Getting Compensation for Injuries in California Workplaces
People hold many different kinds of jobs in California, each one involving its own unique set of requirements and expectations. Employees in specific industries may be exposed to a large number of potential dangers on a daily basis.
In some cases, workers can suffer injuries in professions that typically involve no dangers. Following any workplace accident, it can be confusing for a victim to figure out how to get help with the many medical bills and lost wages he or she is now facing.
The California workers’ compensation system is set up such that claims will be paid regardless of fault, but that does not mean that filing a claim will not involve some occasional difficulty obtaining benefits. The Los Angeles Injury Group can assist you with filing a workers’ compensation claim and also investigate to determine if other parties may bear liability for your workplace accident injuries.
Actions to Take Following a Workplace Accident in California
The California Department of Industrial Relations states that following a workplace accident, the first thing the worker should do is file a report with the employer. You should also ask for a copy of this report. In some cases, a failure to immediately report an accident can make a worker ineligible for benefits.
The only thing that might prevent a victim form being able to file a report immediately is usually his or her need for medical care. In truth, all workers involved in workplace accidents should seek medical attention—even when they think they were not hurt.
Victims have the power to choose their medical care providers, but some employers may require a worker to submit to a medical examination performed by a doctor or physician pre-selected by the employers. All victims will want to make sure they have legal representation before agreeing to such exams, as medical professionals chosen by employers often try to find reasons to claim that injuries will have negligible effects on a person’s ability to perform his or her job.
Possible Third Party Liability for California Workplace Injuries
State workers’ compensation laws prohibit employees from filing lawsuits against employers for workplace accidents, even when an employer was clearly at fault. That same prohibition does not apply to third parties whose negligence caused a victim’s workplace injuries, however.
If a worker’s injuries were caused by a party such as a co-worker, another driver, or a subcontractor, the injured employee might be able to file a lawsuit against that negligent party.
Find a Workplace Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Were you seriously injured or was your loved one killed in an accident on the job in California? Do not speak to any insurance company without first contacting the Los Angeles Injury Group.
Our firm fight to help victims get all of the compensation they need and deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You can have our Los Angeles personal injury attorney provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case when you call (310) 954-7248 or contact us online to receive a free consultation.