(Short Answer: Yes — and Here’s Why)
Plus: How to Choose the Right One for Your Case
Every year, thousands of injured workers in California try to handle their workers’ compensation claims on their own. Some are afraid of the cost. Some think their case is simple. Others just don’t know they have the right to an attorney.
Here is what almost always happens: the insurance company — which has experienced adjusters and lawyers working for them — ends up paying those workers much less than they deserve. Or they deny the claim entirely.
You don’t have to let that happen to you. Let’s talk about why having the right attorney by your side makes all the difference.
With vs. Without an Attorney — The Real Difference
| What You Get | With an Attorney | Without an Attorney |
| Medical care paid for | YES | NO |
| Lost wages while recovering | YES | NO |
| Permanent disability benefits | YES | NO |
| Future medical care covered | YES | NO |
| Attorney fees upfront | NONE | Hourly billing |
| Cost if you lose | $0 | You still owe fees |
5 Reasons Every Injured Worker Needs an Attorney
| 1 | The Insurance Company Has Lawyers. You Should Too.
The moment you file a workers’ comp claim, the insurance company assigns a claims adjuster to your case. Their job is to pay you as little as possible. They know the system inside and out. Without an attorney, you are going up against professionals — alone. An experienced workers’ comp attorney levels the playing field. |
| 2 | The System Is Complicated — But We Know Every Rule
California workers’ compensation law is detailed and full of deadlines, forms, and procedures. Miss one deadline, sign the wrong form, or fail to request the right medical evaluation, and you could lose benefits you are legally entitled to. Your attorney handles all of this so you can focus on getting better. |
| 3 | You May Be Entitled to More Than You Think
Many injured workers only know about medical bills and time off work. But California law may also entitle you to permanent disability payments if your injury leaves lasting effects, vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your old job, life pension payments in serious cases, and penalty payments if the insurance company acts in bad faith. An attorney makes sure nothing gets left on the table. |
| 4 | We Only Get Paid If You Win — Zero Risk to You
Workers’ comp attorneys in California work on a contingency fee. That means you pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes out of the settlement or award — only if we win for you. If you don’t get paid, neither do we. There is truly no financial risk to having an attorney in your corner. |
| 5 | Settlement Offers Are Almost Always Too Low
Insurance companies love it when injured workers settle quickly on their own. Why? Because those settlements are almost always for far less than the worker deserves. An attorney knows what your case is really worth — and will fight to get you there. Studies consistently show that injured workers represented by attorneys receive significantly higher settlements than those who go it alone. |
How to Choose the Right Workers’ Comp Attorney
Not all attorneys are the same. Here is what to look for:
| Questions to Ask Any Workers’ Comp Attorney
✓ Do you ONLY represent injured workers — or do you also represent insurance companies? ✓ How many workers’ comp cases have you handled? ✓ What is your success rate? ✓ Will you personally handle my case, or pass it to a less experienced staff member? ✓ Do you offer free consultations? ✓ Do you have experience with injuries like mine? ✓ Do you speak Spanish (if needed)? |
Be cautious of attorneys who handle all kinds of cases and add workers’ comp as an afterthought. Workers’ compensation law in California is its own specialty — you want someone who lives and breathes it every day.
Also be cautious of attorneys who are more interested in a quick settlement than in maximizing your benefits. The right attorney will take the time to understand your injury, your treatment, and your life — and fight for what you actually deserve.
Meet Dr. Peter M. Schaeffer
| Why Dr. Peter M. Schaeffer?
• Over 30 years of experience representing injured workers in California • More than 3,000 cases handled — with a 99.9% success rate • JD and PharmD degrees — so he understands both the law AND your medical treatment • Applicants only — we NEVER represent insurance companies or employers • Spanish-language services available • Free consultations — no fee unless you win |
Dr. Schaeffer holds both a law degree and a doctorate in pharmacy. That rare combination means he understands not just the legal side of your case, but also the medical side — your diagnosis, your treatment options, your medications, and your long-term prognosis. When the insurance company sends a doctor to downplay your injuries, Dr. Schaeffer knows exactly how to push back.
He has spent over three decades in Riverside fighting for working people — people like you. He has never represented an insurance company, and he never will.
If you or someone you know has been hurt at work, do not wait. Do not try to figure it out alone. And do not sign anything before you talk to us.
The call is free. The consultation is free. And you pay nothing unless we win.
Share this article with a friend or family member who works hard for a living. You never know when this information might save someone’s future.