Ep. 145 - How Much Is a Serious Work Injury Worth in California?
Work Comp Talk Podcast
Episode 145: What You Need to Know About Severe Work Injuries in California If you suffered a severe work injury in California, the severity of your injury may determine how much compensation and long-term benefits you receive. Serious injuries unlock benefits that minor injuries never will. Not all work injuries are treated the same. In California workers’ compensation, serious and catastrophic injuries unlock benefits that minor injuries never will, including higher payouts, extended disability benefits, and even lifetime pensions. ...
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Ep. 144 - Do I Have to Quit My Job if I Settle My Workers’ Comp Case?
Work Comp Talk Podcast
Most injured workers in California are told they must quit their job to settle a workers’ comp case, but that’s not always true. In episode #144 of Work Comp Talk, host Carmen Ramirez breaks it down with Pacific Workers attorney Bilal Kassem so you can understand that quitting is often a negotiation tactic, not a legal requirement, and most people never realize they actually have a choice. We walk you through: Whether you legally have to quit to settle workers’ comp in California Settlements can be a...
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Ep. 143 - Why Did My Workers’ Comp Checks Stop?
Work Comp Talk Podcast
In episode #143 of Work Comp Talk, Carmen Ramirez and Bilal Kassem break down exactly why your workers’ compensation checks in California may suddenly stop, sometimes without any notice. From administrative errors to changes in work restrictions, missing medical reports, or the tricky overlap with California State Disability Insurance (SDI), we cover the real reasons behind delayed or stopped payments and how you can protect yourself. Takeaways: The common mistakes that can derail your workers’ comp case. How to spot errors before...
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Ep. 142 - What to Expect in 2026 for CA Workers’ Comp
Work Comp Talk Podcast
In Episode #142 of Work Comp Talk, host Carmen Ramirez and co-host and attorney Bilal Kassem break down what to expect in the California workers’ compensation system for 2026, what changed, what’s still a bottleneck, and what steps help shift your case from the system to help you stay in control. They cover 6 key updates for injured workers, including benefit rate changes (Temporary Disability), mileage reimbursement, medical treatment...
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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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Ep. 140 - Top 5 things your Case Manager needs you to know
Work Comp Talk Podcast
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
Work Comp Talk Podcast
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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Ep. 136 - The 5 Proven Ways to Maximize Your Workers’ Comp Settlement
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...
info_outlineIn 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:
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Where a QME fits in the claims timeline and when they are requested.
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How a QME report can strengthen your case.
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What to look for in a QME report to support your claim.
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The #1 mistake that can derail your claim and how to avoid it.
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Key deadlines for QME evaluations and what to do if missed.
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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.
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🔹 Website: www.workcomptalk.net
Sponsors: www.PacificWorkers.com
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