Each year more than 2.6 million people are seriously injured or become ill while on the job. While some industries do prove to be more dangerous than others, overall just over two in every 100 workers will be injured annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Regardless of what caused your injury, you have a right to compensation. An experienced Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyer at Setyan Law can review your case and help you understand your options. Lead attorney Sam Setyan will ensure you get the money you need to move forward with life after a work accident. Call today at (213)-618-3655.
Causes of Workplace Injuries in California
Many of the injuries and illnesses suffered on the job can be prevented. They often have known causes or are the result of unnecessary human error. Some of the most common causes of workplace injuries in California include:
- Workplace Car Accidents
- Exposure to Dangerous Products and Chemicals (Asbestos and Mesothelioma Cases)
- Electrocution and Shocks
- Repetitive Motion
- Slips, Trips, and Falls
- Defective Equipment
- Respiratory Illness (such as COVID)
- Lifting Incorrectly
- Falls from a Height
- Contact with Equipment
- Lacerations
- Falling Objects
- Pushing and Pulling
What Is Considered a Workers’ Compensation Injury?
Nearly all injuries that occur on the job are covered by workers’ comp insurance. That includes illnesses sand accidents caused by exposure to work equipment, materials, and activities. It does not matter who is to blame for your work-related accident. Even if you are partially to blame, workers’ comp will cover your damages. However, workers’ compensation will not cover injuries that are:
- Purposefully and willfully self-inflicted
- Caused by fighting or horseplay
- Incurred while committing a crime
- Due to drugs or alcohol
- Incurred while violating company policies
What Types of Injuries are Covered by Workers’ Compensation in California?
Workmans’ compensation insurance will cover any injury or illness caused by your job duties or exposure to work-related materials. There must be a causal relationship between your medical condition and your job in order to qualify for workers’ compensation.
However, if your job duties aggravate a pre-existing condition, you may still be able to get compensation. Establishing the connection between your injury or illness and your job can be complex, especially if your condition is not discovered until years later (such as with mesothelioma). Similarly, if your injury occurs on a business trip outside of the office, your employer might try to fight your workers’ compensation claim.
Some of the most common injuries covered by workers’ compensation in California include:
- Cuts, lacerations, and punctures
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries (muscle sprains, strains, and tears)
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Repetitive strain or stress injuries (RSIs) (carpal tunnel, tendonitis, back pain)
Since many industries, such as construction and emergency medical, are inherently dangerous, employers should be able to anticipate and prevent many of these injuries.
What Are the Fatal Four Workplace Injuries
In addition to workplace injuries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has indicated four specific incidents that cause the most workplace fatalities. Those include the “fatal four”:- Electrocution
- Getting crushed or stuck between objects
- Being struck by equipment or other objects
- Falls (typically from a height)
Workers Compensation Injuries Can Be Prevented
The best way to prevent most of these work-related injuries is by training employees properly and providing them with safety equipment. If you or a loved one was injured on the job, you may be able to point out errors by the employer in failing to prevent unnecessary injuries. This can result in a significant payout in damages.
Attorney Sam Setyan is ready to review your case and help you understand your options going forward. Learn more about workplace injuries and your rights regarding your specific case. Call Setyan Law today at 213-618-3655.
How an Employment Attorney in Los Angeles Can Help You
Employment disputes are about more than winning. They often involve your livelihood and can impact your entire life. Setyan Law has a team of legal professionals and discrimination lawyers in Los Angeles, CA, Pasadena, CA, and Glendale, CA.
We will review your case, gather evidence to support your claims, and fight for you to get the justice you deserve.
Please feel free to call us for a free consultation about your rights.