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EP.123
Ep. 123 - California Workers’ Comp Payments
In episode #123 of Work Comp Talk, hosts Carmen Ramirez and attorney Bilal Kassem take a deep dive into how workers’ compensation payments function in California. They explore temporary and permanent disability benefits, explain how wage replacement is calculated, and clarify the rules around maximums and minimums. The hosts also discuss whether workers’ comp payments are taxable, how child support liens may impact settlements, and the differences between compromise & release versus stipulated awards. With their clear and practical approach, provide listeners with valuable insights to better understand their rights and benefits within the workers’ comp system. What you will learn: How wage replacement works in California workers’ comp cases. The difference between temporary disability and permanent disability payments. How maximums and minimums are calculated for 2025. Why workers’ compensation benefits are generally not taxable. The role of child support liens in workers’ comp cases. Settlement options: Compromise & Release vs. Stipulated Awards. Additional reimbursements such as mileage expenses and job retraining vouchers. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & catching up with Bilal 03:00 – Understanding wage replacement in workers’ comp 04:30 – How temporary disability payments are calculated 06:15 – Permanent disability vs. temporary disability explained 08:30 – Payment deadlines and limits for temporary disability 09:50 – Maximums and minimums in workers’ comp benefits (2025 updates) 11:30 – Are workers’ comp payments taxable in California? 13:30 – Child support liens and workers’ comp settlements 14:45 – Insurance companies and the workers’ comp system 15:55 – Compromise & release vs. stipulated awards settlements This episode is sponsored by Pacific Workers, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, the trusted workers’ compensation law firm in Northern California. With over 10,000 cases won and more than $350 million recovered for injured workers. They just win, simple as that! Visit our FAQ and blogs for more resources: https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/ Share your story on our podcast: Stories with Carmen
EP.122
Ep.122 - Workers' Comp Webinar Series Pt. 3
In Episode 122, we share the final (Part 3) of our special webinar series, where hosts Carmen Ramírez and Pacific Workers co-founder Bilal Kassem close with one of the most frustrating topics for injured workers: delays in treatment, paperwork, and real progress. We know how hard it is to navigate a system that often feels confusing, slow, and even unfair. That’s why, in this episode you will learn: What to do when your treatment is delayed by your insurance adjuster What an RFA is, and why timing matters How doctors and medical reports influence your benefits What your rights are when delays cross the legal line and how judges can intervene The two types of settlements: Stipulated Award vs. Compromise & ReleaseWhy your location can impact access to medical care—and what to do if you're in a rural area The value of a second opinion and understanding your QME (Qualified Medical Evaluation) rights Q&A session to some of the common workers’ comp issues Download our Free Pocket Guide mentioned in the webinar that breaks down essential terms, timelines, and practical tips to help you feel more informed and in control. Whether you’re just getting started or already deep in the process, this episode offers clarity and guidance to help you move forward with confidence. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Part 3 of the Webinar Series 01:00 - Importance of Free Consultations & Pocket Guide 02:00 - Where to Download the Free eBook 03:00 - Viewer Question: What Happens When a Request for Authorization (RFA) is Delayed? 05:00 - Filing a Motion for Penalties and Sanctions 06:00 - Does Pacific Workers Handle Cases in Los Angeles? 07:00 - Access to Medical Treatment in Rural Areas 08:00 - Viewer Question: What if You Didn’t Sign a Stipulation? 09:00 - Explaining Stipulated Award vs. Compromise and Release 11:00 - Final Advice on Signing Settlements 12:00 - Importance of Consultations and Understanding the System 13:00 - Encouragement to Ask Questions and Seek Help This episode is sponsored by Pacific Workers, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, the trusted workers’ compensation law firm in Northern California. With over 10,000+ cases won and more than $350 million recovered for injured workers, we are here to help if you’ve suffered a workplace injury. 👉 Want to join our next live webinar? Learn more and register here: https://hello.pacificworkers.com/workers-comp-webinar Visit our FAQ and blog section for more tips on navigating the CA Workers’ Comp System: https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/
EP.121
Ep. 121 - Workers' Comp Webinar Series Pt. 2
In Episode 121 of Work Comp Talk, the second part of our Special Workers’ Compensation Webinar Series. Carmen and Bilal break down the critical deadlines every injured worker in California needs to know. Missing key timelines can cost you care or benefits. In this episode, we cover the deadlines insurance companies won’t tell you about, and how delays or the wrong doctor can seriously impact your case. We also clear up a major misconception: filing a claim isn’t suing your employer, it’s using the insurance system meant to protect you. Plus, Carmen and Bilal explain how attorney fees really work, and why legal help doesn’t come out of your pocket but can make all the difference. What you’ll learn: The truth about insurance doctors and what they may not tell you about your injury. How to choose or change your doctor in the Medical Provider Network (MPN). Why filing a workers’ comp claim is not the same as suing your boss. How attorney fes really work in California workers’ comp cases, and why legal help doesn’t come out of your pocket. Chapters: 00:00 – Why deadlines in workers’ comp are critical 01:00 – Filing your case and the statute of limitations 02:00 – Deadlines you cannot miss during your claim 03:00 – “Secret #2”: Insurance doctors are not impartial 04:30 – Choosing the right doctor from the MPN list 07:00 – Real case example: cumulative trauma denied 09:00 – How and when you can change your doctor 10:00 – Finding strategies to protect your case 11:00 – “Secret #3”: Filing a claim is NOT suing your boss 13:00 – Why small businesses may take claims personally 15:30 – Your health, your future, and your family come first 16:00 – How attorney fees actually work in workers’ comp 17:00 – Closing thoughts: your rights and protections This episode is sponsored by Pacific Workers, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, the trusted workers’ compensation law firm in Northern California. With over 10,000 cases won and more than $350 million recovered for injured workers, we are here to help if you’ve suffered a workplace injury. 👉 Don’t forget to listen Part 1 of our webinar series if you missed it. Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll continue to share the “secrets” that the insurance companies won’t tell you. Want to join our next live webinar? Learn more and register here: https://hello.pacificworkers.com/work... Visit our FAQ and blog for more resources: https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/
EP.120
Ep. 120 - Workers' Comp Webinar Series Pt. 1
In Episode #120, host Carmen Ramirez presents Part 1 of our exclusive Workers’ Compensation Webinar Series, held monthly by our sponsor, Pacific Workers. In this live session, Bilal Kassem, co-founder of Pacific Workers, breaks down the most common challenges injured workers face, including claim denials, delayed benefits, and the complexities of navigating the legal process. Learn Bilal's journey from defending insurance companies to representing injured workers, revealing why even the most serious cases are often overlooked, unless you understand the system inside out. This episode is packed with practical, attorney-approved tips for California injured workers, whether you’re dealing with a recent denial, trying to understand the QME vs AME process, or seeking strategies to maximize your claim. While Bilal is out on paternity leave, we will be bringing you the live webinar's best insights. Get practical ideas and options to help you make informed decisions, protect your rights, and move forward with confidence in your workers’ comp journey. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why a workers’ comp denial isn’t the end of the road How insurance companies operate behind the scenes Key steps to protect your rights as an injured worker Insights from an experienced California workers’ comp attorney How attorneys can actually speed up your claim This episode is sponsored by Pacific Workers, The Lawyers for Injured Workers the trusted Northern California law firm specializing in workers’ compensation. With over 10,000 cases won and $350 million recovered for injured workers, we’re here to help if you’ve suffered a workplace injury. Check out our FAQs and blogs: https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/ #WorkersCompAppeal #CaliforniaWorkersComp #QMEProcess #InjuredWorkers #WorkInjuryHelp #WorkersRights #PacificWorkers #WorkersCompTalkPodcast #InjuryLawyers #CarmenRamirez
EPISODE 123
Ep. 123 - California Workers’ Comp Payments
In episode #123 of Work Comp Talk, hosts Carmen Ramirez and attorney Bilal Kassem take a deep dive into how workers’ compensation payments function in California. They explore temporary and permanent disability benefits, explain how wage replacement is calculated, and clarify the rules around maximums and minimums. The hosts also discuss whether workers’ comp payments are taxable, how child support liens may impact settlements, and the differences between compromise & release versus stipulated awards. With their clear and practical approach, provide listeners with valuable insights to better understand their rights and benefits within the workers’ comp system. What you will learn: How wage replacement works in California workers’ comp cases. The difference between temporary disability and permanent disability payments. How maximums and minimums are calculated for 2025. Why workers’ compensation benefits are generally not taxable. The role of child support liens in workers’ comp cases. Settlement options: Compromise & Release vs. Stipulated Awards. Additional reimbursements such as mileage expenses and job retraining vouchers. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & catching up with Bilal 03:00 – Understanding wage replacement in workers’ comp 04:30 – How temporary disability payments are calculated 06:15 – Permanent disability vs. temporary disability explained 08:30 – Payment deadlines and limits for temporary disability 09:50 – Maximums and minimums in workers’ comp benefits (2025 updates) 11:30 – Are workers’ comp payments taxable in California? 13:30 – Child support liens and workers’ comp settlements 14:45 – Insurance companies and the workers’ comp system 15:55 – Compromise & release vs. stipulated awards settlements This episode is sponsored by Pacific Workers, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, the trusted workers’ compensation law firm in Northern California. With over 10,000 cases won and more than $350 million recovered for injured workers. They just win, simple as that! Visit our FAQ and blogs for more resources: https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/ Share your story on our podcast: Stories with Carmen
EP.67
Medical Buyout in Workers’ Comp
Carmen and Bilal demystify medical buyouts in California comp workcomptalk.net . They explain what a medical buyout is and how it works as part of a settlement (essentially, trading future medical care for a lump sum). The episode covers when injured workers should consider a medical buyout, key factors in negotiating one, and examples of the financial implications. It's packed with expert insights to help listeners make informed decisions about settling a claim with a medical buyout workcomptalk.net .
EP.62
Never Accept the First Workers’ Comp Offer!
Managing Attorney Bilal Kassem and host Carmen Ramirez strongly advise injured workers: don't jump at the first settlement offer workcomptalk.net . They explain how settlements and benefits are calculated and who is responsible for sharing that info, then emphasize why the first offer is often low. With expert advice and insights, they encourage listeners to be patient, negotiate, and stay empowered rather than settling too quickly for less than they deserve workcomptalk.net workcomptalk.net .
EP.43
The 5 Biggest Mistakes That Can Cost You Your Workers’ Comp Case
Going it alone in workers' comp is risky. Carmen and Bilal outline the top mistakes unrepresented workers make in the comp system workcomptalk.net . They explain that many injured workers don't have the knowledge or tools the insurance companies do, so errors can be costly—some mistakes can even get your case dismissed or your benefits cut off. Knowing these pitfalls helps listeners avoid them.
EP.37
The Ultimate Guide To Settling Your Workers’ Comp Case
Settling a comp case is a big deal, and timing is everything. Carmen and Bilal share clues to help you figure out if settling your case makes sense or if it's too soon. They walk through examples, analyze common fears (like missing out on future benefits), and provide tips to decide the right time to settle. Bilal, having helped thousands of injured workers, explains what to look out for before you sign on the dotted line workcomptalk.net workcomptalk.net .
Stay connected with Work Comp Talk! Tune in weekly as hosts Carmen Ramirez and Bilal Kassem bring you insightful conversations with industry experts, from lawyers and doctors to work coaches and fitness specialists. Subscribe now and never miss an episode.