At Pacific Workers’ Compensation Law Center, our team provides focused legal assistance to clients facing workers’ compensation cases. We are passionate about giving back to those in our community, and are excited to provide scholarship opportunities to help qualifying students receive a college education. Our firm is proud to support the families in our community, and we work hard to meet the specific legal needs of our clients every day. Contact our office to learn more about our scholarship program.
About The Pacific Workers’ Community Foundation College Scholarship
The Pacific Workers’ Community Foundation College Scholarship will award 2 scholarships in the amount of $750 each to qualified individuals graduating from high school in 2018 and attending a full-time, four-year accredited institution beginning Fall 2018.
One of the scholarships will be awarded to the son or daughter of a Bay Area firefighter or law enforcement officer, and the other scholarship will go to the son or daughter of a current or former workers’ compensation client of Farber & Company/Pacific Workers’ Compensation Law Center.
Qualifications to Participate
1. To qualify for consideration for the Firefighter or Law Enforcement Officer Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a resident of a Bay Area County (as defined at the bottom of this page)
- Be the son or daughter of a Bay Area firefighter or police officer (may be retired or inactive)
- Maintain a 3.4 grade point average throughout high school (on a 4.0 scale)
- Plan to attend a 4-year, accredited college or university in the United States on a full-time basis
2. To qualify for consideration for the PWC General Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be the son or daughter of a current or former workers’ compensation client of Farber & Company or Pacific Workers Compensation Law Center
- Maintain a 3.4 grade point average throughout high school (on a 4.0 scale)
- Plan to attend a 4-year accredited college or university in the United States on a full-time basis
How to Apply
To be considered for any of the previously listed scholarships, applicants must provide the following:
- Completed & signed application
- Signed certification & release form (if under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign)
- Copy of certified, high school transcript
- A personal photo
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A 2-4 minute YouTube video answering the following questions:
- What does fighting for justice mean to you?
- How do you fight for justice?
- In-person interview
Important Dates & Deadlines: 2018
July 1, 2018 - All applications and materials must be submitted by 5:00 PM PST
July 15-25, 2018 - Personal interviews will be conducted
August 5, 2018 - Scholarship winners will be announced
August 15, 2018 – Funds will be dispersed
2017 Pacific Workers’ Community Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Samantha Morales was the recipient of the 2017 Pacific Workers’ Community Foundation Scholarship. Sam is a Richmond native who is currently an independent student at Holy Names University in Oakland. She is studying Criminal Justice with the ultimate goal of joining SFPD and working to help abused and neglected children. Sam is the Cadet Captain of the SFPAL Cadets, as well as a member of the SFPD Cadet Program. The Pacific Workers’ Community Foundation is proud to support Sam in reaching her goals. She impressed the scholarship committee with her drive, the obstacles she’s overcome, and her ability to balance her cadet programs, work, and studies.
For more information about our 2018 scholarship opportunities, or to receive a free consultation regarding your workers’ comp case, contact our office.
We have Helped OVER 8,000 CLIENTS aND WE CAN HELP YOU TOO!
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Thank you for being so kind and completely sympathetic to my case!
“I started my fight against my company's workers comp and after talking to Almarie for the first time I already felt a lot of weight off my shoulders. It feels nice to have someone fighting for your rights but also keeping you in check for your own good.”
Jazzie D. Daly City, CA -
They took care of me!
“Bilal worked on my case and he was very professional, friendly, and kind to me. I was so nervous about my deposition and he made me feel very comfortable and less stressed about the whole situation.”
Gabi O. Sacramento, CA -
The most down to earth team I have ever met!
“They have strong communication and I was respected throughout the whole process. They had never given up on me!”
Nekealla C. Tracy, CA -
I'm forever grateful & thankful to all!
“I especially want to thank Mr. Jason Insdorf, who worked in attaining a settlement I never expected.”
L.S. Union City, CA
Workers' Comp FAQ
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Am I Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?
In California, all employees are eligible for workers’ compensation with very few exceptions. If you are classified as an “employee” (rather than an “independent contractor”), you are eligible to receive benefits. This is true regardless of how many employees your employer has, how many hours you work, how much you make, whether you work part-time or full-time, or whether you are a seasonal worker. Additionally, undocumented workers are also eligible for workers’ compensation granted they meet all other eligibility requirements. In contrast, independent contractors and certain other workers, including some volunteers, household workers who are employed by a family member, and others, are not able to file for workers’ compensation benefits.
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Can't I Just File for Workers' Compensation on My Own?
Filing for workers' compensation on your own increases the chances that your claim will be denied. One small misstep can prevent you from obtaining the compensation you need for your injuries. In addition, the process is usually complex and tedious, especially for someone with no workers' compensation law experience. It is extremely advantageous that you seek reliable and experienced legal guidance for your claim.
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What Can I Expect from the Workers' Compensation Process?
As soon as you reach out to us for help, we will assign you a full-time case manager and attorney. An application will be filed with the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) on your behalf. We will get started on your case immediately to help you receive the medical care you need. If we are unable to receive a fair settlement from the insurance company, we are ready and willing to take your case to trial. After a few months, you will most likely give a deposition. One of our highly experienced attorneys will prepare you and stand at your side the entire time. You don't even have to attend court hearings! One of our trained hearing officers or attorneys can attend on your behalf.
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Can My Employer Tell Me to Use Sick Time or Vacation/Personal Time off (PTO) If I’m Injured at Work?
Following a work-related injury, you may not receive workers’ compensation benefits right away or your workers’ compensation claim may be denied. You may receive a note from your doctor that you may take time off work due to your injuries, but how will you be paid if you are not actively seeking workers’ compensation benefits? Your employer may tell you to use your state-mandated/employer-provided sick time in order to continue being paid while you are out of work. Once this sick time is exhausted, your employer may tell you that the only way you can continue to be paid is if you use your vacation or PTO time. In some cases, this may actually be the only way to continue receiving wages while you are out of work and not receiving workers’ compensation benefits. For more information, check out our video with Attorney Bilal Kassem on this topic by visiting our Facebook page!
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Can I Get Workers’ Compensation If I Was Fired?
If you were terminated while already receiving workers’ compensation benefits, this does not necessarily affect your right to receive benefits. However, if you were terminated “for cause” (for example, if you were fired because you were caught stealing from your employer), you will not be able to continue collecting benefits. If you were not fired for cause, but were laid off due to your position being terminated or various other reasons, you may still be able to continue collecting your workers’ compensation benefits. If you believe you were terminated because you filed for workers’ compensation or because you were hurt at work, you may have grounds for a retaliation claim. Learn more, including whether you can continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits if you were laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic, see our video with Attorney Bilal Kassem on our Facebook page.
