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At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld (GGF), our Santa Barbara workers’ compensation lawyers have protected the rights of California workers since 1956. With six offices located throughout the state, we are dedicated to serving our California workforce when and where they need us
Our managing partners, Russell Ghitterman and Benjamin Feld, are both Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation with the State Bar of California, which is achieved and held by less than 5% of workers’ compensation attorneys. We take this designation very seriously as the skill level required is what should be expected from the entire team at GGF from how we interact, handle every aspect of cases, and produce real results for real clients who need our help.
Our attorneys represent clients who contact us directly and are happy to take referrals from other law firms who need our specialized help to ensure their clients have access to important workers’ compensation benefits and the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) when applicable.
We are champions for justice, starting with your workers’ compensation case. Contact us today to learn more.
When you have been injured on the job, it is your employer’s responsibility to cover the cost of your injury, including medical costs and approximately two-thirds of your current wages. However, many employers and their insurance carriers will try to pay as little as possible to cover your medical costs, try to push you back to work before you are fully healed, or deny your claim. If you are in one of these situations, you need the help of one of our certified specialists who handle workers’ compensation claims within the state of California.
The attorneys of Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld have over 65 years of experience fighting for workers who have been injured on the job. We look for all possible forms of compensation to cover your injuries and we have handled claims in all fields, including:
If you’ve had an accident or sustained an injury while at work, there are steps you can take.
Our workers’ compensation board-certified attorneys have handled claims for thousands of individuals who have been injured on the job, just like you. We understand your frustration in being injured and not receiving all the help from your employer that you should, whether your injury is severe or allows you to continue working with certain restrictions. Our job is to ensure that you get all of the benefits you are entitled to through workers’ compensation and other available sources.
Our firm has handled numerous claims, including those involving:
We use our experience, tenacity and skill to obtain the best possible result in your case. We know how important it is for you to be able to continue to work, or to receive permanent disability benefits if you are unable to return to work. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts on your behalf.
Yes. California is categorized as a “no-fault” workers’ compensation state. This means the employee does not have to prove their injury was caused by the fault or negligence of their employer to file a claim.
While the state’s no-fault workers’ compensation status appears straightforward, the application process, and the evidence and documentation necessary to prove you have a legitimate claim are anything but simple.
The paperwork requirements and deadline restrictions can become overwhelming, especially when you are dealing with a severe injury. We want to help you properly navigate the California workers’ compensation system the first time around, so you can begin receiving the benefits you are entitled to while your injuries keep you away from work.
When you have been injured on the job, it is your employer’s responsibility to cover the cost of your injury, including medical costs and approximately two-thirds of your current wages. However, many employers and their insurance carriers will try to pay as little as possible to cover your medical costs, try to push you back to work before you are fully healed, or deny your claim. If you are in one of these situations, you need the help of one of our certified specialists who handle workers’ compensation claims within the state of California.
The attorneys of Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld have over 65 years of experience fighting for California workers who have been injured on the job. Getting hurt at work can be a life-changing experience, and California’s Workers’ Compensation Laws are designed to protect workers from the financial fallout of these accidents.
It is important to note, the benefits available through workers’ compensation cover all employees, including those who work part-time, or who are non-legal residents.
We look for all possible forms of compensation to cover your injuries and we have handled important California workers’ compensation claims across all industries, including:
Our workers’ compensation board-certified attorneys have managed claims for thousands of individuals who have been injured on the job, just like you. We understand your frustration in being injured and not receiving all the help from your employer that you should, whether your injury is severe or allows you to continue working with certain restrictions. Our job is to ensure that you get all the benefits you are entitled to through workers’ compensation and other available sources.
We use our experience, tenacity, and skill to obtain the best possible result in your case. We know how important it is for you to be able to continue to work, or to receive permanent disability benefits if you are unable to return to work.
We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts on your behalf. Contact our California workers’ compensation attorneys today to learn more.
Technically, California employees must report their injuries to their employers within 30 days of becoming aware of the condition. Ideally, employees should alert their employers immediately after the injury occurs, so there is little room for the employer to dispute the injury occurred at work, thus ending in a denied claim.
The employer, in turn, must record the details of the incident in writing. Reporting a job-related injury to your employer is not the same as filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Once you have reported the injury, seek medical care immediately, so your injuries are documented, and a treatment plan is put in place before you file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurance provider.
With very few exceptions, the statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim in California is one year from the date of your job-related injury or illness. If you do not file a workers’ compensation claim within a year of becoming aware of your injury or illness, you may lose your right to file a claim at all.
Some insurance companies routinely deny initial workers’ compensation claims as part of their organization’s protocol, leaving the injured worker to fight for the benefits they should have initially been awarded.
Common explanations workers’ compensation insurance providers use to deny legitimate injury claims may include, but are not limited to stating the:
If you have received a letter from the workers’ compensation insurance provider stating your benefits have been denied, do not attempt to take on the appeal process on your own. California workers can request a hearing in front of their local Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, or WCAB, to appeal a denial of their claim, but should have a skilled California workers’ compensation attorney by their side before the hearing, so they can ensure they can present a persuasive case for benefits going forward.
For over six decades, Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld has protected the rights of injured California workers by helping them navigate the challenges workers’ compensation insurance companies present at every turn.
We have six physical offices, in Bakersfield, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Ventura, and Visalia, and our top tier technologies provide a virtual reach to serve clients throughout California. We offer free in-person, telephone, and virtual consultations to offer straightforward legal advice for your unique needs.
If you are seeking representation for a workers’ compensation claim, we are here for you. Call us at (805) 214-8888, or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. You are never charged a fee unless we obtain compensation for you.
