Serious and Willful Misconduct Claims

Aggressive Defense Against Serious and Willful Misconduct Claims

In California, employers may face additional penalties for “serious and willful” misconduct under Labor Code Section 4553. These claims can result in a 50% increase in workers’ compensation benefits, creating a significant financial burden for your business. At Lozano Law, we specialize in defending employers and insurers against serious and willful misconduct claims, working to minimize potential damages and protect your company from unwarranted allegations.

Understanding Serious and Willful Misconduct Claims

A serious and willful misconduct claim arises when an employee alleges that their employer’s intentional or reckless actions led to a workplace injury. These claims often involve high stakes, as a ruling in favor of the employee can drastically increase compensation amounts. However, proving serious and willful misconduct is complex, requiring substantial evidence that the employer acted with intent or gross negligence.

Knowledgeable Serious & Willful Misconduct Defense

Lozano Law’s experienced team thoroughly examines each serious and willful misconduct claim, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing workplace safety protocols to build a strong defense. Our goal is to mitigate liability by demonstrating that the employer acted within reasonable safety standards or that the claim lacks merit.

Comprehensive Incident Investigation

Our team conducts a detailed investigation into each serious and willful misconduct claim. We meticulously gather evidence, interview witnesses, and evaluate workplace safety protocols to develop a clear understanding of the incident and the circumstances surrounding it. This thorough approach ensures no detail is overlooked in building a strong defense.

Defense Based on Compliance

We build robust defenses by demonstrating that employers acted in compliance with safety regulations and industry standards. By highlighting adherence to legal and safety requirements, we aim to undermine claims of serious and willful misconduct, minimizing our clients’ exposure to liability.

Representation before the WCAB

Lozano Law provides skilled representation before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB), navigating the complex procedural landscape to protect our clients’ interests. Our attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of WCAB hearings and are prepared to advocate aggressively on behalf of employers.

Minimizing Penalties and Damages

A key focus of our defense strategy is reducing exposure to the enhanced penalties and damages that accompany serious and willful misconduct claims. We work diligently to minimize financial impacts on our clients through strategic legal maneuvers and effective negotiation.

Litigation and Settlements

Whether negotiating fair settlements or pursuing aggressive litigation, our attorneys tailor their approach to each case’s unique needs. When settlements are in our clients’ best interests, we strive to resolve cases swiftly and equitably. However, when litigation is necessary, we tenaciously fight for the best possible outcome in court.

Serious & Willful Misconduct Experts

When your business is faced with a serious and willful misconduct claim, it’s crucial to have experienced legal counsel that understands the nuances of these high-risk cases. Lozano Law’s team is committed to providing the strategic defense you need to protect your business and limit exposure to penalties.

Serious & Willful Misconduct Experts

When your business is faced with a serious and willful misconduct claim, it’s crucial to have experienced legal counsel that understands the nuances of these high-risk cases. Lozano Law’s team is committed to providing the strategic defense you need to protect your business and limit exposure to penalties.
John Doe
John Doe
Safety Director, Manufacturing Firm
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Lozano Law’s expertise in defending serious and willful misconduct claims was invaluable to our company. Their detailed investigation and knowledge of safety regulations helped us successfully avoid significant penalties. We felt confident with them on our side every step of the way.
John Doe
John Doe
Operations Manager, Construction Company
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The attorneys at Lozano Law went above and beyond in handling our serious misconduct claim. They provided thorough representation before the WCAB and expertly built a defense that minimized our liability. Their approach was strategic, and the results exceeded our expectations.
John Doe
John Doe
HR Manager, Transportation Company
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Lozano Law’s defense team was exceptional. They fought hard to prove our compliance with safety standards, and their proactive communication made a stressful situation much more manageable. We’re grateful for their tenacious work in reducing our exposure to enhanced penalties.
John Doe
John Doe
CEO, Industrial Equipment Supplier
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We couldn’t have asked for better representation than what Lozano Law provided in our serious and willful misconduct case. Their deep understanding of the legal landscape, combined with aggressive litigation when needed, led to a successful resolution that saved our company both time and money.