Some of my new clients are already represented, sometimes by lawyers whose offices are not in Ventura County. These firms do not always make clear that they file their cases in venues close to their offices, such as in Pomona, Santa Ana or Downtown LA. 

The documents you sign when you retain an attorney include a lot of information, including a Disclosure Form which designates the venue, but it’s easy to overlook that important detail. 

While most hearings these days are handled remotely, by telephone or a video Court Call, the problem is that sometimes you, the injured worker, need to appear in person, meaning that if your case is set at 8:30 a.m. in Long Beach you need to go there. 

The other problem is that, compared to the Oxnard venue, the Boards in Los Angeles and other counties have huge numbers of cases meaning that it can take weeks or even months for you to get a hearing. Bad news if your benefits are denied or delayed. 

The other comment I often hear is that the client has not met his or her attorney and/or that they have trouble getting their questions resolved. 

I have practiced as a workers’ compensation lawyer in Ventura since 1983 and have been certified as a specialist by the California State Bar Association since 1987. I meet personally with every client and take the time to explain the process and answer any questions. 

I have represented hundreds of clients in all facets of workers’ compensation litigation. If you have questions, even if your case was filed in another venue, please call or email. The first consultation is always free.