Ep. 138 - Top Workers’ Comp Questions of 2025 That Can Put More Money in Your Pocket
Release Date: 12/23/2025
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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'...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outline
Ep. 135 - Get the Highest Permanent Disability Rating Allowed by Law
Work Comp Talk Podcast
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. ...
info_outlineIn 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:
Follow Us on Social Media for More Content!
🔹 Website: www.workcomptalk.net
Sponsors: www.PacificWorkers.com
🔹 TikTok: @pacificworkers