René Muñoz, Esq.

René Muñoz is a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney who brings not only legal skill but deep empathy and personal understanding to his clients’ cases. The son of an immigrant and hotel worker from El Salvador, René knows firsthand the struggle of working people—and how devastating a workplace injury can be when your body is your livelihood. That experience fuels his unwavering commitment to fight for injured workers and secure the full benefits and quality care they’re entitled to under California law.

Since 2008, René has litigated thousands of workers’ compensation claims and taken hundreds of depositions of doctors, injured workers, and vocational experts. Before co-founding Franco Muñoz, APC in 2018, René represented employers and insurance carriers, gaining critical insight into how defense attorneys and insurance adjusters evaluate cases. Today, he uses that experience to outmaneuver defendants and maximize outcomes for injured workers.

In recognition of his excellence in the field, Super Lawyers Magazine named René a "Rising Star" in Workers’ Compensation Law in 2018—an honor awarded to just 2.5% of emerging attorneys in Northern California.

Notable Case Results

$2.18M Lifetime Award – Denied Spinal Injury Reversed at Trial

A worker injured on a construction site was denied benefits by the carrier. After establishing medical causation and rebutting the disability rating with strong legal arguments, the court awarded full permanent disability.
Award Value: $2,186,316

 $1.85M Settlement – Severe Knee Injury and Chronic Disability

Following a traumatic on-the-job injury and prolonged complications, we obtained additional retroactive compensation and challenged the PD rating, resulting in a high-value settlement.
Settlement: $1,850,000

$1.26M Lifetime Award – Dual Injury and Apportionment Rebutted

A work-related auto collision was followed by a second injury en route to medical care. We proved both injuries were industrial and successfully rebutted the apportionment and rating schedule.
Award Value: $1,261,664.74

$1.6M Settlement – Occupational Exposure Leading to Lung and Cognitive Injuries

An industrial worker developed interstitial pneumonitis after long-term toxic exposure, later suffering cognitive decline post-surgery. Despite the defense’s attempt to limit liability, we secured a substantial recovery based on the medical record.
Settlement: $1,600,000