Season Three

June 22, 2021

Episode 21 - Bilal Kassem - What is a Deposition in Workers' Compensation?

If you’re nervous for your deposition in your Workers’ Compensation case, you’re not alone. This process can be one of the most intimidating parts of the Workers’ Compensation system. It puts you face-to-face with the insurance company’s defense attorney and an official court stenographer. However, as long as you’re properly prepared, there’s no reason to be afraid. We have summed up what you need to know about depositions and what you can expect.
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August 11, 2021

Episode 22 - Miry Naweed D.C. - The Secrets To A Succesful QME Appointment

Recovering after a work injury can be hard. Sometimes, injured employee’s will be referred to chiropractic care in hopes to heal and get better. Some chiropractors will also provide QME services. QME stands for Qualified Medical Evaluations and they are very important in the workers’ comp system. These evaluations can either make or break a case.

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August 25, 2021

Episode 23 - The Story of Donny Mozzetti

In this episode we dive into the life of a current Pacific Workers’ client who shares the ups and downs of his workers’ comp case. Hoping to shed light for others currently dealing with a workers’ comp case. He hopes to guide others and help them not make the same mistakes he did for his 2 injuries. Learn how he dealt with the mental health and depression associated with his work injuries.
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November 25, 2021

Episode 24 - Dealing with Workers' Comp Claim Adjusters

There are so many parties involved in a workers’ comp case and sometimes it’s hard to keep track of who does what. Bilal and Carmen dive deep into the role of a claims adjuster within a workers’ comp case. Learn what are some of the things that you should share and what you should not.
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December 8, 2021

Episode 25 - Personal Injury VS Workers' Comp

There are many situations when personal injury lawyers work together with a workers’ comp lawyer for the same case. Bilal and Carmen share important information on this episode that sheds light on what you need to keep in mind if you have an injury that ties both of these terms together. There are some exceptions on some cases where you can’t get both personal injury and workers’ comp benefits.
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December 29, 2021

Episode 26 - Workers' Compensation for Firefighters

Firefighters can be exposed to many dangerous situations throughout their work shifts. Bilal Kassem and Carmen Ramirez dive into a conversation about what benefits they are entitled to and what types of injuries he sees at the firm.
There are a few unique rules that apply only to first responders and firefighters and presumptions that are taken into consideration as well. Keep listening for more insights on this topic.

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January 20, 2022

Episode 27 - Why You Should Hire a Workers' Comp Attorney!

Workers’ compensation claims are difficult but the right representation helps make everything make sense and can also get you better results. Bilal and Carmen discuss what are the benefits of hiring a workers’ comp attorney. They also share great tips and stories that can help you get the best outcome from your work injury.
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February 2, 2022

Episode 28 - Social Media Dangers in Workers' Comp

Online platforms like Facebook, Twitter, TikTok or Instagram may help us connect to people and express ourselves, but in legal cases, anything posted online can and will be used against you. That being said, it is easy to avoid things that can complicate your chances of winning a legal case. Here’s a quick rundown of the things you should not do on social media during a legal trial.
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February 14, 2022

Episode 29 - Permanent Disability in Workers' Comp

Disabilities that render you unable to work, function, or lead an everyday life make you eligible for the permanent disability benefits through the workers’ compensation system under California law. Bilal talks about ratings given to body parts and deciding factors that are taken into consideration when doctors give a rating.
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February 22, 2022

Episode 30 - Death Benefits in Workers' Comp

Death benefits get paid to the dependents of the deceased. It is not always mentioned that the amount received is enough to cover the burial expenses and often times also include a cash benefit. In this episode, Workers’ Comp Attorney Bilal Kassem, speaks about the cash benefits. the beneficiaries and the type of payments received.
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March 7, 2022

Episode 31 - The Story of Mark Hawke

Mark Hawke was a full time live in caregiver of a 100% disabled veteran. For the most part, he took care of himself and was in good shape, he would go on 5 mile walks or runs and even lift light weights.

In this episode, we dive into the workers’ comp story of Mark Hawke. You will not believe the crazy ups and downs, hoops and challenges he faced along the way.

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March 17, 2022

Episode 32 - Advocating for Human Rights | Eric Farber and Tommy Lee

30.8% of the population in Latin America lived below the poverty line in 2019, with 11.5% living in extreme poverty. Join us in this in depth discussion with Tommy Lee from the Comisión Latino Americana De Derechos Humanos in Medellín, Colombia.

Pacific Workers’ very own Founder, Eric Farber has also joined the organization. The ultimate goal is to continue to help others regardless of their nationalities and where they live. From helping Famous Athletes, Injured Workers’ in the communities to now Latin American’s Human Rights.
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March 17, 2022

Episode 33 - Contractors and Workers' Comp

There are many times when injured workers are denied workers’ compensation benefits. The denial may be due to a misclassification. Employers like to save money and try to consider their employees as contractors or independent contractors, when in reality they’re not.

Bilal Kassem and Carmen Ramirez, help injured workers understand the difference of these classifications and guide you with great tips to manage a workers’ comp claim under these circumstances.
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March 17, 2022

Episode 34 - Ultimate Guide to Utilization and Independent Medical Reviews

One of the most complicated parts of a workers’ comp claim and the topic that is least discussed about is Utilization Reviews (UR) and Independent Medical Reviews (IMR). Injured workers’ often just get a No for an answer when seeking back surgery or other types of benefits, there is never an explanation behind the answer no.

Going through the medical treatment process is the CA Workers’ Comp is not as easy as going to your medical doctor for a non related work injury. Bilal Kassem and Carmen Ramirez discuss what a UR and IMR is and what is the good and the bad from them.

After listening to this podcast, you will have a better understanding of how to navigate these complex situations within a workers’ comp claim.
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April 15, 2022

Episode 35- The Secrets of Crowdfunding with Robert Garland

When it comes to loosing a loved one, many families are faced with unexpected expenses in the aftermath. Recently, in the past few years crowdfunding platforms have helped families get back on their feet or cover funeral expenses. Unfortunately not all crowdfunding sites are equal, most don’t verify until Fund The First was created.

Anyone can create an online campaign and request money from people for whatever their needs are. Fund The First was created to end the unverified accounts that lead to bad people, fake accounts and lost money.
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April 15, 2022

Episode 36 - Is Pain and Suffering Really Covered By Workers' Comp?

Legislation was passed several years ago reforming the law and limiting the monetary compensation awarded for Permanent Disability (PD) occurring from depression, stress, anxiety, etc. after suffering a physical injury.

For injuries occurring after 1/1/2013, an injured worker can no longer receive an increase in PD due to psychological distress, loss of sleep, or sexual dysfunction secondary to a physical injury, unless the injury is catastrophic or the individual was a victim of a violent act or was exposed to a violent act. To some extent, this put an end to recovery for “pain and suffering” in many workers’ compensation cases.
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April 27, 2022

Episode 37 - The Ultimate Guide To Settling Your Workers' Comp Case

Settling a workers’ comp case if a big deal. Many injured workers’ fear that if they settle too soon they might loose out on benefits they will later need. Unfortunately, the easiest answer to give is, it depends. We know how discouraging it could be to hear that, because that’s really not a helpful answer. Luckily, we share examples and analyzed this topic enough that we think we can help you figure out clues to finding out if settling your case makes sense.

Bilal Kassem, President and co-founder of Pacific Workers’, The Lawyers for Injured Workers the #1 Northern CA. Workers’ Comp Law Firm has already helped thousands of injured workers with their case. In this episode he explains what to look out for and shares clues that could help you determine if it’s the right time to settle your case.
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May 11, 2022

Episode 38 - The Dangers of Working at Tesla

In this episode Bilal Kassem of Pacific Workers’, The Lawyers for Injured Workers has a lot to talk about in regards to the things that are happening behind the scenes at Tesla facilities. With close to 200 Tesla injury cases in his law firm alone, the dangers of working at Tesla raise red flags.

If you or someone you know has suffered an injury at work and you need help getting your benefits, reach out to a CA Workers’ Comp Attorney. This podcast is presented by Pacific Workers’, The Lawyers for Injured Workers, call 800-606-6999 for a free case evaluation
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May 18, 2022

Episode 39 - Gunshots, Denials and 8 Years of Workers' Comp!

When it comes to Workers’ Compensation in CA, every case is unique for many reasons. You could get a great insurance claims adjuster who makes the process easy, a neutral doctor or even a good judge. Cases vary for so many reasons and despite injuries, sometimes cases can go horribly wrong.

This is the story of unique work injuries that include Gunshots wounds, Denials, Appeals and an on going battle of now 8 years within the workers’ compensation system in CA. Bilal Kassem, Esq. and Carmen Ramirez dive into the gruesome details that lead to an injured person left to die in the workplace.

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May 27, 2022

Episode 40 - Workers' Comp in a Crippled Economy

President and Co-founder of Pacific Workers’, The Lawyers for Injured Workers Bilal Kassem joins me Carmen Ramirez your host to speak about the possible affects of the Economy in the California Workers’ Compensation System. We walk you through what an injured worker could be facing and why you might even think twice before reporting an injury. We encourage all to listen to this episode and really understand how the system works and how to be careful of the decisions you take.

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June 3, 2022

Episode 41 - Credits in Workers' Comp

What are credits within a Workers’ Compensation Claim? Credits usually mean that the insurance company essentially wants their money back. In some cases, they want to take a credit for something they have given you and apply it towards a future benefit that you have not received yet.

Sometimes injured workers get placed in situations that legally allow the insurance companies to be entitled to credits.Unfortunately, this situation happens more often than not. These credits can come about at any part of a case and It can really affect the injured worker fighting workers’ comp claim.

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June 10, 2022

Episode 42 - Fighting Denials in Workers' Comp

There are denials left and right within the CA Workers’ Compensation System. Cases are denied for a medical reasons, factual or even just because and yes it’s normal. In this episode Bilal Kassem, president of Pacific Workers’, The Laywers for Injured Workers talks about all of the ways you can fight a denied workers’ comp case.

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June 16, 2022

Episode 43 - The 5 Biggest Mistakes That Can Cost You Your Workers' Comp Case

Navigating the CA Workers’ Comp System alone is a very brave thing to do. The average injured worker doesn’t necessarily have all of the knowledge and tools to go up against the giant insurance companies who have been practicing this part of the law for many years. Mistakes can easily be made if you are not familiar with the workers’ comp system. Some mistakes can even get your case dismissed and benefits denied.

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