Kneisler & Schondel - Santa Rosa, CA
Kneisler and Schondel delivers premier workers' compensation and Social Security disability advocacy in Santa Rosa, California, backed by board-certified legal specialization and over three decades of experience securing vital medical care and wage-replacement benefits for injured workers.
Dedicated Workers' Compensation Advocacy in Santa Rosa
Sustaining an injury on the job disrupts your physical well-being, household income, and future career stability. Situated at 1160 North Dutton Avenue in Santa Rosa, California, Kneisler and Schondel has protected the rights of injured workers throughout Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, and Napa Counties since 1995. Founded by experienced trial attorneys Matthew A. Schondel and James Kneisler Jr., the firm is committed to treating every client case as if it were their own. When hard-working individuals need to hire a workers' compensation attorney who understands the complexities of the California workers' compensation appeals board, this respected boutique practice provides dedicated legal advocacy.
Specific Workplace Accidents and Catastrophic Injuries
Traumatic industrial accidents can occur in an instant, leaving employees facing severe pain and mounting medical bills. Experienced accident and injury lawyers and workers' compensation lawyers at the firm represent workers harmed in construction site falls, machinery malfunctions, vehicle crashes during work duties, and structural collapses. The legal team moves quickly to file official claim paperwork, secure immediate medical treatment through proper medical provider networks, and ensure temporary disability benefits are distributed without unfair insurance delays.
Cumulative Trauma and Repetitive Stress Claims
Many workplace disabilities develop gradually through years of repetitive physical labor, heavy lifting, or ergonomic strain. Workers suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative spinal conditions, or occupational joint wear frequently encounter hostile claims administrators who argue symptoms stem from non-industrial causes. Certified specialist Matthew Schondel builds comprehensive evidentiary records, documenting workplace duty histories and medical causation to secure fair permanent disability ratings.
Medical Disputes and Qualified Medical Evaluator Navigation
The outcome of a workers' comp claim often depends on medical-legal evaluations. When insurance carriers refuse needed surgeries, physical therapy, or diagnostic imaging, attorney Schondel intervenes to protect patient rights. The firm guides clients through the Qualified Medical Evaluator panel process, challenging biased medical reports, deposing medical examiners, and fighting for necessary future medical treatment.
Social Security Disability Integration
For workers whose injuries result in permanent disability that prevents sustained employment, the firm provides seamless representation for federal disability benefits. The team assists clients in applying for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, strategically coordinating awards to prevent harmful benefit offset reductions and ensure maximum financial stability.
Retaliation Defense and Wrongful Termination
California Labor Code Section 132a makes it unlawful for employers to fire, demote, or discriminate against workers for reporting an injury or filing a claim. In collaboration with skilled wrongful termination lawyers and workplace discrimination lawyers, the firm defends injured employees who face workplace retaliation, seeking statutory penalties, lost back wages, and formal job reinstatement.
Board-Certified Specialization and Union Panel Representation
Founding partner Matthew A. Schondel has been a State Bar of California Certified Specialist in Workers' Compensation Law since 1998 and brings unique perspective from his earlier career as a police officer. As designated AFL-CIO Union Privilege panel attorneys, the firm proudly defends union members and laborers across Northern California. With a helpful bilingual Spanish-speaking staff and contingency fee representation, clients who need to find a workers' compensation attorney can schedule a free, confidential case review today.
Practice Concentrations
- California workers' compensation claim filing, settlement hearings, and appeals
- Catastrophic job accidents, head injuries, and complex spinal fractures
- Cumulative trauma claims, repetitive stress injuries, and occupational disease
- Qualified Medical Evaluator panel disputes and medical treatment appeals
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Labor Code Section 132a employer retaliation and post-injury firing defense
- Permanent disability settlements, stipulations, and compromise and release
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Location & Access
Primary Address
Situated within the Santa Rosa Business Park in central Santa Rosa, offering easy access to Highway 101 and the surrounding commercial area.
Building Location
A modern two-story multi-tenant professional office building built in 1986, featuring a peaceful open-air courtyard and tranquil garden setting.
Parking Details
Clients have access to free customer parking in the abundant on-site surface parking lot surrounding the building.
Public Transit
Served by Santa Rosa CityBus Route 9 (West Ninth Street); nearest stop is at West College Ave at Maxwell Ct.
Accessibility / Suite Access
The office is located on the second floor in Suite 255. Visitors can access the second floor using the elevator or the stairs located near the main entrance lobby.