As a first responder, you know that a call at the Port of Stockton isn’t like a standard call to the Miracle Mile or other commercial area of Stockton. From the heavy industrial traffic on Navy Drive to the constant movement of heavy equipment at the East and West Complexes, the risks are on a different scale. Translation: Dangerous for the safety of first responders in different ways.
For Stockton’s police and firefighters, getting injured “on duty” often feels like a closed loop: you file for Workers’ Compensation with the California Division of Workers Compensation, and that’s the end of it. However, in 2026, the law will have finally caught up to the reality of your job. If you’re injured at the Port by a third party (not a City of Stockton entity), you may have an additional path to recovery that protects your family’s future.
How SB 487 Changes Stockton Workers’ Comp Settlements
Senate Bill 487: The Game Changer for First Responders Hurt While Working
As of January 1, 2026, SB 487 has fundamentally changed how settlements work for Stockton peace officers and firefighters.
In the past, if a negligent driver hit you while on duty, the City or the Port District could essentially retain (keep) your settlement to reimburse themselves for the medical bills they paid. Those days are over under SB 487:
- The Two-Thirds Guarantee: You are now statutorily entitled to keep at least two-thirds of a third-party liability settlement.
- No Future Credits: The City of Stockton can no longer use your settlement as a “credit” to stop paying for your future medical care. Now, you get your settlement and your ongoing benefits.
Spotting a “Third-Party” Claim at the Port
Because the Port is a “multi-employer” site, your injury might not be the City’s fault—it might be the fault of a private entity. We look for these scenarios that could indicate a third-party claim:
- Private Logistics Fleets: Being struck by a commercial truck on Washington Street that belongs to an outside carrier, not the Port.
- Terminal Negligence: Slip-and-falls or equipment strikes caused by unsafe conditions on a dock managed by a private tenant or contractor.
- Defective Gear: Malfunctions in specialized Port equipment (cranes, lifts) provided by a third-party vendor.
How long do I have to file a Port of Stockton injury claim?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit. However, workers’ compensation claims must typically be filed within one year. However, if your claim is against a government entity like the City of Stockton, you may have as little as six months to file a formal written notice. Because deadlines at the Port can be complex due to the mix of private and public employers, it is vital to consult an attorney immediately to preserve your rights.
Can I receive workers’ compensation benefits and file a third-party claim at the same time?
Yes, California law allows you to pursue both a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit at the same time, if someone other than your employer caused your injury. This is often the only way to recover damages that workers’ compensation doesn’t provide. We manage the intersection of these two legal systems to ensure your medical care continues while we pursue the third party for maximum damages.
What happens to my settlement if the City of Stockton has a lien on my case?
Under the new 2026 protections of SB 487, effective for injuries on or after Jan. 1, 2026, first responders are guaranteed to retain at least two-thirds of their third-party settlement, regardless of any workers’ compensation liens. The City of Stockton can no longer claim the third-party portion of your settlement to reimburse itself.
How much does a Stockton workers’ compensation lawyer cost?
Eason & Tambornini does not charge upfront fees for handling your workers’ compensation claim or a third-party personal injury claim that may result from it. We offer a “no win, no fee” contingency model. Our firm collects a fee only if we successfully secure a settlement; if no recovery is made, you will not be billed.
Unlike hourly fees, a contingency-fee policy ensures every employee in the Sacramento region has access to senior attorneys like ours who hold AV Preeminent status from Martindale-Hubbell—the highest possible peer-review rating for ethical standards and legal expertise. We immediately begin handling all administrative proceedings before the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), allowing you to focus on physical recovery.
Why Choose Eason & Tambornini for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Most firms treat these as two separate problems: a Workers’ Compensation claim and a personal injury claim. We don’t. We ensure insurance adjusters don’t settle based on outdated 2025 math, and that the City respects the new 2026 rules.
If you are ready to speak to a workers’ compensation attorney who understands the full extent of your recovery possibilities, call (209) 323-5126 to schedule your free consultation today. Case reviews are free, whether you decide to work with us or not.