INDOOR SWIMMING POOLS, WATER PARKS AND WORK-RELATED ASTHMA: POOL WORKERS AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

In California, there are many individuals who work at Water-Related Facilities.   With respect to this article, the Water-Related Facilities to be discussed are swimming pools, water parks, and hydrotherapy spas.

These facilities have been implicated as a source of either “new asthma” or an “aggravation of a pre-existing asthma condition.”   An “asthma-related injury” caused by work at such a facility would give rise to a workers’ compensation claim.   Such a claim would allow the Injured Worker to obtain monetary compensation in the form of both temporary and permanent disability, medical care, and vocational rehabilitation benefits, if indicated.

This article will discuss the nature of Water-Related Facilities, conditions which make these facilities susceptible to “water-related asthma injuries”, and the types of workers at such facilities that are at risk.

What Has Science Found Concerning Water-Related Facilities and Asthma?

“Clinicians need to be aware of the potential adverse effect that indoor swimming pools and water parks may have on both causing the onset of new asthma and aggravating pre-existing asthma. Attention to swimming pools and water parks as potential triggers for asthma may, for selected patients, be an important factor in asthma management.

The American College of Chest Physicians has developed a consensus statement for the diagnosis and management of work-related asthma that clinicians can refer to when evaluating adult patients with asthma35 . Weisel CP, Richardson SD, Nemery B, et al. Childhood asthma and environmental exposures at swimming pools: state of the science and research recommendations. Environ Health Perspect. 2009;117(4):500-507. doi:10.1289/ehp.11513

What Types of Workers are Susceptible to these Injuries?

Lifeguards and Pool Maintenance Workers have been implicated to be at risk for these injuries.

What Is Asthma?

Per the Centers for Disease Control, “Asthma is a disease that affects your lungs…Asthma causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing at night or early in the morning. If you have asthma, you have it all the time, but you will have asthma attacks only when something bothers your lungs.”

“Occupational asthma occurs when someone who never had asthma develops it because he or she is exposed to something at work. This can happen if you develop an allergy to something at work such as mold or if you are exposed to irritants such as wood dust or chemicals at work over and over at lower levels or all at once at higher levels.” Supra.

What is It About Pools that Can Bring on Asthma?

The term commonly used with respect to Occupational Asthma, in this setting, is Disinfection By Products (DBPs.)

“[T]traditional chemical disinfection processes result in the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) (Aggazzotti and Predieri 1986; Aggazzotti et al. 1998; Beech et al. 1980; Chu and Nieuwenhuijsen 2002; Fantuzzi et al. 2001; Glauner et al. 2005; Judd and Jeffrey 1995; Kim et al. 2002; Li and Blatchley 2007; Weil et al. 1980; Weisel and Shepard 1994; Zwiener et al. 2007). The specific types and levels of DBPs formed depend on numerous factors, including the type and amount of disinfectant used, characteristics of the swimming pool and pool water, and swimmer hygiene (Zwiener et al. 2007).” Weisel CP, Richardson SD, Nemery B, et al. Childhood asthma and environmental exposures at swimming pools: state of the science and research recommendations. Environ Health Perspect. 2009;117(4):500-507. doi:10.1289/ehp.11513

One study reported that it was “nitrogrogen trichloride is a cause of occupational asthma. This should be considered when choosing chlorine-based disinfectants that are likely to come into contact with a nitrogen source. It should also be considered in anyone developing occupational asthma working at a swimming pool and is also a likely cause of asthma in those who swim in these pools.  To prevent further cases, much more attention should be paid to the quality of air in indoor swimming buildings, as well as t the care of the chlorine content of the water. Occupational asthma caused by chloramines in indoor swimming-pool air.  K.M. Thickett, J.S. McCoach, J.M. Gerber, S. Sadhra, P.S. Burge, European Respiratory Journal 2002 19:827-832, DOR: 10.1183/09031936.02.00232802

Does the Worker Need to Go In the Water Be at Risk for Injury?

No. Workers who do not go into pools are at risk as well.  Working at the swimming pool, but not going in the pool, may be a sufficient exposure. As noted above, it is an issue of air quality within the facilities that is a concern.

I Work at a Pool Facility and Am Having Lung Problems, What Should I Do?

It is recommended you seek medical attention, If you receive a diagnosis of asthma, you would consider filing a workers’ compensation claim.  It is recommended you consult with an attorney as well.

What If I Need Legal Advice?

If you would like a free consultation concerning any workers’ compensation case, please contact the Law Offices of Edward J. Singer, a Professional Law Corporation. They have been helping people in Central and Southern California deal with their worker’s compensation cases for 28 years. Contact us today for more information.

 

Guide to the State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF)

One of California’s largest providers of Workers’ Compensation Coverage is the State Compensation Insurance Fund.  The State Compensation Insurance Fund is known as the “State Fund” or “SCIF.”

Many workers must understand what SCIF is and how it operates.  The reason is that many injured workers’ claims are being adjusted through the Fund.

This article will discuss the State Compensation Insurance Fund and how Injured Workers should approach their claims if the Fund handles them.

What are the State Fund’s Goals?

The State Fund aims “to become California’s workers’ compensation carrier of choice.” Their purpose “is to provide fairly priced workers’ compensation insurance, help make workplaces safe, and restore injured workers.”

What are the Origins of the State Compensation Insurance Fund?

The State Fund was established in 1914.  It was created within the California State Constitution.

ARTICLE XIV Labor Relations, Section 4, includes “the establishment and management of a state compensation insurance fund.”

This was part of the Constitutional Mandate to provide a “complete system of workers’ compensation [which] includes adequate provisions for the comfort, health and safety and general welfare of any workers and those dependent upon them for support to the extent of relieving from the consequences of any injury or death incurred or sustained by workers in the course of their employment, irrespective of the fault of any party; also full provision for securing safety in places of employment; full provision for such medical, surgical, hospital and other remedial treatment  as is requisite to cure and relieve from the effects of such injury.”

In sum, the State of California has a vested interest in the success and stability of the State Compensation Insurance Fund as a provider of workers’ compensation insurance.  This is interest-based upon a constitutional mandate.

What is the State Compensation Insurance Fund?

Per their website, the “State Fund is California’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance. Not for profit and funded solely by premiums and investment income, we’ve supported California’s entrepreneurial spirit and played a vital role in the state’s economy for over 100 years. By innovating in areas such as workplace safety and injured worker care, we’re committed to serving California for the next 100 as well.”

State Fund offers diverse and comprehensive products and services that provide a strong and stable option for employers and injured employees with fast, reliable claims service and medical and indemnity benefits. State Fund’s accident prevention services—provided to policyholders at no additional cost—ultimately help save businesses money.

With approximately 110,000 policyholders, more than $918 million in premiums, and nearly $21 billion in assets, Californians rely on the security and certainty offered by the State Fund to the state’s employers, particularly the small businesses and new ventures that are key to California’s economic recovery.

For many Employers, the State Fund is the carrier of “last resort.”  This is where they must get their workers’ compensation insurance.

The Fund has two parts. There is a State Fund Policy and State Fund Contracts.   The State Fund Policy is the section that handles private employers.   The State Fund Contracts is the section that adjusts various government agencies that contract with the State Fund to administer their claims.

What are the Core Values of the State Compensation Insurance Fund? Why Should You Be Aware of It?

Per the SCIF Website, the Core Values are “Respect Everyone. Create an environment where all people and perspectives are valued, and teams work together to serve the diverse needs of California businesses. Be Innovative. Seek solutions and consider new approaches to serve our customers and help improve California’s workers’ compensation system. Do What’s Right. Approach every situation with a passion to help, a desire to learn, and a commitment to integrity—because doing the right thing isn’t always simple, easy, or clear. Show We Care. Listen to understand and invest the time and resources needed to help California employers and injured workers.”

These are important to know.   If you feel your adjuster is not following the “Core Values,” they should be reminded.  Most of the time, however, I have found that the SCIF adjusters act very professionally.  Experienced SCIF adjusters are well-trained.

How Do You Rate the State Fund as a Carrier?

These comments are from my own experience.

The State Fund has tremendous resources. They have lots of assets and money. They are an innovator within workers’ compensation and have taken steps to claims management ahead of their time.  They were paperless well in advance of others in the industry.

Their claims management approach tends to rely on their adjusters.   Their adjusters can be perfect and well-trained.  They handle the case management as opposed to counsel.  Their counsel tends to be more appearance-oriented rather than directing the case management of the claim.

Overall, I think they do an excellent job of adjusting their claims.

The State Fund has been known to have an excellent training program for their attorneys. Also, they have a reputation as having outstanding appellate attorneys.   There are many reported cases involving the State Fund.

Have You Had Any Personal Experience With the State Fund?

Besides handling claims against them, I have had two claims and awards with SCIF as the carrier.   They have been decent in my requests for treatment off of my award.  I am relatively satisfied with their handling.

As an Employer, I have had claims filed against me.   They have done a decent job handling the claim.   I did run into a problem with one adjuster on an issue.   It was not easy to resolve the issue.   Further, the State Fund offers several educational programs for Employers, which I attended and found helpful.   Overall, I am satisfied with their insurance.

As an Injured Worker, Should I Be Concerned that the State Fund is the Insurance Company?

No. You should not be concerned.  You should be vigilant concerning your rights and pay attention to the documentation you receive.   On occasion, they will make a mistake. Other carriers do so as well.  Unlike other carriers, however, because of their status, they need to be “the standard” for quality claims handling.

What If I Need Legal Advice?

If you want a free consultation concerning any workers’ compensation case, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Edward J. Singer, a Professional Law Corporation. They have been helping people in central and Southern California deal with their worker’s compensation cases for 28 years. Contact us today for more information.

Legal Representation Within The Workers’ Compensation System: What You Need To Know

What is an Attorney? What is a Lawyer? Is there any difference?   Injured Workers who are seeking representation to handle their workers’ compensation claims are often confused as to whether there are two different types of legal representatives.   Further, Injured Workers are often confused as to what representative can be present on their behalf before he Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.

This article will discuss Lawyers, Attorneys, and other Legal Representation before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.

What Is a Legal Representative?

In California, a Legal Representative is a licensed member of the State Bar of California.  The State Bar Website in fact uses the term “Attorney” and “Lawyer” interchangeably.   In essence, there is no difference.   Members of the State Bar hold themselves out as either being a lawyer or an attorney.   Some use both terms.  In sum, if you are looking for a legal representative, you are looking for a member of the State Bar.

What is the California State Bar?

Per the State Bar, it’s “mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.

The State Bar: Licenses attorneys and regulates the profession and practice of law in California, Enforces Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys, Disciplines attorneys who violate rules and laws, Administers the California Bar Exam, Advances access to justice, Promotes diversity and inclusion in the legal system

Created by the Legislature in 1927, the State Bar is an arm of the California Supreme Court, protecting the public by licensing and regulating attorneys.

The State Bar licenses more than 250,000 attorneys, investigates approximately 16,000 complaints of attorney misconduct annually and distributes over $78 million in grants to legal aid organizations.”

How Does One Become a Member of the State Bar?

One becomes a member of the State Bar by having certain qualifications and taking and passing the California State Bar Examination.  A person graduating law school and obtaining a law degree, Juris Doctor, J.D. is not a guarantee of being a State Bar Member.  Many individuals who have J.D., degrees take and do not pass the examination.   As a result, they cannot practice as a Lawyer/Attorney within the State of California.  The Bar passage rate varies from year to year.

In California, the Bar passage rate is relatively low.   For example, per the State Bar, the February 2020 General Bar Exam preliminary statistics reported that the passage rate was 38 percent for first-time applicants and 22 percent for repeat applicants.

For a Client, Is Active Membership in the State Bar Important?

Yes.  An Attorney/Lawyer can only practice workers’ compensation law as an attorney if they are an “active” member of the State Bar.   If a client wishes to check on an attorney’s status or whether they are a member, click here.

Attorneys can have various status. They can be active, on probation, suspended, inactive or disbarred.

Is There Non-Attorney Representation Before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board?

Yes and No.  Non-Attorneys can provide representation before the WCAB.   There must be a filing to the WCAB concerning this representation.

Per the Policy and Procedure Manual of the WCAB, Section 1.120 (2013 Revision),  provide for “APPEARANCES In each case in which a law firm representing an injured worker appears by an employee not holding current active membership in the State Bar of California, pursuant to Rule 10773, the employee shall file at the time of his or her first appearance at the WCAB an original document that: 1. discloses to the board and to the applicant that he or she is not licensed to practice law in the State of California; 2. states the name of the attorney directly responsible for supervising the employee; 3. specifically states that the employee is authorized by the supervising attorney to sign settlement documents; and 4. is signed by the supervising attorney and the client.” [emphasis added]

Note: Even Defense Attorneys can have non-attorney representation before the WCAB, “In each case in which a law firm representing a defendant appears by an employee not holding current active membership in the State Bar of California, the employee shall file at the time of his or her first appearance at the WCAB a document that complies with the paragraph above, except that it need not be signed by the client.”

What About Settlement Documents, Can a Non-Attorney Representative Sign Them?

Yes. However, prior to the submission of the settlement documents for approval, the Law Firm is required to file the Non-Attorney Representative Notice.

Can a Non-Attorney Representative Get Paid from the Settlement Award or Order?

No. Pursuant to Labor Code Section 4903, no fee for legal services shall be awarded to any representative who is not an attorney.

What About Disbarred Attorneys, Can They Provide Representation?

No.  Per the P & P Manual, “[a]n attorney who has been disbarred, suspended, declared involuntarily inactive by The State Bar, or who has resigned with charges pending before The State Bar, is not allowed to appear in any manner before the WCAB. (Rule 10779; In Re Roman Pellicer (2008), WCAB en banc, 73 Cal. Comp. Cases 1065.)”

Why Do Attorneys Use Hearing Representatives?

There are many reasons why Attorneys use Hearing Representation.   In the process of workers’ compensation cases, there are many limited issues for which an attorney’s time and services are not required. Therefore, it is convenient to use a Hearing Representative to handle such an appearance. For example, the hearing is intended to continue the case to a further hearing.  Some more experienced Hearing Representative handle more complex matters.   Most of them have never attended law school. Therefore, they most likely lack the legal training that you get in law school which includes legal writing, legal research, analysis of authority, and legal argument.

What is Your Opinion on Hearing Representatives?

Like Attorneys, Hearing Representatives are a mixed bag. Some are very good, some are average and some are lacking.  I employ Hearing Representatives to handle limited matters before the WCAB.   Most times, I use them only when I have a conflict and I essentially need to have a “warm body” make an appearance before the WCAB.   I prefer to have an Attorney present, however. I prefer to not have Hearing Representatives deal with legal issues.

If you are concerned about a Hearing Representative on your case, you should contact the Law Offices and speak to the attorney who is directly responsible for supervising the employee.

What If I Need Legal Advice?

If you would like a free consultation concerning any workers’ compensation case, please contact the Law Offices of Edward J. Singer, a Professional Law Corporation. They have been helping people in Central and Southern California deal with their worker’s compensation cases for 28 years. Contact us today for more information.

 

WHY ARE WORK INJURIES NOT REPORTED?: WORK INJURY CLAIMS AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

“To File or Not To File? That is the Question”

It is common knowledge that there are many work-related injuries that are not reported.   The lack of reporting denies the Injured Worker the opportunity to claim workers’ compensation benefits which may include disability benefits, medical care, and vocational rehabilitation benefits.

This article will discuss why both Employees and Employers don’t report work injuries claims. This article will also discuss whether there are times in which a claim should not be filed.

Why Is the Reporting of Work Injuries Important?

Pursuant to Labor Code Section 5402, a reporting of an injury triggers the obligation of the carrier to investigate liability for the claim and make a determination within 90 days.   Further, if the claim is not denied, a presumption of injury can apply.   Further, during the period of delay, the Applicant is entitled to receive medical care paid for by the carrier up to $10,000.00.

How Significant is Under-Reporting?

In the study, “[a] questionnaire and interview survey was administered to 110 workers performing similar tasks and several managers, health, and safety personnel at each of three industrial facilities. Although less than 5% of workers had officially reported a work-related injury or illness during the past year, over 85% experienced work-related symptoms, 50% had persistent work-related problems, and 30% reported either lost time from work or work restrictions because of their ailment. Workers described several reasons for not reporting their injuries,” . Under-reporting of work-related disorders in the workplace: a case study and review of the literature Pransy, Snyder, Dembe & Himmestein Pages 171-182 | Published online: 06 Dec 2010 https://doi.org/10.1080/001401399185874.

Note: In the study, significantly more Workers may have viable claims than those who report injuries.

Why Do Employees Under-Report Their Work-Related Injuries?

In a recent article, Employees reasons for not reporting injuries was discussed. Under-reporting of work-related disorders in the workplace: a case study and review of the literature Pransy, Snyder, Dembe & Himmestein Pages 171-182 | Published online: 06 Dec 2010 https://doi.org/10.1080/001401399185874. The reasons for the under-reporting were as follows: including fear of reprisal, a belief that pain was an ordinary consequence of work activity or ageing, lack of management responsiveness after prior reports, and a desire not to lose their usual job.

Fear of Reprisal: Note: Injured Workers are afraid that their Employers or Co-Workers can act in a negative fashion towards them if they report an injury.   Injured Workers are afraid that their pay, benefits, and work privileges and rights will be impacted.   Co-Workers can also be adversarial towards the Injured Worker if they are implicated in the injury claim. For example, they might be the cause of the injury claim as they may have stressed out or injured the worker.  Also, the Co-Workers may be a witness to the injury. The Co-Workers may not be happy that they are brought into the claim and have to make a statement against their Employer.   Note: Labor Code Section 132a protects Injured Workers and Employee Witnesses to claims.

A Belief that Pain was an Ordinary Consequence of Work Activity or Ageing: Note: Individuals with limited knowledge of medicine may not understand that certain medical conditions may be work-related.   This may be compounded by the fact that the Worker may not have sought treatment or medical care to be diagnosed with a condition.

Lack of Management Responsiveness After Prior Reports Note: Many times, injuries are reported and managers do nothing.  At that point, an Injured Worker just gives up.

 Desire Not to Lose Their Job Note: Certain Work Injury claims can impact one’s ability to work. Medical treatment or reporting may generate work restrictions that would preclude them from performing their job.   Also, there is the fear that they will be terminated for filing a claim.  Note: Labor Code Section 132a protects Workers against wrongful termination for reporting of a claim.

One reason not mentioned in the survey was

Worker not aware of their Rights to Claim Work Injury Note: Many workers are not aware of their workers’ compensation rights. Also, there are some injuries can be work-related that an Injured Worker would not know that they are work-related.

Why Do Employer’s Under Report Employees’ Work-Related Injuries?

In the article, it noted that “interviews with management representatives revealed administrative and other barriers to reporting, stemming from their desire to attain a goal of no reported injuries, and misconceptions about requirements for recordability.” Supra.

Desire to Attain a Goal of No Reported Injuries Note: Workers’ Compensation claims cost Employers money due to increased premiums.   For self-insured Employees,  there can be increased reserves because of claims.   In sum, work injuries cost Employers money.

Misconceptions about Requirements for Recordability Note: some Managers or Leads may not understand that what a work injury is and therefore not offer paperwork to the Injured Worker to file a claim.

Should an Injured Worker Report a Claim?

One should take thoughtful consideration when deciding whether to filing a claim.   They should think about whether it is worth filing the claim.  They should think about the implications in the workplace, and they should think about whether there is a medical/legal basis for filing the claim.  Consultation with an attorney is recommended to make the determination.   Further, a medical consultation might be of import as to whether there is industrial causation of the medical problem.

What If I Need Legal Advice?

If you would like a free consultation concerning any workers’ compensation case, please contact the Law Offices of Edward J. Singer, a Professional Law Corporation. They have been helping people in Central and Southern California deal with their worker’s compensation cases for 28 years. Contact us today for more information. Click Here.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWYERS, THE CALIFORNIA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING INJURED WORKERS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The California Workers’ Compensation System is very complicated. Frequent changes in the law and current events require Attorneys practicing in workers’ compensation to stay up to date. In order to stay up to date, Workers’ Compensation Lawyers participate in educational programs.  Therefore, Associations that provide educational programs and address issues such as the standards for Lawyers practicing within the field is of import. Injured Workers are best served when their lawyers are active members of such Associations.

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) provides support to the Workers’ Compensation community to enhance the quality of the practitioners within the field. CLA has a Workers’ Compensation Section which supports the workers’ compensation community. The CLA Workers’ Compensation Section is essentially a spin-off from the State Bar.   The State Bar used to have a Section on Workers’ Compensation.  Lawyers would join the section by notifying the State Bar when paying their dues and pay an additional fee to participate.  Currently, the State Bar allows lawyers to join the CLA Workers’ Compensation Section by designating to do so and paying an additional fee.  The CLA, overall,  produces programs at the quality level of the State Bar.

Per the CLA, “[t]he purpose of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the California Lawyers Association is to serve our members, workers’ compensation practitioners, and the people of California by promoting an efficient and just compensation delivery system.”

Is The CLA Workers’ Compensation Section Exclusive for Applicant’s Attorneys? 

No. the Section is open to all participants in the workers’ compensation field. Therefore, both Applicant’s Attorneys and Defense Attorneys participated.

If an Attorney is a Member of the CLA Workers’ Compensation Section, It That Important? 

Yes and No. Any Lawyer can pay to be a member of the Workers’ Compensation Section. Therefore, being a member does not mean anything. Being an active member, however, is important. An active member, in my opinion, is one who regularly attends or participates in the various Educational Program provided.

Should an Injured Worker Value an Attorney Who Is a Member of CLA? 

Absolutely. As an active member, I have had the opportunity to attend countless seminars that CLA has provided. These seminars are well attended by both Applicant’s Attorneys and Defense Attorneys. The attorneys who I have seen attend these seminars are quite competent individuals. Further, the materials presented to them keep them apprised as to workers’ compensation law in general as well as recent case law and legislation that impacts the workers’ compensation system. Further, these seminars include many outstanding speakers and presenters in the industry. In sum, active participants in the Workers’ Compensation Section of CLA, are up to date on various workers’ compensation issues.

Further, participation in these programs allows Applicant’s Attorneys and Defense Attorneys to interact and debate ongoing issues within workers’ compensation. It is an opportunity to understand the positions that will be taken by the “other” side.

What are the Activities of the CLA’s Workers’ Compensation Section? 

The Workers’ Compensation Section of CLA is involved in the following activities: Publishing newsletters to keep members informed of new developments; establishing committees through which members may actively participate; presenting educational seminars on timely topics throughout the year; originating legislation which, upon approval, is made a part of our legislative program; recommending positions on pending legislation on behalf of the California Lawyers Association, and commenting on administrative regulations and rules of court.

What is the CLA Workers’ Compensation Section’s Purpose?

They ”are dedicated to serving our members, workers’ compensation practitioners, and the people of California by promoting an efficient and just compensation delivery system.”

Per the CLA website “[t]he purpose of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the California Lawyers Association is to serve our members, workers’ compensation practitioners, and the people of California by promoting an efficient and just compensation delivery system. The section, through standing committees, seeks to promote better legal practice, education and legislation affecting workers’ compensation. We review proposed state legislation and regulatory rules, and make recommendations to the authors. Our goal is to achieve the following constitutional mandate: Constitutional Basis of Laws

The Workers’ Compensations Act, codified in the Labor Code, with other related laws, has its jurisdictional basis in the California Constitution, Article XIV, sec. 4, which provides in part as follows:

The Legislature is hereby expressly vested with plenary power, unlimited by any provision of this Constitution, to create, and enforce a complete system of workers’ compensation…to compensate…workers for injury or disability, and…for death…irrespective of the fault of any party…to the end that the administration of such legislation shall accomplish substantial justice in all cases expeditiously, inexpensively, and without encumbrance of any character…””

What Type of Educational Programs Does CLA Provide in the Workers’ Compensation Section?

The Workers’ Compensation Section provides a wide variety of programs. There are seasonal programs which cover a large variety of topics. There are Rating Seminars which deal with rating issues. There are Specialization Seminars which assist attorneys in preparation of the specialization examination. Also, they also have Webinars on a large variety of topics as well.

What Other Services Does the CLA Provide? 

Per CLA, the “California Lawyers Association Workers’ Compensation Executive Committee, subcommittee on Technology and Social Media, offers access to our section members to listen to oral arguments made in Workers’ Compensation cases at various Districts of the California Court of Appeals.”

What Types of Committees Does the Workers’ Compensation Section Have? What Types of Things Do they Do?

The Workers’ Compensation Section has an Executive Committee, an Educational Committee, a Practice and Ethics Committee, a Legislation Committee, an Awards and Recognition Committee, Publications Committee, Membership Committee, Technology/Website/Social Media, a Community Outreach Committee, and an Unpublished Cases Committee.

These committees work on many different things such as improving the level of professionalism and competence for all individuals who practice before the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board. They do so by providing quality and affordable education, public outreach, and assist with legislation.

How Does the CLA Workers’ Compensation Section Provide Assistance to the Workers’ Compensation Community? 

Per the CLA, the Section “seeks to promote better legal practice, education and legislation affecting workers’ compensation. We review proposed state legislation and regulatory rules, and make recommendations to the authors. Our goal is to achieve the following constitutional mandate: Constitutional Basis of Laws: The Workers’ Compensations Act, codified in the Labor Code, with other related laws, has its jurisdictional basis in the California Constitution, Article XIV, sec. 4, which provides in part as follows: The Legislature is hereby expressly vested with plenary power, unlimited by any provision of this Constitution, to create, and enforce a complete system of workers’ compensation…to compensate…workers for injury or disability, and…for death…irrespective of the fault of any party…to the end that the administration of such legislation shall accomplish substantial justice in all cases expeditiously, inexpensively, and without encumbrance of any character…”

What Do Members of CLA Workers’ Compensation Section Get? 

As a member, they are provide a newsletter, and provide access and discounts to Workers’ Compensation Section Programs and Publications. In addition, Members are allowed to participate in the Section and the Committee activities.

What If I Need Advice?

If you would like a free consultation regarding your workers’ compensation claim, please contact the Law Offices of Edward J. Singer, A Professional Law Corporation. They have been helping people in Central and Southern California deal with their workers’ compensation cases for 28 years. Contact us today for more information. Contact us today for more information. Click Here.

Photo by Christopher Burns on Unsplash

9.3Edward Jay Singer
Edward Jay SingerReviewsout of 22 reviews