Workers Compensation for Construction Workers
Types of Workers Compensation for Construction Workers & Contractors
A dozen workers were injured last month when a building under construction in Oakland, California partially collapsed. 15 to 20 construction workers fell through the second floor of the construction project when a scaffolding collapsed, and were trapped in wet concrete. Fortunately there were no fatalities – but 12 workers had to be hospitalized.
This recent accident highlights the potential danger to construction workers – and the importance of workers compensation benefits for any individual working on a construction site.
In California, there are actually two separate and distinct types of workers compensation that covers. Some employers belong to a program called the Carpenters / Contractor’s Workers’ Compensation Trust for Southern California. Other construction companies do not. Identifying which type of workers’ comp you are entitled to in a construction injury is very important.
1. Carved Out Workers Compensation for Construction Workers
The Carpenters / Contractor’s Workers’ Compensation Trust for Southern California is a special type of workers’ compensation that is set up under a collective bargaining agreement. Because workers’ injury claims covered by this program are separate from the California state workers’ comp system, this is called a “carve-out” program.
The goals of the Carpenters/Contractor’s Workers’ Compensation Trust is to streamline the process by taking injured carpenters and construction workers out of the cumbersome state workers comp system, and more easily providing injured employees with all benefits for which they qualify. In most cases this program is much quicker system than regular workers’ compensation – eliminating legal hurdles for both the employee and the employer.
If you were injured on the job and your employer participates in the Carpenters / Contractor’s Workers’ Compensation Trust, they will report your injury to their insurance company. From there you will be instructed to consult with an official “Ombudsman” to handle, process, prove & negotiate your case for you.
The Law Firm of Cantrell Green is an officially appointed SoCal Carpenters / Contractor’s Workers’ Compensation Trust Ombudsman in the Long Beach, Orange County and Los Angeles area.
We help workers injured in a construction accident quickly obtain the maximum benefits to which they are entitled. Our attorneys will find a doctor who has been pre-approved by the insurance company, and help an injured carpenter or contractor collect their benefits quickly, making the process as fast and easy as possible.
2. Non-Trust Carpenter, Contractor & Construction Workers’ Comp
Many employers opt NOT to obtain coverage through an insurance company that participates in the Carpenters / Contractor’s Workers’ Compensation Trust agreement.
In that case, an injured worker will be forced to go through the traditional California state workers’ comp system. In many instances, this can mean even more paperwork, hearings, denials and delays. Additionally, there are time limits for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
For these reasons it is wise to contact an experienced California workers’ compensation attorney immediately regarding your construction accident. Our workers comp attorneys have experience helping hundreds of injured employees in the carpentry and construction industry.
Experienced Long Beach Workers Comp Carve Out Attorneys for
Construction, Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers & Painters
Our experienced workers comp attorneys understand the challenges you face as an injured worker. Our attorneys and will fight aggressively to obtain the workers’ comp benefits to which you are entitled. If your construction accident caused an injury that prevents you from returning to your previous occupation, our attorneys will work untiringly to ensure that you and your family are taken care of financially.
If you have been injured at work, and your union & employer have collectively bargained for a “Carve Out” workers compensation program, call us today. We are one of the few Workers Compensation law firms in the Los Angeles area specialized in this unique type of Workers Comp case. Our attorneys are happy to answer your questions and help you understand the benefits for which you may qualify.
