Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Workers' Compensation Attorneys in Van Nuys
Koszdin, Fields & Sherry has been a trusted advocate for injured workers in Southern California since 1955. Our firm is built on a foundation of integrity, experience, and unwavering dedication to protecting the rights of those harmed in the workplace. All partners are certified specialists in workers' compensation law by The State Bar of California, reflecting our commitment to rigorous legal standards and ongoing education.We combine decades of courtroom experience with personalized client care, ensuring transparent communication and tailored legal strategies. Our mission is to secure maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term disabilities while providing compassionate support throughout the legal process.
Services
Workers' Compensation
Social Security Disability
Medical Benefits
Disability Benefits
Permanent Disability
Details
- Year established: 1955
Highlights and features
- Certified specialists in workers' compensation law with decades of experience.
- Proven track record of securing maximum compensation for injured workers.
- Aggressive advocacy against employers and insurance companies.
- Located directly across from the Van Nuys Workers Compensation Appeals Board.
- Bilingual staff and personalized client communication.
Associations and certifications
- The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
What people say
Life changing outcome
Best workers comp attorney
Thorough and helpful
Aggressive advocates
Trusted legal support
Services
Workers' Compensation Law
Our certified specialists handle all aspects of workplace injury claims, from initial reporting to appeals. We advocate for medical benefits, disability payments, and compensation for permanent injuries. With over 65 years of combined experience, we challenge denied claims and ensure compliance with California's strict reporting deadlines. Our team prioritizes client education, maintaining transparent communication throughout the legal process.
Social Security Disability Claims
We represent clients seeking Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for work-related and non-work-related disabilities. Our attorneys navigate complex applications and appeals, focusing on conditions like chronic pain, mental health disorders, and terminal illnesses. We coordinate SSDI claims with workers' compensation cases to maximize financial support while adhering to strict documentation requirements.
Medical Benefits Advocacy
Our firm intervenes when insurers deny necessary treatments like surgeries or rehabilitation. We challenge utilization review (UR) decisions and ensure access to specialists through the Division of Workers' Compensation Medical Unit. We assist with QME panel selection and independent medical reviews, prioritizing timely authorization for diagnostic tests and therapeutic treatments.
Disability Benefits Representation
We secure temporary and permanent disability payments by accurately calculating benefits that include overtime, bonuses, and secondary income sources. Our team negotiates lump-sum settlements and challenges premature benefit terminations. We ensure proper evaluation of impairment ratings using the Permanent Disability Rating Schedule (PDRS) to determine fair compensation.
Permanent Disability Claims
We specialize in cases involving lasting physical or mental impairments, including catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care. Our attorneys prove maximum medical improvement (MMI) and demonstrate how disabilities affect earning capacity. We handle complex valuations for total or partial disability ratings, ensuring clients receive appropriate compensation for reduced future earning potential.
People
Mark J. Sherry
Partner
Admitted to the California Bar in 1991, Mark Sherry has exclusively practiced workers' compensation law for over 30 years. Recognized annually in Southern California Super Lawyers, he combines legal expertise with compassionate client advocacy.
Susan E. Fields
Managing Partner
With over 40 years of experience, Susan Fields has been a workers' compensation specialist since 1981. A former judge pro tem, she brings unparalleled insight to complex cases involving occupational illnesses and catastrophic injuries.
Brett T. Sherry
Associate
A third-generation workers' compensation attorney, Brett Sherry focuses on maximizing client outcomes through strategic negotiations and courtroom advocacy. He specializes in mental health claims and compensable consequence injuries.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a work injury?
Seek medical attention within 30 days, report the injury to your employer, and consult a workers' compensation attorney to ensure proper claims processing.
Can I choose my own doctor for a work-related injury?
California law requires treatment through your employer's medical provider network, but we can help request specialists or second opinions when necessary.
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim?
Report injuries within 30 days and file formal claims within one year of injury onset or diagnosis to avoid benefit denial.
What if my workers' compensation claim gets denied?
Contact our attorneys immediately—we'll investigate, gather evidence, and represent you in appeals before the Workers Compensation Appeals Board.
Can I receive both workers' comp and SSDI benefits?
Yes, but SSDI applications require separate documentation. Our team coordinates both claims to maximize your financial support.
How are permanent disability benefits calculated?
Benefits depend on impairment ratings, age, occupation, and earnings history. Our attorneys ensure accurate evaluations using the Permanent Disability Rating Schedule.
