San Francisco Workers' Compensation Lawyer
We understand the specific challenges of San Francisco's key industries and legal environment. Our attorneys appear at the San Francisco Workers' Compensation Appeals Board regularly.
San Francisco's high cost of living significantly impacts settlement calculations - temporary disability rates are based on wages, and SF tech workers often have the highest weekly wages in California. The tech sector creates unique repetitive strain injury (RSI) claims from programming and mouse use. Construction workers building the city's constant developments face fall hazards and confined space accidents. Service industry workers in hotels and restaurants suffer from slip-and-falls and lifting injuries.
WCAB Office
455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 703-5011Street parking is extremely difficult. We strongly advise using the Civic Center BART/Muni station. The nearest paid lot is the UC Law SF garage on McAllister.
"High cost of living adjustments are critical for SF cases."
Common Industries in San Francisco
Service Area
We serve San Francisco and surrounding areas
Nearby WCAB Offices
Get Represented
Our attorneys appear at the San Francisco board regularly.
What San Francisco 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 San Francisco
San Francisco Workers' Comp FAQ
Where is the WCAB office in San Francisco?
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board office serving San Francisco is located at 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102. Phone: (415) 703-5011. The office is in the Civic Center area, directly accessible from the Civic Center BART/Muni station. Parking is extremely limited - we strongly recommend public transit.
How do tech workers in San Francisco file carpal tunnel claims?
Tech workers in San Francisco frequently develop carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries from constant keyboard and mouse use. These are cumulative trauma claims (CT claims), meaning the injury developed over time. You must file within one year of either: (1) when you first knew the injury was work-related, or (2) when you were unable to work due to the injury. Our firm specializes in documenting tech work activities to prove industrial causation.
Does San Francisco's high cost of living affect my workers' comp settlement?
Yes, indirectly. Your Temporary Disability (TD) payments are based on your average weekly wage, and San Francisco tech workers typically earn significantly higher wages than other California workers. Higher wages mean higher TD payments. Additionally, your occupation's earning capacity affects your Permanent Disability (PD) calculation - higher-paying jobs result in higher PD values.
What if I was injured doing construction in San Francisco?
Construction workers in San Francisco have strong workers' comp claims, but these cases are complex. Many SF construction sites involve multiple contractors, subcontractors, and staffing agencies. Determining the correct employer and insurance carrier requires investigation. Additionally, you may have a third-party personal injury claim against negligent parties beyond your employer (which can result in much higher recoveries).
Can I see doctors at UCSF for my workers' comp injury in San Francisco?
Only if UCSF providers are in your employer's Medical Provider Network (MPN). Most large SF employers have MPNs that include UCSF and other top-tier medical facilities. However, you must select from approved doctors in the MPN. If your employer has no MPN, you can predesignate a personal physician before injury. Our firm can help you navigate MPN rules to access the best medical care.
How long does a workers' comp case take in San Francisco?
San Francisco WCAB cases vary in length. Stipulated settlements in uncontested cases take 6-9 months. Contested cases with hearings average 15-20 months. The SF board is efficient but has high standards for medical evidence, which can extend timelines. QME evaluations add 5-8 months. Our familiarity with SF judges and medical-legal providers helps expedite cases.
What is the average settlement for work injuries in San Francisco?
Average workers' compensation settlements in San Francisco are approximately $72,300, the highest in Northern California. Tech worker RSI cases average $50,000-$95,000. Construction accident cases range from $80,000 to $300,000+ depending on severity. Service industry back injuries settle for $45,000-$85,000. Higher wages in SF significantly increase settlement values.
How Much Is Your California Work Injury Case Worth?
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