What You Should Do If Injured on the Job in California
As the most populous state in the nation, California is also home to a wide variety of different employment industries. While some jobs may be considered more dangerous than others, the truth remains that any worker can suffer devastating injuries on the job in any field as the result of certain kinds of negligence.
While many victims are entitled to benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation system, such benefits are not always easy to obtain—and they may not be all that some victims are entitled to in certain cases. In order to make sure that you get all of the compensation you are entitled to for your own workplace injury, it is in your best interest to immediately contact the Los Angeles Injury Group.
Steps Victims Should Take After Workplace Accidents in California
As the California Department of Industrial Relations notes, the first thing any injured worker should do following an accident is file a report with his or her employer. Failure to file a report immediately can make a worker ineligible for benefits, and you will want to ask for a copy of this report as well for your own records.
Another very important thing for a victim to do following an accident on the job is to seek medical attention. Again, delays in medical treatment can adversely impact the success of an injury claim filed later on.
Additionally, the initial medical treatment sought can often be through a victim’s preferred medical provider. Some employers may ask workers to submit to medical examinations conducted by pre-selected doctors or physicians who often have an incentive to downplay the severity of a victim’s injuries. You will want to make sure you retain legal counsel before agreeing to any such examination.
Contacting an attorney also needs to be a priority for many workplace accident victims, as insurance companies will often try to get these people on the phone and attempt to get the victims to make very damaging recorded statements. You should avoid engaging in any of these conversations until you have legal representation.
When a Third Party Bears Liability in a California Workplace Accident
Some workplace injuries are purely the result of employer negligence, and individuals who receive workers’ compensation are unable to file lawsuits against the employers in such cases. In some other cases, however, another party’s negligence may have been a significant factor in causing or contributing to a victim’s injuries.
When a party that is not the employer is responsible for a victim’s injuries, that party could be held liable for damages in addition to workers’ compensation. Depending on the cases, some victims may be entitled to claims for medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages such as pain and suffering.
Find a Workplace Accident Attorney in Los Angeles
If you suffered serious injuries or your loved one was killed in any kind of accident in a California workplace, it will be in your best interest to quickly contact the Los Angeles Injury Group. Our firm assists clients throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer understands the many ways an injury impacts a person’s life and fights to help victims get the compensation they need for all their past, present, and future needs. Call (310) 954-7248 or contact us online to have our firm review your case and discuss all of your legal options during a free consultation.