Work Comp Talk Podcast

If your treating doctor and the insurance company don’t see eye-to-eye on your work injury, a Qualified Medical Exam (QME) could decide your entire case. In this episode of Work Comp Talk, we unpack the QME process with expert insights from Pacific Workers CEO, Eric Farber. Whether you're just starting your California workers’ comp claim or heading into a QME appointment, this episode will prepare you with everything you need to know. 🔍 What you’ll learn: What a QME is and how it differs from your regular doctor How QME doctors are chosen—and why deadlines matter What to say (and what not to say) during your exam Common mistakes injured workers make (and how to avoid them) How your QME report can influence treatment, benefits, and final case decisions If you’re navigating California’s workers’ compensation system, don’t miss this essential guide to protecting your rights and maximizing your outcome. 📞 Need help with your case? Call 800-606-6999 or visit www.pacificworkers.com for a free consultation.

Welcome to "Work Comp Talk," the podcast dedicated to injured workers here in California. Join us for a workers' comp one-on-one session with your hosts, Carmen and Bilal Kassem, managing attorney of Pacific Workers, the lawyers for injured workers and the sponsors of this podcast. If you enjoy our podcast, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to our social media channels to stay updated on more valuable content. In this episode, we dive into one of the hottest questions every injured worker should know the answer to: How can you maximize the money you receive for your workers' compensation claim? Bilal Qasim will break down the essential tips and tricks to help you navigate your claim effectively. Key Takeaways: Why accepting the first settlement offer is usually a bad idea. The importance of knowing the true value of your workers' comp case. How choosing the right Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) can make or break your case. The role of treating your injuries correctly and following medical recommendations. Understanding that workers' comp is not a lottery and managing realistic expectations. Why it's crucial to be proactive and diligent throughout your workers' comp journey. The significance of having an experienced workers' comp attorney on your side. Join us in this informative discussion and learn how to secure the maximum compensation you deserve for your workers' compensation claim. Don't miss out on these valuable insights! If you have any questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes, please leave them in the comments below. Thank you for tuning in to "Work Comp Talk," and we'll catch you on the next episode!

Medical Treatment in Workers’ Compensation can be a total nightmare. Bilal Kassem explains what are some of the issues injured workers can encounter when seeking medical treatment within the CA Workers’ Compensation System. This is not a one size fits all type of scenario and every case is different. There will be cases that fly through the system without any halts and other cases that will lead to dead ends without legal representation.

Workers' Compensation is not always a walk in the park. Some injured workers can have minor injuries and breeze through the CA workers' compensation system, others are not so lucky. CEO and Co-Founder Bilal Kassem joins Carmen to talk settlements. Learn the difference between them and what each one of them is entitled to along with other benefits many people are not aware of.   

Alex Neang from Union Local 300 the union for cement mason and plasterers joins Carmen Ramirez to discuss about the opportunities available for people wanting to change their life. As the Organizer and Compliance Officer he shares a few amazing tips of this incredible union. Some people are made for college and others are made for hands on projects. In this interview we discuss how someone can join the union and the benefits it has. They also discuss the importance of safety at work and how the union makes sure labor laws are in place to protect the workers.

Connecting Science with Laughter is not a new thing in fact it has been scientifically proven that Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain. In this episode, stand-up comedian, actor, author, writer, and producer Craig Shoemaker joins us to talk about his non-profit Laughter Heals. He speaks about all of the tricks and reasons an injured worker can benefit from laughing. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

We have heard about COVID-19 so many times, but what we have not heard is what the frontline doctors are experiencing first-hand with the patients. What exactly is the virus doing to the lungs? In this episode, Dr. Amy Ni a pulmonologist from the Bay Area shares an in-depth conversation of how Covid-19 is really changing everything they have ever known.

After being injured at work and under much stress, the bills pilling up, anxiety levels are high, marriages can come crumbling down. This topic is one that many hate to deal with but can also be the most important one to touch on. When dealing with a divorce and a settlement it's important to understand how this can affect both cases. Bernie shares useful information regarding settlements from a Personal Injury Case, Work Injury and what is needed to be done immediately in order to protect yourself.

Getting to the next level at work or in any situation in life sometimes requires discipline, focus and even a coach. Leland Thompson joins Eric and Carmen in this episode and shares some of his past career opportunities from working at Mervyn's to Apple and more. Venturing off to become an entrepreneur, he left his expertise in one company to become a Leadership Coach and help not just one individual but many individuals.

Oakland City Council At Large Candidate for 2020 Rebecca Kaplan joins Carmen Ramirez and Eric Farber on Work Comp Talk Podcast to share what plans she has to move Oakland forward. The incumbent Rebecca Kaplan still has much work to be done and is not ready to give up her seat just yet, she tells us what she's accomplished and what is next for Oakland. As someone who has been able to get the votes in for some complex issues she is confident to still be the best fit for the job. A graduate from MIT, Stanford and with an extensive history in great achievements she is very proud to serve Oakland.

Derreck Johnson, a son of Oakland, business owner and newcomer to Oakland politics as candidate of the 2020 Oakland City Council At Large discusses some of the issues in same question format as opponent Rebecca Kaplan. As a business owner of The Home of Chicken and Waffles in Jack London Square, he shares his ideas and visions he has to move Oakland forward. Some of the topics discussed are housing issues, universal wages, Oakland police and more...

Governor Newsom jumped quick into action to pass a bill that would help Essential Workers get Workers' Comp benefits sooner, if they got infected with Covid. The bill has now expired and there are a lot of things that needed to get updated for it as well. Tune in to this episode with Carmen and Eric as they conversate the expiration of the Governor's order and what needs to happen in order for it to work better, what will happen next and much more.

Healing takes courage and creativity, healing the mind can be dealing with Depression, Anxiety, and finding a balance with support of a Therapist. When not taken care of, it can create a snowball effect that can lead to bigger problems. For over 14 years Therapist Maggie Insdorf talks about mental health and the stigma surrounding it.

With so much happening around Covid-19 and our world and the way we take care of business now. What does it look like for Workers Comp World? How much has changed? How does this affect clients? Let’s talk about the landscaping of Workers’ Comp. 

Some of us are staying home to save lives while others are risking everything to save them. In this episode we speak to the President of the Alameda County Firefighters Union IAFF Local 55, he explains how protocols have changed for the First-Responders and as a leader how to keep the team safe. He also speaks out to the community in regards to what we can do to help during these unprecedented times.

In this Work Comp Talk, we hear managing attorney at Pacific Workers' Compensation, Bilal Kassem, speak on whether or not workers' compensation is available to those who have been terminated from work.

In this Work Comp Talk, we have Hazel Ortega join us as we discuss the importance of understanding the help there is in injured workers' support networks as well as information regarding what to do if you are injured at work.  Many workers get injured at work and fail to recognize their rights regarding their injuries.  Join us as we discuss these and similar topics.

There are still many unanswered questions as to how we should continue our day to day lives and Dr. Mark Sontag from ReMedy Medical Group joins the conversation to talk about how Doctors are handling patients during COVID.  Understanding these new norms can help answer some of these questions. 

Otis joins us to discuss the intersection of workers’ comp and immigration laws, the current administration and of course… his thoughts on the coronavirus and how he expects this may affect immigration laws.  Do I qualify for a coronavirus workers' compensation claim? Answers to this and more answered on this podcast.

This podcast features a special speaker, Eric Toscano.  Our guest speaker and hosts touch on various essential questions that many of us may have during these unknown and questionable times amidst the COVID-19 crisis.  Understanding your rights as a tenant is important when dealing with some unfair landowners who may be unjust during these difficult times concerning coronavirus.  Listen in to our talk to better understand your rights as a tenant renting from someone else.