledges that navigating the medical treatment process in the workers’ compensation system can be frustrating due to frequent claim denials. He advises injured workers to seek treatment through personal insurance if necessary. The system is designed to cover all essential medical treatments, including doctor visits, surgery, therapy, and medications.
Job Voucher or Qualified Injured Workers’ Compensation
Mark V. Larson explains that workers with injuries resulting in permanent partial disability may qualify for a $6,000 voucher for training, tools, and related expenses. This voucher helps injured workers transition to new employment opportunities.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Larson outlines that employers must provide vocational rehabilitation services up to $16,000 for injuries before January 1, 2004. For injuries after this date, vocational rehabilitation does not exist, but workers may receive a job displacement allowance ranging from $4,000 to $10,000.
Medical Provider Networks
Employers can create medical provider networks (MPNs) to control medical treatment for work-related injuries. Workers must be treated within the MPN but may be treated outside the network if not authorized by the employer. Larson emphasizes the importance of understanding your rights within the MPN system and consulting an attorney if necessary.
Filing a Claim and Dealing with Denials
Mark V. Larson advises that filing a workers’ compensation claim involves complex statutes of limitations. Consulting an attorney is recommended to navigate the process and meet all deadlines. Most claims are denied, meaning the employer denies responsibility for the injury. Larson highlights the importance of legal guidance in these cases.
Additional Legal Actions
While workers’ compensation is typically the exclusive remedy for work-related injuries, Larson notes that there are exceptions allowing for civil actions against the employer or third parties. Injuries caused by third parties, such as in a car accident while on the job, can be pursued independently of the workers’ compensation claim.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
You can get caught up in all of the specific regulations, codes with regards to MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). You could spend days reading through every code Simply understand that you should always try to find out what chemical/s you are working with and know how to protect yourself from the health hazards of each chemical compound.
Regardless of the recommended PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), you should ALWAYS use additional precautions when working around carcinogens and other toxins, as the recommended (provided PPE) is usually the bare minimum. ESH (Environmental Safety & Heath) will not be doing this for you! A MSDS may be useful, but it cannot substitute for prudent practices and comprehensive risk management.
Contact Information
For personalized assistance and to discuss your specific case, contact Mark V. Larson at Larson & Dauer, APC:
- Address: 15545 Devonshire Street, Suite 205, Mission Hills, CA 91345
- Phone: 818-830-1910
- Fax: 818-830-6966
- Website: https://larsondauer.com/mark-v-larson/
Mark V. Larson and his team are experienced in navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation claims, ensuring injured workers receive the benefits they are entitled to. With his expertise and dedication, Mark V. Larson stands out as a thought leader in the field, providing invaluable support to Lockheed Martin employees and other workers throughout California.