Hurt on the job, or treated unfairly at work? We push back.
Workers' compensation and employment law representation across Southern California and the Phoenix metro area. Insurance companies and employers count on workers not fighting back. We do.
Workers' compensation
Workers' comp is a no-fault system, you don't have to prove your employer did anything wrong to be covered. That doesn't stop insurance companies from delaying, disputing, or denying valid claims anyway.
Denied or disputed claims
Fighting back when an insurance company denies a claim that should have been approved.
Delayed or inadequate medical care
Pushing insurers to authorize the treatment you're legally entitled to, without the runaround.
Permanent disability ratings
Challenging an unfairly low disability rating that undervalues your injury.
Third-party injury claims
When someone other than your employer caused your injury, you may have an additional claim alongside workers' comp.
Retaliation for filing a claim
It's illegal for an employer to punish you for filing a workers' compensation claim. We hold them accountable when they do.
Return-to-work disputes
Representing workers pushed back to duties their injury doesn't allow, or terminated instead of accommodated.
How a workers' comp claim actually gets decided
This isn't a jury trial, it's a specialized administrative process, and that's exactly where an experienced advocate matters.
In California, disputed claims go before a workers' compensation administrative law judge through the Division of Workers' Compensation, with review available from the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board. In Arizona, claims are handled through the Industrial Commission of Arizona, with an administrative law judge deciding disputes.
Both systems move on their own timeline, with their own procedures, and insurance company adjusters navigate them every day. You shouldn't have to learn that system while recovering from an injury.
In California, an attorney's fee in a workers' comp case must be approved by a workers' compensation judge, and is typically taken as a percentage of the benefits recovered. There's generally no cost to you unless the case succeeds.
This is general information, not legal advice about your specific claim.
Employment law
Unlike workers' comp, employment disputes are litigated, and as a trial attorney, Matt Cortez is prepared to take an employer to court when negotiation isn't enough.
Wrongful termination
Representing employees fired in violation of public policy, an employment contract, or anti-discrimination law.
Discrimination and harassment
Pursuing claims based on protected characteristics, including race, sex, age, disability, and other protected categories.
Wage and hour disputes
Unpaid overtime, missed meal and rest breaks, and misclassification as an independent contractor or exempt employee.
Retaliation claims
When an employer punishes you for reporting misconduct, taking protected leave, or asserting a legal right.
Common questions
This is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult an attorney about your specific situation.
How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim in California?
In most cases, you must file a workers' compensation claim in California within one year of the date of injury, or one year from the last date you received benefits, whichever applies. Exceptions can apply, so it's best to report a workplace injury and speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
How long do I have to file a workers' compensation claim in Arizona?
In most cases, you must file a workers' compensation claim with the Industrial Commission of Arizona within one year of the date of injury, or from when the injury reasonably should have become known. Exceptions can apply, so it's best to report a workplace injury and speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for a workers' compensation claim?
You are not required to have a lawyer to file a workers' compensation claim, but insurance companies routinely delay, dispute, or deny claims. In California, attorney fees in workers' compensation cases must be approved by a workers' compensation judge and are typically a percentage of the benefits recovered, so there is generally no cost to you unless your case is successful.
What is the difference between a workers' compensation claim and a personal injury claim?
Workers' compensation is a no-fault system: you don't have to prove your employer did anything wrong, but the benefits are limited to medical care and a portion of lost wages. If someone other than your employer, such as a negligent driver or a defective product manufacturer, caused your workplace injury, you may also have a separate personal injury claim against that third party in addition to your workers' compensation claim.
Hurt on the job, or treated unfairly at work?
Free consultation. Serving Southern California and the Phoenix metro area.