The Law Office of Alice A. Strombom helps workers in Sacramento when they’re hurt on the job and need to file for workers’ compensation. Whether you’re framing a house in Midtown or cutting wood on a job site in South Natomas, accidents can happen in a split second. For carpenters, the risk of injury is part of the trade—whether it’s a fall, a crushed hand, or long-term strain on your back or shoulders.
That’s where workers’ compensation comes in, but getting those benefits isn’t always simple. If you’ve been injured on the job, we’re here to walk you through the process. From paperwork to medical documentation, we help take the stress off your plate—so you can focus on getting back to work. Set up a free consultation today.
Do You Need a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?
In California, you’re allowed to file a workers’ comp claim on your own. But that doesn’t always mean you should. If you’re a carpenter dealing with time off work, ongoing treatment, or confusing communication from the insurance company, having a lawyer in your corner can make a big difference. We can help by:
- Explaining your rights and what benefits you should be able to get.
- Helping you file your workers’ compensation claim the right way.
- Collecting your medical records and job-related documentation.
- Talking to the insurance company on your behalf.
- Challenging delays, denials, or lowball offers.
We know how tough it is to be off the tools and unsure when your next paycheck is coming. Our goal is to make this process easier and make sure you’re getting everything you should be under California’s workers’ comp system.
Why Do Carpenters Need Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Although it isn’t as labor-intensive as other manufacturing jobs, being a carpenter still carries certain risks of injury–and that’s why you might need workers’ comp benefits. And while you don’t need to prove anyone was at-fault, you still need to be aware of what you’re up against:
- Falls from ladders or scaffolding
- Nail gun or saw injuries
- Back, shoulder, or knee injuries from heavy lifting
- Crushed fingers or hand injuries
- Long-term wear and tear (like carpal tunnel or joint damage)
- Exposure to dust, fumes, or chemicals leading to illness
Even if your injury didn’t happen in a dramatic moment, it can still cause you to need workers’ comp benefits. The key question is: was there a link between your injury and your work. For a lot of carpenters in the above scenarios, there is a clear link. But there’s still an actual process you’ll need to go through to actually get benefits.
How Does the Workers’ Comp Process Work for Carpenters?
No matter what your role is on a jobsite, being a carpenter means dealing with a lot of different injury risks. As we’ve covered, you have the right to file for workers’ comp benefits, but you should know what the process looks like:
- Tell your employer about the injury right away – Ask for the workers’ comp claim form—called a DWC-1—and fill it out. You only have 30 days to report the injury, so don’t wait.
- Submit the form – Once your employer sends it to their insurance company, your claim officially begins.
- The insurance company investigates – They’ll review how the injury happened, gather medical records, and may contact any witnesses.
- You may be required to see a QME – A Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) is a doctor that’s chosen by the workers’ comp carrier. While they’re connected to the insurance company, they’re supposed to be unbiased and should evaluate your condition to help figure out what kind of treatment and benefits you should receive.
- The insurance company makes a decision – They’ll approve or deny your claim and explain what benefits you qualify for.
If your claim is accepted, you’ll start receiving benefits. If it’s denied—or if the insurance company cuts off your benefits too soon—you have the right to challenge that decision. Our team can help you through this process, as well.
What Workers’ Comp Benefits Can You Get?
When you get hurt on the job here in Sacramento—whether it’s a fall on a framing site or a shoulder injury from years of heavy lifting—you have the right to file a workers’ comp claim. The benefits you receive will depend on the type of injury you have and how long you’re out of work.
As a carpenter, here’s what those benefits might look like for you:
- Medical benefits – Workers’ comp should cover all the medical care you need—doctor visits, physical therapy, surgery, prescriptions, and more—so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
- Temporary disability (TD) benefits – If your injury keeps you off the job, these payments help replace part of your lost wages—usually about two-thirds of your normal pay—while you recover. You can receive these for up to 104 weeks.
- Permanent disability (PD) benefits – If you can’t return to full-duty carpentry or have lasting damage, you may qualify for long-term payments based on how your injury affects your ability to work.
- Job retraining benefits – If carpentry is no longer an option, you may be able to get a voucher to help you train for a new line of work—so you can start fresh in a safer role.
Remember, these benefits aren’t automatic. You’ll need to provide documentation and proof of what happened to you, which means needing to gather information like:
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Photos and videos
- Statements
The stronger your information, the stronger your claim for benefits should be. And keep in mind, working with our team can make things much easier.
Get Workers’ Comp Help From The Law Office of Alice A. Strömbom After a Workplace Injury in Sacramento
At The Law Office of Alice A. Strömbom, we help carpenters across Sacramento understand their rights and get through the workers’ comp system with confidence. Whether your injury happened on a framing site off Folsom Boulevard or while finishing cabinets in Land Park, you don’t have to go through this alone.
If you’re a carpenter recovering from a job injury, let’s walk through your options together in a free initial consultation.