Your Workers’ Rights Do Not Depend on Your Immigration Status
Release Date: 04/25/2026
Ep. 153 - Should I hire a Workers’ Comp Attorney?
Work Comp Talk Podcast
Most injured workers don’t realize this: it’s not the injury that defines your case, it’s the decisions you make early on and the guidance you have. If you don’t know what to do next, don’t guess. Book a free, confidential consultation with us and find out how we can help. Welcome to episode #153 of Work Comp Talk, hosted by Carmen Ramirez with a key guest Bilal Kassem, President of Pacific Workers. In this opportunity, we tackle one of the most important decisions any injured...
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Your Workers’ Rights Do Not Depend on Your Immigration Status
Work Comp Talk Podcast
Are you avoiding reporting a workplace injury because of your immigration status? You’re not alone and that fear is more common than you think. If fear is holding you back, start with a conversation. It’s free, confidential, and focused on protecting your rights. At Pacific Workers, we see it every day, injured workers across California choosing not to act. Not because they don’t have rights, but because of fear and misinformation. But here’s the truth: your right to medical care and Workers’ Compensation benefits does NOT...
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Ep. 152 - How Workers’ Comp Settlements Are Really Calculated
Work Comp Talk Podcast
Do you think your workers’ comp settlement is just a random number the insurance company picks? You could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table, without even knowing it. Welcome to Episode #152 of Work Comp Talk, hosted by Carmen Ramirez, with a special guest Mark Scott Thuesen, an attorney with over 17 years of experience in California Workers’ Compensation. Today we break down how settlements are really calculated, which factors matter (and which ones they’re not telling you), and why many injured workers accept less than they truly...
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Ep. 151 - Should I use my PTO or Vacation for Workers’ Comp?
Work Comp Talk Podcast
If you got injured at work and your employer told you to use your PTO… You might be losing money without even knowing it. In this episode 151 of Work Comp Talk, Carmen Ramirez is joined by Bilal Kassem from Pacific Workers to break down when you should and when you should not use your PTO while on Workers’ Compensation. Most injured workers don’t realize this can cost them money, burn through their earned time off, and impact their financial stability. If your employer is telling you not to report your injury or to use your own time first, that could be a major...
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Ep. 150 - The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Workers’ Comp Settlement
Work Comp Talk Podcast
Today we celebrate Episode 150 of Work Comp Talk. A couple of years ago, this podcast started with one simple goal: helping injured workers understand a system that can often feel confusing and overwhelming. Since then, we’ve had meaningful conversations, answered important questions, and shared insights that we hope have helped many people feel more confident about their workers’ compensation cases. For this special episode, four attorneys from Pacific Workers join host Carmen Ramirez to share practical tips on protecting your workers’ compensation settlement in...
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Ep. 149 - Should I take the first offer of my workers’ comp claim?
Work Comp Talk Podcast
Episode149: Just because the insurance company makes an offer doesn’t mean it reflects the real value of your case. Today, host Carmen Ramirez is joined by Pacific Workers President, Bilal Kassem, to discuss the complexities surrounding the first settlement offer in workers' compensation cases. They explore the misconceptions injured workers have about these offers, the importance of medical evaluations, and the potential long-term consequences of accepting early settlements. Bilal emphasizes the need for legal guidance and negotiation strategies, while also highlighting the...
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Ep. 148 - Why was my Workers’ Comp Claim Denied?
Work Comp Talk Podcast
In episode #148, we tackle one of the most stressful moments an injured worker can face: when your workers’ comp claim is denied in California. You reported your injury, followed all the rules, and expected protection, but instead, you get a denial letter. Most workers panic, thinking their case is over. The truth is: you deserve more. A denial is often just the beginning. What You’ll Learn: Host Carmen and Bilal Kassem, President of Pacific Workers, Lawyers for Injured Workers, break it down step by step: The real reasons claims get denied in...
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Ep. 147 - Can I choose my own doctor in California workers’ compensation?
Work Comp Talk Podcast
Episode 147: Workers’ Comp Doctor Rules in California, Your Rights Inside the MPN System If you were injured at work in California, your employer may send you to a specific doctor, but does that mean you have no choice? In this episode of Work Comp Talk, host Carmen Ramirez and attorney Bilal Kassam explain one of the most misunderstood parts of California workers’ compensation: your right to choose and change your treating doctor. Many injured workers don’t realize that the doctor managing their care can directly affect disability benefits, work restrictions,...
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Ep. 146 - Do I Have to Report My Workers' Comp Payments on My Taxes?
Work Comp Talk Podcast
Episode 146: Are workers’ compensation settlements taxable? Think the IRS will take a big chunk of your workers’ comp settlement? Most injured workers are wrong, and you need to know the truth. Workers’ compensation is designed as a benefits system, not a paycheck. That changes everything when it comes to taxes. But there are important exceptions and financial pitfalls many people don’t realize, like back wages, child support liens, Social Security offsets, and how settlements should be structured to protect your...
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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. ...
info_outlineAre you avoiding reporting a workplace injury because of your immigration status?
You’re not alone and that fear is more common than you think.
If fear is holding you back, start with a conversation. It’s free, confidential, and focused on protecting your rights.
At Pacific Workers, we see it every day, injured workers across California choosing not to act. Not because they don’t have rights, but because of fear and misinformation.
But here’s the truth:
your right to medical care and Workers’ Compensation benefits does NOT depend on your citizenship status.
This is a special episode created for you.
Carmen Ramirez, alongside attorney David Mojica from Pacific Workers, opens up a conversation around a topic that affects so many people on a deeply personal level.
But the goal is clear: to give you real information, provide clarity, and support those who need answers today.
Because we understand something important: this doesn’t just impact your job…
it impacts your life.
The fear is real, but it shouldn’t stop you
In many communities, the presence of ICE has created uncertainty. This has led many injured workers to avoid reporting accidents, skip medical appointments, or walk away from their cases altogether.
But here’s what you need to know: a Workers’ Compensation case is completely separate from immigration enforcement.
If you’re injured and afraid, here’s what you should do TODAY:
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Report your injury as soon as possible
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Seek medical treatment immediately
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Do NOT discuss your immigration status with your employer
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Speak with a Workers’ Compensation attorney
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Understand that workers’ comp hearings are Not immigration proceedings
At Pacific Workers, we believe something very simple: your work deserves protection, and so do you. And sometimes, more than laws… what matters most is understanding that behind every case, there’s a real story.
Not sure what to do next? Talk to someone who understands your rights, your consultation is free and completely confidential.
Drop your questions and comments on our social media channels or message us directly on Instagram: @workcomptalk | @pacificworkerscomp
For more help, check out Stand Together Contra Costa in the link below. They offer free immigration legal services and 24/7 support.