Workers' Compensation Lawyers
Serving Injured Workers Remotely Throughout British Columbia
Experienced Workers' Compensation Lawyers for WorkSafeBC (WCB)
The lawyers at Gosal & Company concentrate on WorkSafeBC claims. Sarj Gosal has represented over 5,500 injured workers since 1993.
Sarj Gosal has been qualified (and provided oral evidence) as an expert witness regarding workers’ compensation matters in the British Columbia Supreme Court.
One Free Initial Consultation with Experienced
Workers' Compensation Lawyers
Why Choose Gosal & Company Workers' Compensation Lawyers
We have successfully represented injured workers for over 32 years.
Full Service Assistance for WorkSafeBC ("WCB") Cases
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Who We Help
We Represent Injured Workers Across B.C.
Gosal & Company represents injured workers across all industries and professions in British Columbia. Since 1993, we’ve helped more than 5,500 workers with WorkSafeBC claims and appeals.
We support workers in construction, transportation, healthcare, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, forestry, education, aviation, and government. Our clients include labourers, tradespeople, commercial drivers, nurses, care aides, mechanics, first responders, corrections officers, teachers, airline staff, and many others.
If you were injured at work (physically or psychologically) our firm has the experience to help you secure proper claim acceptance and the full benefits you’re entitled to.
WorkSafeBC Benefits We Pursue
Healthcare Benefits
WorkSafeBC covers necessary medical treatment for accepted injuries, including doctors, specialists, surgery, medication, and therapy. If coverage is denied or delayed, we can help you appeal and ensure the correct medical evidence is considered.
Wage Loss Benefits
If your injury prevents you from working, wage loss benefits may be payable from the first full day you miss work. These decisions, including your wage rate and continuation of benefits, are often appealable, and we ensure that the calculations are correct.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If you cannot return to your pre-injury job, WorkSafeBC may provide retraining or job-placement support. We help workers secure appropriate vocational programs and ensure benefits continue during participation.
Permanent Disability Benefits
Permanent disability decisions determine your long-term compensation. We assist in ensuring WorkSafeBC properly assesses your loss of function or loss of earnings and challenge decisions that underestimate the lasting impact of your injury.
Common Work Injuries We See
Back • Shoulder • Repetitive Strain • Psychological Injuries & More
Healthcare Benefits
With over three decades of experience, our team supports workers with nearly every type of workplace injury. Although many claims are labelled as “strains” or “sprains,” we often obtain recognition of more serious conditions, including:
- disc herniations and nerve involvement
- rotator cuff and shoulder tears
- knee ligament or meniscus injuries
- carpal tunnel and repetitive strain injuries
- fractures, chronic pain, and CRPS
- traumatic brain injuries
- hearing or vision loss
- respiratory, dermatological, and psychological injuries
No matter the diagnosis, if it arose from your employment, we work to ensure WorkSafeBC accepts the correct conditions and provides fair compensation.
How the WorkSafeBC Appeals Process Works
Review Division → WCAT → Further Remedies
If you disagree with a WorkSafeBC decision, you generally have 90 days to request a Review Division review. We prepare detailed submissions supported by medical evidence, law, and policy, and handle all communication on your behalf.
If the Review Division does not resolve your issue, you may appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT) within 30 days. WCAT is independent from WorkSafeBC and issues the final decision, either through written submissions or an oral hearing.
Gosal & Company manages every step of the appeals process, including gathering expert evidence and representing you at WCAT. While WCAT decisions are final, limited options such as reconsideration or judicial review may still be available.
FAQ
When should I report my injury to WorkSafeBC?
You should report your work-related injury or illness as soon as possible. According to WorkSafeBC, you have up to one year from the date of injury or diagnosis to file a claim, but delays may reduce your chances of claim acceptance. If you missed time from work or required medical treatment, report immediately to protect your rights.
Do I need a lawyer for a WorkSafeBC claim or appeal?
While you can file a claim on your own, legal representation is strongly advised when:
- your claim is denied or parts of it (e.g., medical treatment or wage-loss benefits) are disputed
- you receive a decision you disagree with and need to appeal
- you are dealing with complex conditions (e.g., cumulative injuries, psychological injuries, permanent disability)
A lawyer experienced in WorkSafeBC law can help ensure correct documentation, deadlines are met, and your medical and legal rights are preserved.
What types of benefits can I get through WorkSafeBC?
The main types of benefits include:
- Healthcare benefits: medical treatment, specialist care, surgery, therapy and assistive devices when the claim is accepted.
- Wage loss benefits: for missed work due to your injury, typically starting from the first full day off work.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits: if you cannot return to your pre-injury job, you may be eligible for retraining or alternative work supports.
- Permanent disability benefits (Permanent Partial Disability): when you’ve reached maximum medical recovery but still have long-term impairment or loss of earnings potential.
What kinds of injuries or illnesses are accepted by WorkSafeBC?
WorkSafeBC accepts injuries from a single incident (e.g., a fall, a crush injury) as well as occupational diseases or conditions that develop gradually (e.g., repetitive strain injuries, hearing loss, occupational stress).
Important: the condition must be causally linked to your employment. If you have an accepted claim, you are eligible for the benefits listed above.
What is the appeal process if WorkSafeBC denies my claim or part of my benefits?
If you disagree with a decision from WorkSafeBC:
- You can request reconsideration directly with WorkSafeBC within a limited time after the decision.
- If unsatisfied, you can request a review from the Review Division (usually within 90 days of the decision)
- After the Review Division, you may appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT) within 30 days.
Because appeal deadlines are strict and the process is complex, legal representation is strongly recommended.
Can I sue my employer for a workplace injury instead of filing a WorkSafeBC claim?
In most cases in British Columbia, you cannot sue your employer for a typical workplace injury because of the protections under the Workers Compensation Act and the relationship with WorkSafeBC. There are very limited exceptions (for example, if the injury is caused by a defect in working conditions or the employer’s negligence and the worker opts out of the compensation scheme), but these are rare and legally complex.
If my injury worsens later (recurrence or aggravation), can I reopen my WorkSafeBC claim?
Yes. Under certain conditions, your accepted claim can be reopened if there is a “significant change” in your physical or psychological condition or a documented recurrence of your accepted condition.