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Joseph E. Richards

Attorney
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Phone: (888) 883-6588
Fax: (833) 562-2667

1122 E Lincoln Ave #130
Orange, California 92865

1101 California Ave #120
Corona, California 92881

Riverside Attorney Helping People in Workers’ Compensation Matters and Other Claims
Super Lawyers Selected - Joseph E. Richards
Super Lawyers Rising Stars- Joseph E. Richards

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

J.D., Whittier Law, 2011
Business Law

B.A., Lake Forest College, 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 Law Office of Joseph E Richards, because they were informative about my case, very professional,and i won my case, i will do business again.” Taletha H.
★★★★★
“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. Law Office of Joseph Richards, P.C. is tech savvy. He fights diligently for the best possible outcome for his clients. He handled my case easily. I would, without hesitation, refer my family, friends, and acquaintances to his law office.” Susan
★★★★★
“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!” Bairon P.
★★★★★
“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.” Miguel A.
★★★★★
“The Law Office of Joseph Richards 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 the best starting with the paralegal to Jeffrey Wong and Joseph Richards.” Betty S.