Every year, millions of people are injured at their workplace. Sometimes the problem is a safety issue, where proper precautions are not taken by employers, and the employees suffer injuries. Other work injuries occur during the normal course of work duties because the job itself is hazardous. Workers in the transportation industry, construction and other jobs that involve dangerous materials or locations are most prone to becoming injured on the job.
If you are injured at work or while you are performing work-related duties, you should be covered by your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance policy. In California, employers are liable for injury expenses, income loss and other costs that stem from workplace injuries suffered by their employees. There are some situations that will cause an employer to try to deny coverage, but with help from an experienced California Work Injury Lawyer, your chances of getting an approval are enhanced.
To obtain work injury benefits promptly, it is helpful to work with an experienced California Work Injury Lawyer right away. They will guide you through the process and explain the program to you, so you understand what to expect and what is not covered. You may also need legal representation by this attorney to obtain additional payments from your employer for expenses that are not included in the general Workers’ Compensation program, such as claims for your pain and suffering. If your initial claim was denied, this attorney can put in an appeal or appear at a hearing on your behalf to help you gain approval.
Employers are required to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage for their employees. Your Workers’ Compensation benefits are supposed to be sufficient to provide adequate medical treatment for recovery from your work-related injuries or illnesses. They also provide part of the wages you lose because you are off work due to your injuries. All these benefits are designed to help you get better so you can return to work again. Unfortunately, damages for your pain and suffering are not included, nor are any punitive payments part of this benefit program. To obtain payment for those important financial matters, you need legal assistance from an experienced California Work Injury Lawyer.
Any time you are injured in an accident at work, it is important to discuss this with an experienced Personal Injury Attorney. Even if you are approved for Workers’ Compensation benefits, there will be other uncovered expenses and losses that may only be recovered if you take legal action. An attorney can often get a positive response with a letter to your employer, or their insurance company. If the case proceeds, they will represent your best interests during negotiation meetings, mediation, arbitration, or in courtroom litigation. By contacting your attorney immediately, you have a head start on the whole process, and therefore are most likely to obtain benefits faster.
Workers in all occupations may become injured during the course of their job duties. Some occupations are far more prone to endangering employees. People who work in skilled trades, the construction industry and transportation have many more accidents than workers who stay in the office. Even in the workplace an employee can be injured. Slip and fall accidents happen everywhere, people get injured when items fall down from heights and hit them, and other employees or disgruntled ex-employees can commit deliberate acts of violence, harming or even killing other workers in an office or at a remote location.
Typical work injuries include the following examples:
Other costs you may incur due to work injuries include:
As soon as your employer learns about your injury, they have one day to provide you with a claim form to file for benefits. If they do not, you need to get one from your attorney or online and submit it promptly to your employer. If you have to mail the form to them, be sure to use certified mail with return receipt, so you get dated proof of mailing and received dates. If you fail to make a claim within 30 days of your injury, you could lose the opportunity to be granted benefits. You should hear back about the decision within 14 to 90 days. If you do not, bring this to your attorney’s attention for action.
Being injured at work or while on the job can wreak havoc on your life and your future. Be sure that you obtain all possible financial benefits through Workers’ Compensation or other insurance your employer carries. Get the legal advice and representation you need promptly, so you can begin your recovery as soon as possible, without undue financial stress. Start with a free consultation from your experienced California Work Injury Lawyer.
If you've suffered injuries in a car collision caused by another party's negligence, you might…
You've been injured on the job, and you're probably wondering, "What now?" Well, you're not…
If you've been wronged by a healthcare provider, you're probably in a very vulnerable place.…
Accidents happen, but when they occur due to someone else's negligence, you should never have…
In the aftermath of an accident, you may find yourself confused and stressed, wondering what…
When you're expecting a baby, the last thing you want to think about is the…