Oakland Workers' Compensation Lawyer
We understand the specific challenges of Oakland's key industries and legal environment. Our attorneys appear at the Oakland Workers' Compensation Appeals Board regularly.
Oakland's economy is driven by the Port of Oakland, one of the busiest container ports in the U.S., creating substantial longshoremen and warehouse worker injury claims. These workers may qualify for federal Longshore benefits instead of state workers' comp. Kaiser Permanente's main headquarters and major medical center employ thousands of healthcare workers with lifting injuries and workplace violence. Construction workers building Oakland's development projects face serious fall and equipment hazards.
WCAB Office
1515 Clay Street, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 622-2866Located in the Elihu Harris State Building. City Center Garage (West) is the closest paid lot. 12th St. City Center BART is directly across the street.
"We handle many port and dock worker (Longshore) cross-over cases."
Common Industries in Oakland
Service Area
We serve Oakland and surrounding areas
Nearby WCAB Offices
Get Represented
Our attorneys appear at the Oakland board regularly.
What Oakland clients say
"I was overwhelmed by the paperwork after my injury. David Lamonica's team stepped in and handled everything. They doubled my initial settlement offer."
"They knew exactly how to deal with the insurance adjuster who was denying my claim. Professional and knowledgeable about local procedures."
"Honest, fast, and effective. I didn't pay a dime until we won the case. They appeared at all my hearings so I didn't have to miss work."
All testimonials are from actual clients. Settlement amounts vary based on injury severity and individual circumstances.
Common Workplace Injuries in Oakland
Oakland Workers' Comp FAQ
Where is the WCAB office in Oakland?
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board office serving Oakland is located at 1515 Clay Street, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Phone: (510) 622-2866. The office is in the Elihu Harris State Building in downtown Oakland. The 12th St. City Center BART station is directly across the street. City Center Garage (West) is the closest paid parking lot.
Do Port of Oakland workers qualify for workers' comp or Longshore benefits?
It depends on your specific job. Longshoremen loading/unloading ships at the Port of Oakland are covered under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA), which provides significantly higher benefits than California workers' comp. However, warehouse workers, truck drivers, and administrative workers at the port may only qualify for state workers' comp. We analyze your job duties to determine which system covers you and file accordingly.
What if I was injured working at Kaiser Oakland Medical Center?
Kaiser Permanente is one of Oakland's largest employers. Healthcare workers at Kaiser Oakland frequently suffer back injuries from patient lifting, needle stick injuries, slip-and-falls, and workplace violence from patients or visitors. Kaiser is self-insured, meaning they handle their own claims. They have substantial investigation resources and often dispute claims. Having experienced representation familiar with Kaiser's claim practices is crucial.
Can I file a workers' comp claim if I was injured in a construction accident in Oakland?
Yes. Oakland has substantial construction activity, and construction workers have strong workers' comp claims for falls, equipment accidents, and struck-by injuries. Additionally, construction cases may involve third-party personal injury claims against negligent subcontractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners - these claims can result in much higher recoveries than workers' comp alone. We investigate all potential defendants beyond your direct employer.
How long does a workers' comp case take in Oakland?
Oakland WCAB cases typically take 6-9 months for stipulated settlements in uncontested cases. Contested cases with hearings average 14-20 months. Longshore cases under federal jurisdiction may take longer (18-24 months) but result in higher benefits. The Oakland board is efficient and judges expect parties to be prepared.
What is the average settlement for work injuries in Oakland?
Average workers' compensation settlements in Oakland are approximately $70,100. Port worker Longshore cases settle for $80,000-$200,000+ due to higher federal benefit rates. Kaiser healthcare worker cases average $55,000-$95,000. Construction accident cases range from $70,000-$250,000. Your settlement depends on your disability rating, wages, age, and occupation.
What should I do if I don't speak English and was injured at work in Oakland?
You have the right to an interpreter throughout the workers' compensation process at no cost to you. All medical appointments, legal proceedings, and communications with the insurance company must be provided in your language. Our firm has Spanish-speaking staff and can arrange interpreters for other languages common in Oakland (Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog). Your language should never be a barrier to receiving benefits you deserve.
How Much Is Your California Work Injury Case Worth?
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