Workers injured on the job are often at a higher risk of suffering subsequent injuries. This can make it difficult for someone with a permanent partial disability to find employment, as many companies will shy away from workers with an increased risk of injury.
To address this issue, the State of California created the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund. Also referred to as SIBTF, this fund pays out benefits above and beyond what you might be entitled to recover through workers’ comp claims.
SIBTF Eligibility Requirements
Qualifying for these additional benefits is a complicated process. First and foremost, you need a pre-existing condition that has already established you had permanent partial disability.
The next requirement is that you sustained a subsequent work-related injury that is distinct from the original condition that led to your permanent partial disability. This new condition must be rated at least 35 percent or more. There are exceptions that allow for a lower rating of 5 percent if the injury is to an equal or opposite appendage, like an opposing leg or arm.
Together, these disabilities must combine for at least 70 percent permanent disability. This combined score must also be higher than your rating if you had only suffered the subsequent injury. Answering eligibility questions regarding the SIBTF benefit can be difficult. To improve your chances, work with the professionals at the Jin Law Firm.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Getting the most out of these claims can be difficult without the support of seasoned legal counsel. When you hire an attorney, they can help you with multiple aspects of the claims process, including the following:
- Developing Evidence: This process involves the use of documentation, like employment and medical records. An attorney can compile those documents and identify any other type of paperwork that might be important for your case.
- Handling the Paperwork: There is a lot of paperwork involved in the application process, and an attorney can handle all of it. This means avoiding any errors that could delay the process or put your recovery at risk.
- Keeping You Updated: It can take time for the claims process to play out. Our firm can keep you informed on the general timeline of your case. Along the way, we can also answer any questions you might have about your case.
We Can Help With Your Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund Claim
The Jin law Firm is ready to put all of our experience to work on your behalf. While subsequent injuries can be challenging, we understand how to petition for additional compensation. If you have a question about your rights, now is the time to schedule a free consultation with our firm. Contact us as soon as possible to review your options and learn more about the benefits you can receive.