The Law Office of Alice A. Strömbom works directly with injured construction workers in Sacramento to make the workers’ comp process easier to get through. Construction sites are busy, high-risk places–accidents can happen fast. When they do, we can help you get back on your feet. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Legally, no—you’re allowed to file a workers’ compensation claim on your own. But if your injury has taken you off the job, caused long-term pain, or left you facing an insurance company that’s pushing back, having a lawyer can make a real difference. Here’s how we can help:
- Walk you through your rights and options in plain language
- File your claim and keep the process moving forward
- Gather medical records, incident reports, and other key evidence
- Deal with the insurance company for you—whether it’s for better benefits or a fair settlement
- Step in with legal action if your claim is denied or delayed
Construction injuries aren’t just about your physical health–they can upend your whole career and strain your finances. Our job is to make the legal part less stressful so you can focus on doing what you need to do to improve.
What Construction Injuries Are Eligible For Workers’ Comp in Sacramento?
If you work construction in Sacramento, you already know the job can be tough on your body. Day in and day out, you face long hours, heavy tools, and rough conditions. But despite the risk, you’re likely covered by workers’ comp. It doesn’t matter if it’s a big accident or something that builds up over time–if your job caused it, you can file a claim. Here are some of the most common reasons construction workers in Sacramento file for workers’ comp:
- Wear-and-tear injuries – Repeated lifting, bending, or tool use can take a toll–especially on your back, shoulders, or knees.
- Falls at the job site – Virtually anything on a construction site can be a fall risk, but usually it happens because of something like loose scaffolding, uneven ground, or even simply not keeping walkways clear.
- Exposure to harmful substances – Many construction workers can suffer long-term health issues because of breathing in dust, chemicals, or smoke.
- Equipment accidents – If you’re hurt by a malfunctioning tool or get pinned by machinery, you’re still covered by workers’ comp.
- Fires or burns – Whether from a welding torch or an electrical issue, burns and smoke inhalation are also valid reasons to file.
Given all these hazards, it’s easy to see why you would need to file for workers’ comp as a construction worker in Sacramento. But this raises a key point about how the process actually works.
What Happens After You File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Sacramento?
Construction work is tough, and the last thing you need after an injury is a confusing process. The good news–relatively speaking–is that workers’ comp claims in California generally follow a clear path:
- Filing the claim – The process starts when you’re injured and you ask your employer for the claim form to fill out (DWC-1). Once you submit that form, the claim process officially begins. You also have to report the injury within 30 days.
- Insurance review – The insurance company starts its review. They’ll look at your injury, talk to you and any witnesses, and pull your medical records to piece together what happened.
- Medical evaluation – You’ll likely see a state-approved doctor. This doctor is called a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME). They’re not on your side or the insurance company’s—they just assess your condition and recommend treatment.
- Claim decision – A decision gets made about your benefits. The insurance company decides what kind of benefits you qualify for. If you agree, you start receiving them. If not, you might need to push back.
- Dispute resolution – If there’s a disagreement, things move to mediation. That could mean a hearing in front of a judge or a more informal resolution. We can represent you during this step and make sure your side is heard.
- Return to work – You may return to work—or retrain for a new role. If your injury keeps you from doing the same work, your employer might offer you modified duties. If that’s not possible, retraining benefits can help you shift into a new line of work.
Every injury is different. Some people bounce back quickly. Others need more time or support. What matters most is that you don’t wait too long to file–California gives you one year from the date of your injury to get your claim started.
How Do Construction Workers in Sacramento Get Workers’ Comp Benefits?
When you’re hurt on the job, it’s hard to know what your next step should be—especially when your paycheck’s on the line. In most cases, if your injury happened while you were doing your job, a workers’ comp claim is your first option. But in some cases, you might also have the right to file a separate claim, like a lawsuit or third-party insurance claim.
The point of filing a claim at all is to get benefits. These are closely tied to your injuries, but not automatic. You don’t have to prove anyone was at fault. If your injury happened on the job, your employer’s insurance should cover it. Once you file a workers’ comp claim, you may be able to get:
- Coverage for your medical treatment
- Temporary disability payments if you can’t work while you recover
- Permanent disability payments if you can’t go back to work at full capacity
- Job retraining if you need to learn a new trade
- Death benefits for your family if the injury is fatal
That said, benefits don’t last forever—temporary payments usually stop after 104 weeks.
Construction Workers in Sacramento Can Turn to The Law Office of Alice A. Strömbom
Getting hurt at work—especially on a construction site—can throw your whole life off track. Our team at The Law Office of Alice A. Strömbom will be there to help you understand your rights and get the support you need. We’ll help you file your claim, deal with insurance, and explore all your options. Set up a free consultation with us today.