Many workers are at risk for injury on the job. You might fall and break a bone, get caught in heavy machinery, or even suffer from repetitive stress injuries after performing the same physical tasks day in and day out. Environmental injuries or illnesses may also affect you, depending on the conditions or chemicals you're exposed to at your workplace.
At Living Water Clinic, Nurse Practitioner Michele Millan-Patterson, along with our experienced team, is here to guide you through the reporting process and ensure you get the medical care and benefits you deserve. Let us help you every step of the way when you're hurt on the job.
So, what should you do if you get hurt at work? First, it’s important to report your injury correctly in order to file for workers' compensation. This program can cover medical care and living expenses if you need to rest and take time off work to recover. Workers' compensation exists to protect you and your loved ones from the financial impacts of a work-related injury.
Filing for workers’ compensation can be confusing, especially when you also need to figure out medical care or make adjustments in your daily life due to your injury. Dr. Jerry Neria and Nurse Practitioner Michele Millan-Patterson, along with our family medicine team at Living Water Clinic-Clinica Agua Viva, are here to help.
Michele is an experienced Nurse Practitioner who brings a wealth of knowledge to our clinic, particularly in workers' compensation care. She’s passionate about supporting patients who’ve been injured on the job and understands the intricacies of both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery. Michele works with you to manage your injury, guide you through the claims process, and provide the care you need to get back on your feet.
We provide effective treatment for your injury and assist you in navigating the paperwork for workers’ comp. Contact our compassionate team at one of our locations in Porterville, Lindsay, Visalia, and Woodlake, California, to learn more about the benefits you're entitled to and what steps you should take when a workplace injury occurs.
The U.S. workers' compensation system benefits both employees and employers by providing legal structure and protection. Your employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and in California, you receive additional protection through the California Uninsured Employers’ Benefit Trust Fund.
If you become injured or ill as a result of your work, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. These benefits can cover medical care and also provide temporary disability payments to help support you and your family while you recover.
In some cases, if you don't fully recover, you may qualify for additional support such as job retraining or permanent disability benefits if you’re unable to return to your previous job. Workers' compensation also provides death benefits to your spouse or dependents if a workplace injury results in death.
At Living Water Clinic, our primary care providers treat a wide range of work-related injuries, including cuts, lacerations, sprains, strains, broken bones, joint injuries, and repetitive stress injuries. We also treat conditions like asthma that can result from harmful work conditions or exposure to hazardous substances.
We guide you through the workers' compensation claims process every step of the way. For your convenience, some of your care may be available through our telemedicine services at Living Water Clinic.
We’re thrilled to introduce Nurse Practitioner Michele Millan-Patterson, NP-C, who has recently joined the team at Living Water Clinic. Michele is available for new patients at both our Visalia and Porterville locations, and she’s especially focused on workers' compensation cases.
My Roots & Calling
Born and raised in Lindsay, California, Michele is deeply rooted in the Central Valley. After earning her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Fresno State, she spent years working in community programs, including Latino mental health services and hospital-based outreach. Her work with patients and families ignited her passion for providing more direct care.
From Bedside to Board Certification
Michele returned to school, became a Registered Nurse, and gained experience in critical care settings like ICU, cardiac ICU, and emergency rooms. Eventually, her desire to make a bigger impact led her to become a Nurse Practitioner, earning board certification so she could work closely with her patients every day.
How I Can Help You
Michele provides comprehensive primary care for adults and seniors, including wellness exams, routine checkups, and management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. She also offers preventive health services, women's health support, and acute care for minor injuries and illnesses.
As part of her role at Living Water Clinic, Michele specializes in helping patients navigate workers' compensation claims related to workplace injuries. She’ll work with you to understand your medical needs, guide you through the paperwork, and ensure you receive the proper treatment and support.
My Promise
When you walk through our doors, Michele promises to listen carefully, explain her recommendations clearly, and involve you in every decision about your health. You’re the expert on your life, and her job is to guide, educate, and support you so that you feel confident in your health decisions.
It's crucial to follow the proper process when filing for workers' compensation. First, inform your employer about your injury as soon as possible. Notify your manager or shift supervisor that you're hurt and need medical treatment. They should provide you with the necessary paperwork related to your case.
If you suspect an overuse or repetitive stress injury, seek a diagnosis immediately and inform your employer without delay. You have a 30-day window to give notice of your injury, or you risk losing your right to workers' compensation. Don't delay — starting the process early ensures you don’t lose out on benefits.
Your primary care provider at Living Water Clinic will assess your medical needs and complete an initial report along with a document outlining your treatment plan. If needed, we will reach out to your employer or medical case manager. We provide accurate and legally compliant documentation about your medical condition and your ability to safely return to work or the need for extended rest and treatment.
When you're hurt on the job, it’s important to have the right support. Contact Living Water Clinic online or by phone for full assistance with medical care and workers' compensation documentation and filing. You can also walk into one of our accessible locations for care without a previously scheduled appointment.
