Riverside Attorney Helping People in Workers’ Compensation Matters and Other Claims
Attorney Joseph E. Richards bears the distinction of being a Certified Legal Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law by the California Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of California.
Mr. Richards has experience handling workers’ compensation cases from both sides, first as an Applicant’s attorney and later as a defense attorney. He has argued in front of Workers’ Compensation Appeals Boards Administrative Law Judges throughout Southern California on wide-ranging matters, including, AOE/COE, liens, threshold issues, and priority conferences. He has also represented clients in mandatory settlement conferences, expedited trials on issues of medical treatment and temporary disability, and trials of cases-in-chief to submission for decision.
Mr. Richards began his solo practice in Santa Ana in May 2014 and now solely represents Applicants in Workers’ Compensation claims. He handles matters from the filing of the Applications for Adjudication to the ultimate resolution of the claim by settlement or trial. Currently, workers’ compensation cases comprise approximately 90% of Mr. Richards’ practice. He uses the most advanced processes and technology in his practices, which enables him to serve his clients accurately and efficiently.
Mr. Richards has the knowledge and experience needed to help his clients understand claim notices and to advise them on the best manner to proceed. He takes pride in fighting to ensure injured workers recover any disability or medical benefits they may be owed pursuant to the California Workers’ Compensation Act. He also helps families who have lost loved ones due to workplace accidents or illnesses recover death benefits, which can help cover burial expenses and replace income lost due to a worker’s death.
Workers’ compensation cases can be complex, and they are typically deadline driven; as such, oversights and delays can have costly consequences, and it is smart for anyone contending with a workers’ compensation matter to hire an attorney. While every matter is unique and no attorney can guarantee results, if you hire Mr. Richards, he will work tirelessly to help you fight for the outcome you deserve.
In addition to representing injured employees in workers’ compensation claims, Mr. Richards advises regarding wage and hour disputes, personal injury tort claims, labor and employment law matters, and disability law claims. For example, he often advises parties who have been denied just wages in violation of California or federal law or who have otherwise been subjected to unfair treatment in the workplace.
Mr. Richards also regularly aids people who can no longer work due to physical or mental impairments in the pursuit of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Many people who file Social Security Disability Insurance claims are initially denied benefits, but there are often grounds for appeal. If you need assistance with a Social Security Disability Insurance benefit appeal, Mr. Richards can assess your case to determine if there are grounds for an appeal, and guide you through the process to help you pursue a just outcome.
Mr. Richards is a member of the Orange County Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Section, the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association, and the California Lawyers Association Workers’ Compensation Section. Additionally, he is a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which is limited to trial lawyers who have shown exceptional excellence, skill, and experience in advocacy by attaining a trial verdict, settlement, or award that is at least one million dollars. Mr. Richards carries the honor of being rated as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for numerous years in a row.
Education
- Whittier Law - J.D. - 2011
Business Law
- Lake Forest College - B.A. - 2004
Economics
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
- State Bar of California
Member Since: 2011
Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law by the State Bar of California, California Board of Legal Specialization
- Orange County Bar Association
Member Since: 2011
Awards
- Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2019 – Present
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2017 – Present
- Hagman Scholar, Whittier Law, 2009
- Presidential Scholar, Lake Forest College, 2001
Work Experience
- Attorney, Law Office of Joseph E Richards, 2011 – Present
- Attorney, Law Offices of Weitzman & Estes, 2014 – 2014
- Attorney, Law Offices of Singer & Benjumea, 2013 – 2014
- Certified Law Clerk, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, 2010 – 2011
- Law Clerk, Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, 2009 – 2009
Publications & Peer Review
- Queen's Caste v. Drone: Expectation of Privacy Rights and Avoidance of Evidentiary Concerns Regarding Chain of Custody in Workers' Compensation Sub Rosa Surveillance, by Elizabeth Batista; Joseph E. Richards, Esq. Workers' Compensation Quarterly (California State Bar publication), 2016
- Household Employees -- Navigating Workers’ Compensation and Civil Remedies, by Kathleen Duggan; Joseph E. Richards, Esq.; The Hon. Vincenti Blas; Gregory L. Connor, Esq.; Gil Tabachnik, Esq. Whittier, Santa Ana, and Los Angeles, California Workers' Compensation Quarterly (California State Bar publication), 2015
Public Speaking Engagements
- Protecting Your Clients From Medical Debt Collections, Webinar
Gemini, December 8, 2021
Your client gets put into collections, now what do you do? When and why do you get a debt collection and creditor attorney involved? What labor codes and credit / collections laws apply? - Medical Knowledge And Issues: PTP’S, MPN, Determination Of Medical Issues (AME/PQME)
PINCUS, Los Angeles, 2019 - Medical Knowledge and Issues: Anatomy/Physiology; Terminology; Industrial Diseases,
PINCUS, Los Angeles, 2019 - Medical Knowledge and Issues: Medical Treatment UR/IMR, PINCUS, Los Angeles
PINCUS, Los Angeles, 2019 - Workers' Compensation Jobs, Whittier Law School
Client Reviews
I'm glad i choose the pi.law, because they were informative about my case, very professional,and i won my case, i will do business again.
Mr. Richards was one of three attorneys referred to me. He was the only attorney that took time to really listen to my situation to determine if he could help me. Mr. Richards is highly experienced, personable, and reassuring. pi.law is tech savvy. He fights diligently for the best possible outcome...
Joseph E. Richards is an amazing attorney not only did he help me with my workers compensation claim but he was a true professional and did everything with a timely manner! I will highly recommend Joseph E. Richards to anyone in need of help!
Wish they had more stars for this review. Joseph handled my case professionally and always kept me updated with information. Highly recommend using his services if you're ever in need. Thanks Joseph.
The pi.law did a great job for my case. When I first approached them, they were helpful and walked me through the process. They gave me great service and were always professional. When I called or wrote to them, they answered immediately. I highly recommend this law firm to anyone. They are totally...
I was served with an Unlawful Detainer. As these must be responded to with a short turnaround time, Joseph was able to find time in his schedule on a Friday evening to meet with me. He did a great job of explaining the different parts of the document, documentation I needed to provide for my case...
I am happy with the pi.law..I am happy with the service they provided. my legal questions were always answered. I didn't have to worry about anything. I totally recommend the pi.law.
My experience with the pi.law was very positive. Joseph handled my case with exceptional expertise and in a caring manner. I had many questions about the process, and Joseph was patient enough to answer my questions. He fought for my rights as an injured worker and is extremely knowledgeable in his...
Mr. Richards was one of three attorneys that were referred to me. He was the ONLY attorney that took the time to really listen to my situation and determine that he could and would help me. Mr. Richards is personable, highly competent, and reassuring. He is technology savvy. He fights diligently for...
I am extremely happy that I was referred to Joseph. Him and his staff were always ready for any question or concern I had. Made me feel listened to, and that my concerns mattered and nothing was too small. I highly recommend him to anyone who has been injured on the job. Your health matters.
We settled my workers' compensation claim and I got more than I expected, because my lawyer went the extra mile by investigating the issues in a professional manner. Friendly office atmosphere in Santa Ana and Corona. Always get updated with any new matters. Highly educated concerning workers comp...
Mr. Richards is an excellent attorney who truly cares about his clients. He is always easy to get in touch with for any questions or concerns. He is extremely knowledgeable in the areas of worker's compensation and personal injury, and he really advocates for his clients. All in all, I highly...
I was served with an Unlawful Detainer. As these must be responded to with a short turnaround time, Joseph was able to find time in his schedule on a Friday evening to meet with me. He did a great job of explaining the different parts of the document, documentation I needed to provide for my case...
Excellent attorney, listened to everything I had to say and then got to work on my case. Everything worked out as expected! I highly recommend Joseph and his team!
I really came out happy with the way my case settled with Joseph. I would strongly recommend him. I got my settlement faster than expected good for my holidays shopping lol thanks so much again Joseph and his team. Happy holidays.
Mr. Richards took my case/claim when others wouldn’t and ended up resolving my claim for five times the initial estimated amount.
Attorney Richards helped me with my workers comp case. He was very attentive to my needs and was able to get me a settlement right away. I was very pleased with the results. His staff was super helpful and friendly. I highly recommend him.
Mr Richards was extremely helpful and took the tone to hear my concerns. He was extremely pleasant to deal with and was very informative I can't recommend home enough !!!
He is an exemplary and knowledgeable attorney.
Mr. Richards has counseled me multiple times and always gives excellent advice which I have been able to use in real life work situations. He is experienced and knowledgeable ... knows how to handle complex situations and get results in his favor. I've been so impressed with his knowledge and...
I would highly recommend Joseph Richards and his team. Joseph's team took the time to thoroughly understand my situation in our consultation prior to signing any paperwork. Their openness and willingness to answer all my questions in our initial consultation set them apart from other offices right...
Get in Touch
- 1 Free Consultation
- 2 Over a Decade of Experience
- 3 Serving Clients Statewide
At pi.law, our California personal injury attorney is standing by, ready to get started scheduling your free initial case evaluation right away.
Call us at (888) 883-6588 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an attorney to discuss the compensation you may deserve. With conveniently-located offices in Corona and Santa Ana, we represent injured victims in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Orange County.