2004 AMA Guidelines

Los Angeles County Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Professionals in any field owe it to themselves to remain constantly abreast of updates or developments in that profession. Our California state board certified specialist in workers' compensation injury claim representation, Lyle L. Blane, attorney at law, is that kind of lawyer.

Our Glendale law office is familiar with all statutory presumptions, full salary benefits and wage loss concepts related to workers' compensation claims. We represent both private sector employees as well as Los Angeles County public safety members who sustain serious injuries or illnesses in the course of their duties.

For informed and detail-minded focus on your injury claim and for the benefits of 42 years of experience and competence, contact us to schedule your free initial consultation. Our workers' compensation law firm has a reputation for results that can work in your favor.

Experienced, Competent, Focused Workers' Comp Injury Representation

In April 2004, procedures for determining physical impairment and permanent disability in our state's beleaguered workers' compensation system were changed as a result of Senate Bill SB-899. Among other changes, the law called for reliance on a different set of American Medical Association (AMA) guidelines for determining compensation for permanently disabling work-related injuries.

Under the previous guidelines, workers’ injuries received a specific disability rating. Contributing factors to these ratings were the extent of an injury, the worker’s age and the injury’s impact on the worker's ability to do his or her job. Under the revised system of guidelines, compensation for a worker's injuries would initially be determined by ratings for injuries, no matter what the worker’s occupation. The worker's age and occupation were still used as the basis for adjustments to fixed ratings. The major difference was in determining the worker’s diminished “future earning capacity.”

As things now stand in California, physicians should know how to evaluate impairments and criteria for permanent disability accurately and thoroughly. Attorneys such as our firm's founding member, judges, adjusters, case managers and hearing representatives must understand the AMA guidelines to assure that ratings are correct.

When your workers' comp or public safety member injury in Los Angeles County warrants the attention of an accomplished, board certified specialist in job-related injury representation, get in touch with the Glendale law office of Lyle L. Blane.

By Phone, Fax or E-Mail

Contact us now so we can begin researching and preparing your case. Sunday appointments and Spanish interpreters are available. We look forward to meeting you.