Workers' compensation
San Diego workers' compensation attorney
Hurt on the job in San Diego or the South Bay? We help injured workers get medical care, wage replacement, and a fair settlement, while you focus on recovering. Your first consultation is free and there is no fee unless we recover for you.
Help after a workplace injury in San Diego
Workers' compensation exists to protect you when you are hurt or made ill in the course of your job. It can pay for your medical treatment, replace a portion of the wages you lose while you recover, and provide benefits if your injury has lasting effects. Because it is a no-fault system, you do not have to prove your employer was careless to receive benefits. You only have to show that your injury is work related.
That sounds simple, but in practice insurers delay treatment, dispute how serious an injury is, and undervalue claims. A construction worker hurt when scaffolding gives way has a clear claim. So does a warehouse employee with a repetitive strain injury that built up over months. The difference between a denied claim and a fair outcome is often whether someone is in your corner who knows the system.
Benefits you may be entitled to
- Medical care for your work injury, at no cost to you when the claim is accepted.
- Temporary disability payments that replace part of your wages while you cannot work.
- Permanent disability benefits if your injury leaves lasting limitations.
- Supplemental job displacement benefits to help you retrain if you cannot return to your old role.
- Death benefits for the family of a worker killed on the job.
What to do after a work injury
- Get the medical care you need and tell your doctors about every symptom so it is documented.
- Report the injury to your employer in writing as soon as you can.
- Talk with an attorney before you give a recorded statement or accept an early offer.
There are treatment and reporting deadlines in California, and protecting your rights early keeps your options open later.
At the Law Office of Hollingsworth & Hollingsworth, we take a personal approach. We explain where your case stands, what you can do to strengthen it, and what to expect next. Deborah Hollingsworth is a certified workers' compensation specialist, and our team handles the paperwork and the insurance company so you can concentrate on getting better.
Why injured workers call us
A certified specialist
Deborah Hollingsworth is a certified workers' compensation specialist focused on this area of law.
We handle the insurer
We deal with the insurance company and the paperwork so you can focus on your recovery.
No recovery, no fee
The consultation is free, and you owe no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Talk through your claim for free
Tell us what happened. We will explain your options and the benefits you may be owed. No cost, no obligation.
Common questions
Workers' compensation FAQs
What is workers' compensation?
Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system that pays for medical care and replaces part of your lost wages when you are injured or become ill because of your job. In California, most employers are required to carry it, and you do not have to prove your employer did anything wrong to qualify.
What does workers' compensation cover?
It can cover medical treatment, temporary disability payments while you recover, permanent disability benefits if your injury has lasting effects, supplemental job displacement benefits for retraining, and death benefits for a worker's family. The benefits you are owed depend on the facts of your injury.
What is usually not covered?
Coverage generally does not extend to injuries from a fight you started, injuries that happen while you are intoxicated at work, injuries you cause on purpose, or most injuries during your ordinary commute. Emotional injuries with no connected physical or workplace cause are also harder to claim. If you are unsure, ask us before assuming your claim will be denied.
Who pays for my benefits?
Your employer's workers' compensation insurance pays the benefits, not you. California law requires most employers to carry this coverage, and you should never be charged for filing a legitimate claim.
Can I be fired for filing a workers' comp claim?
No. Under California Labor Code section 132a it is illegal for an employer to fire, demote, or otherwise punish you for filing or pursuing a workers' compensation claim. If that happens to you, contact us. You may be entitled to additional remedies on top of your claim.
How long do I have to file in California?
You should report a work injury to your employer within 30 days, and the claim itself generally must be filed within one year. Deadlines can be complicated by ongoing treatment or cumulative injuries, so it is best to talk with an attorney early so you do not lose benefits. [CONFIRM: confirm any firm-specific intake timelines]
Client reviews
What our clients say
Verified 5-star Google reviews. Patrick Hollingsworth is named throughout.
Patrick assisted me in my case for over two years. He fought for me to obtain a very excellent settlement and treated me like a family member. I will absolutely use his services again and recommend him to my friends and family. Thank you, H&H team.
Mr. Patrick is an excellent attorney. Great communication, and he explains the process. He always responded promptly and worked around my work schedule. I was rear-ended by an underinsured motorist, but he still got me outstanding medical care and a settlement. Highly recommend!
If anyone is looking for an attorney with your best interest in mind, Mr. Patrick is your guy. I was hit by a cement truck. He sent me to some of the best providers in San Diego, everyone was responsive and professional, and he helped me get a great settlement I was happy with.
I had no idea how I was going to handle my burn injury claim, so I reached out to Hollingsworth & Hollingsworth. I'm really glad I did. From the very beginning they went above and beyond. The team is understanding and empathetic, and they delivered a huge settlement for my injuries.
A great option if you're looking for a caring and passionate attorney for a work injury or workers' compensation case. I hired them for my ankle and foot injury. They responded very quickly and settled my case. Thanks.
Honest, accurate, and smart. I would definitely use their services again and refer my friends and family. Wonderful consultation and resolutions.
H&H deserve a six-star rating!
Wonderful and fast results.
