Berry, Smith & Bartell, a Professional Law Corporation has convenient office locations to serve workers throughout California’s Central Valley.
Our team includes a retired workers’ compensation judge which gives you the advantage of understanding how your claim will be processed.
Meet Our Team
We warmly welcome walk-ins and offer bilingual services for Spanish speakers. Speak with us today to get started on your claim.
Some work environments are more dangerous than others, but workplace injuries or accidents can happen to anyone in any profession, job setting, or business. If you have suffered due to a work-related injury, illness, disease, or chronic medical condition then you may be able to pursue financial benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is a type of state insurance that covers injured workers in the event of a workplace accident.
Unfortunately, filing a workers’ compensation claim is not always easy or straight forward. Our Central Valley workers’ compensation lawyers proudly represent employees who have been injured in Fresno, Bakersfield, and Santa Maria, California. No matter the extent of your injury and no matter how complex your claim may seem, we will help you get the benefits you deserve.
At Berry, Smith & Bartell, a Professional Law Corporation, we believe in protecting the rights of injured workers. We know that hard-working employees spend the majority of their waking hours providing services for their employers. As an employee, you should expect to be treated fairly and obtain the financial support you deserve during your time of need.
We have over 130 years of combined experience and a successful track record of assisting injured workers and their families with all types of workers' compensation claims. You deserve all of the workers' compensation benefits you have a right to under the law. Our attorneys will provide you with the best possible representation and help you receive the benefits you deserve.
It depends. Specific types of work-related injuries or accidents suffered while performing work-related duties may be covered by a workers’ compensation claim. This can include a single, specific injury that happened as a result of work activity, or injuries due to repetitive stress, tension, or movement. Other types of injuries that may covered include occupational illnesses or disease (such as illness due to exposure to asbestos), or injuries that aggravate a pre-existing medical condition.
If you have been injured at work and decide to move forward with a claim, you will need to inform your supervisor immediately. Fill out an “Employee’s Claim for Workers’ Compensation Benefits” form and include any injuries, or parts of the body that you feel may be impacted by the injury. Once you return your portion of the form to your employer, they will be legally obliged to return their completed portion within the next 24 hours. If you are in need of medical care, you should also inform your supervisor. Be sure to describe your injury to your doctor (either your preferred physician or a Pre-Designated one) and keep record of all medical appointments or treatments.
Workers’ compensation can help cover a range of injury-related costs. Primarily, workers’ compensation will help cover for lost wages or earning capacity due to the injury. Workers’ compensation can also cover other accident-related expenses, such as medical bills, rehabilitation, or ongoing medical care.
Under the protection of the law, individuals who have filed for workers’ compensation will be guarded from any form of discrimination, negative repercussions, or other types of consequences due to filing a claim. If your employer has retaliated against you due to coming forward for your injury, we can help determine which course of action to take to further protect your interests and rights as an injured worker.
Do not attempt to abuse the workers’ compensation system. Injuries that you know have not been sustained at work or due to work-related duties should not be reported as such. Additionally, in certain circumstances, claims may not be valid if you have been terminated prior to filing your workers’ compensation.
A recent study has shown that people who are occupationally exposed to chemicals like sanitizers, deodorizers, disinfectants, and sterilizers (biocides) may have an up to 65 percent higher risk than other people of developing ...
If you were to sustain an injury at work, would you know what to do? Knowing the proper protocol if you’re injured at work could help to prevent a bad situation from becoming worse. Work related injuries can become ...
Our legal team has more than 130 years of combined legal experience, and we've built a hard-earned reputation as a highly respected and regarded firm. Because we believe that all of our clients deserve quality representation, regardless of their financial situation, we offer free consultations and operate on a contigency fee basis - you pay no legal fees unless we are able to secure a favorable outcome in your case.
Nosotros entendemos lo dificíl que pueden ser estos casos. Estamos orgullosos para abogar por sus derechos en cada paso del camino. Llamanos hoy para un consulta gratuita.
