Ep. 122 - Workers' Comp Webinar Series Pt. 3, Delays, Denials and FAQ's
Release Date: 09/02/2025
Ep. 141 - How Insurance Companies Evaluate Your Case from Day One
Work Comp Talk Podcast
In episode #141 of the Work Comp Talk podcast, host Carmen Ramirez welcomes special guest Almarie Rodriguez, Director of Intake at Pacific Workers. With years of hands-on experience, Almarie explains why the first 72 hours after a work injury in California can determine your medical care, your benefits, your settlement, and your future,...
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In Episode #140 of Work Comp Talk, host Carmen Ramirez welcomes special guest Gabriela Matesanz Cruz, Case Manager at Pacific Workers. They dive into the essential role of a case manager. If you’ve been injured at work, feel confused by insurance letters, are waiting on benefits, or worry that your case isn’t moving fast enough. Gabriela pulls back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes and explains how your case is actually managed day-to-day. She shares the real factors that determine how...
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Ep. 139 - Workers’ Comp Special Webinar - Full Episode
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Episode #139 is a special release of our final and most requested webinar of the year, where Carmen Ramirez and Workers’ Compensation Attorney Bilal Qasem reveal the real strategies injured workers must understand to maximize their benefits, protect their wages and increase the long-term value of their workers’ compensation case. This is not generic advice, it’s the exact knowledge injured workers need to stop leaving money on the table, avoid costly mistakes, and take control of their claim. Takeaways: Understanding the workers'...
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Ep. 138 - Top Workers’ Comp Questions of 2025 That Can Put More Money in Your Pocket
Work Comp Talk Podcast
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...
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Ep. 137 - How to Still Get a BIG Settlement After Being Fired
Work Comp Talk Podcast
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...
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Work Comp Talk Podcast
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...
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Ep. 135 - Get the Highest Permanent Disability Rating Allowed by Law
Work Comp Talk Podcast
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Ep. 134 - Workers' Comp Webinar Series Pt. 3
Work Comp Talk Podcast
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...
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Ep. 133 - Workers' Comp Webinar Series Pt. 2
Work Comp Talk Podcast
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...
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Ep. 132 - QME Made Easy! Workers’ Comp Webinar Series Pt.1
Work Comp Talk Podcast
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...
info_outlineIn 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:
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What to do when your treatment is delayed by your insurance adjuster
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What an RFA is, and why timing matters
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How doctors and medical reports influence your benefits
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What your rights are when delays cross the legal line and how judges can intervene
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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
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The value of a second opinion and understanding your QME (Qualified Medical Evaluation) rights
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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. Click here to explore now!
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
If you haven’t seen Episode 120 (parts 1) and Episode 121 (part 2) of the webinar series yet, be sure to check those out for a complete understanding of denials, delays, doctors’ roles, and more. We’ve attached the links for you here.
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:
Visit our FAQ and blog section for more tips on navigating the CA Workers’ Comp System:
https://www.pacificworkers.com/blog/