Work Comp Talk Podcast

Work Comp Talk Podcast
  • 4.4 (7)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Work Comp Talk features enlightening conversations with amazing people surrounding the workers' compensation industry. Lawyers, Workers' and Union folk, Fitness Experts, Doctors and Work Coaches are just an example of the amazing people we feature. Wouldn't it be nice if you could easily get the best ideas from the people that make up this community? That's what Work Comp Talk is all about. Each week, we give you the best of the community.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep. 138 - Top Workers' Comp Questions of 2025 That Can Put More Money in Your Pocket

    In this special Episode #138, we bring you clear answers to the top questions our audience has been asking about Workers' Compensation in California. These are the real concerns injured workers are putting on the table in 2025, including mental health and work-related stress, what happens if you quit or are terminated after an injury, and how pre-existing conditions or injuries that develop over time can impact your case.  Carmen Ramirez and workers' comp attorney Bilal break down the most important insights to guide you through your case, helping you understand how the system really works, where injured workers often lose money, and how having the right legal guidance can dramatically increase the value of your claim.    Takeaways:  You generally cannot choose your own doctor for workers' comp injuries in California.  Workers' comp benefits include medical treatment and indemnity payments.  You have one year to file a claim after your injury.  Mental health injuries can qualify for workers' comp benefits under specific conditions.  Employers must provide information about workers' comp rights and assist injured employees.  Future changes in workers' comp laws may improve benefits for injured workers.  Consulting a lawyer can help clarify your rights and options in workers' comp cases.  Staying informed about changes in workers' comp laws is crucial for employees.    Chapters:  00:00 Introduction to Workers' Comp Questions of 2025  00:27 Choosing Your Own Doctor in Workers' Comp  01:39 Understanding Workers' Comp Benefits  03:14 Dealing with Pre-existing Conditions  05:14 Filing Claims and Employment Status  06:48 Mental Health Injuries and Workers' Comp  09:13 Employer Responsibilities in Workers' Comp  10:51 Using Vacation Time for Injuries  12:59 Future Changes in Workers' Comp Laws    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.    Visit our FAQ and blog for more resources:  https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/     Follow Us on Social Media for More Content!   🔹 Website: www.workcomptalk.net   Sponsors: www.PacificWorkers.com   🔹 TikTok: @pacificworkers

    15 min

  2. DEC 16

    Ep. 137 - How to Still Get a BIG Settlement After Being Fired

    Episode #137 of Work Comp Talk breaks down the real secrets to winning big money in California Workers' Comp even AFTER you've been fired, and yes, even if you quit, got laid off, or your boss is pushing you out.  In this new segment, hosts Carmen Ramirez and Bilal Kassem uncover one of the most misunderstood rules in CA Work Comp: Post-Termination Defense, the rule that scares injured workers into thinking they lose all benefits the moment they leave their job. According to attorney Bilal, quitting or getting terminated does not automatically take away your rights under this rule, as long as your injury happened before the termination notice or is properly documented. They also explain what the law actually says, the biggest mistakes workers make, and the top 5 ways to strengthen your case even after termination.    Takeaways:  Quitting does not automatically forfeit workers' compensation rights.  Post-termination defense prevents false claims after termination.  Documenting injuries is crucial for pursuing claims.  Cumulative trauma injuries may not be recognized until later.  Employers can retaliate against employees who file claims.  Consulting a lawyer is advisable for navigating claims.  Insurance companies, not employers, are responsible for claims.  Understanding your financial situation is important before quitting.  Myths about workers' compensation can lead to misinformation.    Chapters:  00:00 Understanding Post-Termination Defense  06:31 Navigating Injuries and Employment Status  10:07 Five Essential Steps Before Quitting  14:45 Myths About Workers' Compensation Rights    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.    Visit our FAQ and blog for more resources:  https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/     Follow Us on Social Media for More Content!   🔹 Website: www.workcomptalk.net  🔹 Sponsors: www.PacificWorkers.com   🔹 TikTok: @pacificworkers    🔔 Subscribe & hit the bell so you never miss a new episode.

    17 min

  3. DEC 9

    Ep. 136 - The 5 Proven Ways to Maximize Your Workers' Comp Settlement

    Episode #136 of Work Comp Talk is the one that can literally change the outcome of your workers' comp case. This episode breaks down the Top 5 Ways to WIN Your Workers' Comp Case. Whether you're new to the workers' comp system or already stuck in the middle of a frustrating process, this episode gives you the clarity, confidence, and guidance you need to move forward.    Takeaways:  The Kite case advocates for simple addition in disability ratings.  The Vigil case clarifies the use of simple addition for combined injuries.  Injured workers should ensure all body parts are included in their claims.  Choosing the right doctor can significantly impact recovery and case outcomes.  Fighting denials is essential; don't accept them without challenge.  Understanding your rights is crucial in navigating workers' compensation.  Communication between doctors and lawyers is vital for patient care.  Proactive advocacy can lead to better case outcomes.    Chapters:  00:00 Introduction: 5 Positive Ways to Win Your Case 01:36 Kite & Vigil Cases: Changing How Your Disability Is Calculated 06:00 Positive Way #2: Make Sure Every Injury Is Included 09:08 Positive Way #3: Choosing the Right Doctor for Your Case 13:21 Positive Way #4: Fighting Treatment Denials Without Giving Up 16:24 Positive Way #5: Understanding Your Rights in the Workers' Comp System   About our sponsors - Pacific Workers, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, the trusted workers' compensation law firm in Northern California. With over 13,000 cases won and more than $350 million recovered for injured workers, they are here to help if you've suffered a workplace injury.    Visit our FAQ and blog for more resources:  https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/     Follow Us on Social Media for More Content!   🔹 Website: www.workcomptalk.net   🔹 Sponsors: www.PacificWorkers.com   🔹 TikTok: @pacificworkers    🔔 Follow & Subscribe so you never miss a new episode!

    23 min

  4. DEC 2

    Ep. 135 - Get the Highest Permanent Disability Rating Allowed by Law

    In episode #135 learn how to maximize your Permanent Disability Rating and protect your benefits in California Workers' Comp. Carmen Ramirez and attorney Bilal Kassem break down one of the most confusing stages for injured workers: how the disability rating system really works, how percentages are calculated, and what factors can affect the money you receive.  If you've ever felt lost with terms like MMI, Permanent & Stationary, WPI, AMA Guides, apportionment, or PD payments, this conversation gives you the clarity you need to confidently move forward and win your case.    You'll learn:  What it really means to reach MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement)  How doctors calculate Whole Person Impairment (WPI)  How age, occupation, functional loss, and surgery outcomes affect your rating  How pre-existing conditions and apportionment can change your percentage  The deadlines, payment rules, and when PD checks must start  Why choosing the right doctor matters, and how ratings can vary drastically  How legal strategies can help increase your rating and prevent lowball offers  Your rights to backpay, advances, and accurate calculations     Chapters:     00:00 Understanding Permanent Disability Ratings  02:14 The Components of Disability Ratings  05:36 Addressing Pre-existing Conditions  08:44 Deadlines and Payment Processes  11:09 Timeline for Receiving Ratings  12:18 The Role of Doctors in Ratings  14:08 Challenges in Permanent Disability Ratings    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.    Visit our FAQ and blog for more resources:  https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/     Follow Us on Social Media for More Content!   🔹 Website: www.workcomptalk.net   🔹 Sponsors: www.PacificWorkers.com   🔹 TikTok: @pacificworkers

    19 min

  5. NOV 25

    Ep. 134 - Workers' Comp Webinar Series Pt. 3

    In Episode #134 of Work Comp Talk, hosts Carmen Ramírez and Bilal Kassem keep the energy high as they jump into Part 3 of our Special Workers' Compensation Webinar Series, and this one gets real.  In this segment, Carmen and Bilal walk you through "Real Cases: Dodging a Bad QME," sharing honest insights and real stories of injured workers who almost ended up with the wrong evaluator until the right guidance changed everything. Hosts explain, in a clear and supportive way, what really happens when you miss a deadline, choose the wrong doctor, or find yourself dealing with a QME who isn't truly on your side.    What You Will Learn: How to spot a bad QME before it hurts your case  What to do if you missed a deadline or picked the wrong doctor  How to request a supplemental report the right way  When and why you can switch QMEs with attorney support  How to protect your California work comp claim from common traps  Real examples of how injured workers turned their cases around    Chapters:  00:00 – Introduction and Overview of QME Challenges02:36 – Missed Deadlines and Wrong Doctor Scenarios  06:53 – Ensuring Complete Medical Records and Supplemental Reports  11:10 – Attorney Power: Subpoenaing Records and Legal Support  15:02 – QME Responsibilities and What to Expect at Evaluation  20:12 – Reading QME Reports, Thin Reports, and Next Steps    This was the final part of our webinar series, but there's more to come! Stay tuned for the next episodes to keep learning how to manage your workers' comp case, avoid pitfalls, and make sure your rights are protected every step of the way.    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.    Visit our FAQ and blog for more resources:  https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/     Follow Us on Social Media for More Content!   🔹 Website: www.workcomptalk.net   🔹 Sponsors: www.PacificWorkers.com   🔹 TikTok: @pacificworkers

    35 min

  6. NOV 18

    Ep. 133 - Workers' Comp Webinar Series Pt. 2

    In Episode #133 of Work Comp Talk, hosts Carmen Ramírez and Bilal Kassem dive into QME 101: The real timeline and the number one mistake that can kill your claim, the second part of our Special Workers' Compensation Webinar Series.  In this segment, Carmen and Bilal break down everything you need to know about the Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME), when they appear in your claim, and the crucial role they play in determining your case outcome. A QME's report can make or break your claim, from establishing your medical condition and disability to influencing the benefits and future care you may receive. Understanding how to navigate this process can be the key to protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation.   What You'll Learn:  Where a QME fits in the claims timeline and when they are requested.  How a QME report can strengthen your case.  What to look for in a QME report to support your claim.  The #1 mistake that can derail your claim and how to avoid it.  Key deadlines for QME evaluations and what to do if missed.  Tips for working with your QME to document injuries accurately.    Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and Webinar Goals 01:00 – When a QME Appears in a Case 02:35 – Importance and Contents of the QME Report 04:52 – Preparation and Strategy for the QME 08:40 – Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong QME 14:11 – Common QME Errors to Avoid 17:21 – Explanation on the Importance of Proper Documentation   This latest webinar is packed with QME Essentials. Stay until the very end to learn what to expect from your evaluation and how to navigate the system with confidence.    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.    Visit our FAQ and blog for more resources:  https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/     Follow Us on Social Media for More Content!   🔹 Website: www.workcomptalk.net   Sponsors: www.PacificWorkers.com   🔹 TikTok: @pacificworkers

    21 min

  7. NOV 11

    Ep. 132 - QME Made Easy! Workers' Comp Webinar Series Pt.1

    In Episode #132 of Work Comp Talk, hosts Carmen Ramírez and Bilal Kassem kick off the 6th edition of our Special Workers' Compensation Webinar Series. This first part focuses on the Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME), why it matters in your workers' comp case and what to expect when going through the evaluation process.  This special segment highlights the key role the QME plays in determining your medical condition, level of disability, and overall case outcome.     What You'll Learn:    Why the QME process is one of the most important steps in your workers' comp claim.  What to expect before, during, and after your QME evaluation.  How the QME report influences your benefits and case resolution.  The timeline and procedures every injured worker should know.  How to avoid common mistakes and make the most of your evaluation.    Chapters:  01:05 – Learn why understanding the QME process is essential for injured workers.  03:06 – Discover the critical error that could ruin your entire workers' comp case.  04:44 – The real purpose of a Qualified Medical Evaluator and when they get involved.  07:19 – What to Expect from the QME Process    This latest webinar is packed with QME Essentials. Stay until the very end to learn what to expect from your evaluation and how to navigate the system with confidence.    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.    Visit our FAQ and blog for more resources:  https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/     Follow Us on Social Media for More Content!   🔹 Website: www.workcomptalk.net   Sponsors: www.PacificWorkers.com   🔹 TikTok: @pacificworkers

    8 min

  8. NOV 4

    Ep. 131 - Think Before You Answer: The Truth About Insurance Calls

    In episode 131 of Work Comp Talk, host Carmen Ramirez sits down with Marco Valadez, a seasoned hearing representative at Pacific Workers, to uncover what really happens when an insurance adjuster calls after a work injury. Learn what to say, what not to say, and how to protect your workers' comp claim from costly mistakes.    What You Will Learn  Handle insurance adjuster calls without risking your claim. Know the adjuster's real role.  Avoid the most common mistakes injured workers make.  Learn what info to share and what to keep private.  Get expert tips from Marco Valadez to protect your rights.   Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction   01:10 – Why This Topic Matters   03:00 – Who Is the Insurance Adjuster?   06:15 – The Biggest Mistakes Injured Workers Make   10:40 – What You Should (and Shouldn't) Say   15:30 – Marco's Expert Tips   16:00 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways    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.    Visit our FAQ and blog for more resources:  https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/     Follow Us on Social Media for More Content!   🔹 Website: www.workcomptalk.net   Sponsors: www.PacificWorkers.com 🔹 TikTok: @pacificworkers

    18 min
See All (100)

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Work Comp Talk features enlightening conversations with amazing people surrounding the workers' compensation industry. Lawyers, Workers' and Union folk, Fitness Experts, Doctors and Work Coaches are just an example of the amazing people we feature. Wouldn't it be nice if you could easily get the best ideas from the people that make up this community? That's what Work Comp Talk is all about. Each week, we give you the best of the community.

Information

  • Creator
    Work Comp Talk Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020
  • Show Website
    Work Comp Talk Podcast

You Might Also Like