About Us
Injured on the job? The Law Offices of Melissa J. Lyons, Inc., are here to help injured workers across California. Consultation is free, and we’re only paid when we settle.
Our Mission / Our Protocol
The Workers’ Compensation system can be confusing and intimidating. We recognize this and know the extent of how a work injury can affect an injured worker and their loved ones. We want to alleviate any confusion and intimidation for you with communication and explanation of the process at each stage of litigation. Your job is simple: get better and to be honest.
Melissa J. Lyons' Story
When Melissa Lyons was around 11 years old, her mother was injured at her accounting job while trying to move a stack of papers. The herniated disc in her low back required five surgeries. The first doctor removed the herniated disc without putting proper support in place. The second surgery removed some of the bad scar tissue that had built up, and the third through fifth surgeries were attempts to correct the first surgery.
Melissa remembers sometimes going without food while her mother was in the workers’ compensation system for her injury. Even though her mother always made sure her children ate first, the temporary disability (TD) checks were not always sent on time and there was only so much they could do with the compensation benefits.
While becoming a lawyer, Melissa worked with defense attorneys and defense hearing representatives. Seeing the other side of workers’ compensation made her certain she would rather help injured workers, as opposed to “helping” insurance companies who owe injured workers their rightful benefits.
Because of these experiences, Melissa knows how hard the workers’ compensation system is on both individuals and families. She is here to help you receive what you have a right to receive with honesty, integrity, and compassion.
Melissa J. Lyons' Background
Melissa J. Lyons began her Workers’ Compensation career in 2011 as a Defense Hearing Representative and then as a Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney when she passed the bar. In 2020, she decided to begin full-time as a Workers’ Compensation Applicant Attorney, with a desire to help injured workers receive every ounce of benefits they are entitled to receive. Her experience as a Defense Hearing Representative and as a Defense Attorney means that she understands exactly what you’re up against, and her passion for the field will mean she’s with you every step of the way.
Melissa earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Riverside, in Business Administration, where she was recognized on the National Dean’s List for her academic achievements. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Pacific Coast University School of Law while concurrently working as a Workers’ Compensation Defense Hearing representative. After working for a reputable Applicant Attorney firm for years, Melissa opened her own firm in 2023 to help injured workers in Southern California.
In her leisure time, she enjoys cycling, hiking, exercising, reading, cooking, woodworking, watching football and traveling. She has two Golden Retrievers, Honey Bee and Lady Bug, who are currently working on their Therapy Dog certifications through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. She plans to donate her free time in the future to places like medical facilities so people sustaining injuries may have some joy added to their day.
Affiliations and Memberships:
State Bar of California
California Applicants’ Attorneys Association
Marquis Who’s Who
AVVO
Amanda Denend
Amanda Denend is our office manager, with almost 5 years of Worker’s Compensation experience. Similar to Melissa, she has worked with both applicant and defense attorneys, and knows both sides of worker’s compensation law. She’s here to help you navigate the system while we work on securing compensation for your injury. In her free time, Amanda enjoys being an artist, exercising, playing video games, trying new recipes, and visiting theme parks and zoos with her family. 
