Every occupation has its dangers, and every year, thousands of Los Angeles residents are rushed to the emergency room due to workplace accidents. You may be entitled to compensation if you crashed while driving a company car, tripped and fell at the office, or suffered serious injuries at a construction site.
California workers’ compensation laws give employees injured on the job the right to medical care, permanent and temporary disability pay, and other benefits. Before you apply for workers’ compensation benefits, you should speak to an attorney. You may be entitled to additional compensation by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Contact Saeedian Law Group to schedule a complimentary case evaluation and learn more about your legal rights.
Common Causes of Workplace Accidents in Los Angeles
Workplace injuries are more common than many workers realize. Whether you work in an office or an industrial setting, you could be at risk of workplace injury. Injuries can result in extensive medical expenses, lost time, and significant pain and suffering. We will discuss some of the most common causes of workplace accidents below.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents in the Workplace
Slip, trip, and fall accidents can happen at any workplace location. Uneven flooring, cluttered walkways, and slippery surfaces can all cause severe injuries. When employees work in industrial job sites with heavy machinery and debris, they may trip and fall on the job site. Employees may fall off of scaffolding or into maintenance holes that aren’t covered.
Some slip and fall injuries are minor, but others can be severe or fatal injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and broken bones. Employers have an obligation to keep their job sites clean, free of hazards, and well-lit to reduce the risk of falls. They should also provide their employees with safety training to avoid trip and fall accidents.
Los Angeles Workplace Accidents Involving Heavy Machinery and Equipment
Injuries caused by equipment and objects at a job site are another leading cause of workplace injuries in California. Injuries from heavy machinery, tools, and falling objects can result in workers being crushed. Employees working on job sites with heavy equipment are at a higher risk of injury.
Employers are legally responsible for ensuring their equipment is inspected and well-maintained. Employees should receive safety training on using the equipment. They must provide employees with hard hats, safety glasses, and personal protective equipment to prevent them from being injured by heavy machinery.
Workplace Injuries Caused By Toxic Exposure
In some cases, workplace injuries aren’t apparent immediately. Instead, they develop over time. For example, constant exposure to loud noises without proper ear protection can cause hearing loss. Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause cancer or other serious illnesses. Employers should monitor working conditions in their workplace and limit exposure to toxic chemicals.
Transportation Accidents
Transportation accidents are another leading cause of California workplace accidents. These types of accidents can involve trucks, cars, and other vehicles, as well as accidents involving bicycles and pedestrians. Employees who drive vehicles for work are at a higher risk of being injured in an auto accident while on the job. Employers should ensure their vehicles are well-maintained and regularly inspected. They should also implement policies discouraging negligent driving behavior, such as distracted driving.
Workplace Injuries Caused By Violence in Los Angeles
Workplace violence is a growing concern for California workers. Physical assaults, harassment, and threats all constitute workplace violence. Workers in customer-facing roles, such as nurses, cashiers, bank tellers, and other roles, are at a higher risk of workplace violence. Employers are obligated to prevent workplace violence by enforcing a no-tolerance policy for harassment and violence.
They should provide safety training for employees and install security cameras, lighting, and alarms to protect employees. When a workplace location is in a high-crime area or violent incidents have happened before, an employer should hire security guards to protect employees and customers.
What Are My Rights After a Workplace Accident?
Victims of workplace injuries may be unaware of their rights. Victims may need to take steps to claim the compensation they deserve quickly, or the opportunity may be lost. If you’ve suffered an injury while on the job, you may have the following types of legal rights:
- You have the right to pursue medical treatment and see a doctor.
- You have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim.
- You have the right to return to your job when your doctor has released you to return.
- You have the right to disability compensation if you cannot return to work due to your short-term or long-term injury.
- You have the right to hire a workers’ compensation attorney throughout the claims process.
Applying for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Los Angeles
When an employee becomes injured while on the job, he or she may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits are awarded without the need for an employee to prove fault. In other words, you won’t need to prove that your employer was at fault or that you weren’t at fault to obtain benefits. However, employees must report work-related injuries or illnesses within 30 days of the incident.
After you inform your employer about your workplace accident, they are legally required to provide you with a workers’ compensation form. You can pursue compensation for your medical expenses and a percentage of your lost wages. If your employer attempts to deny or delay your workers’ compensation claim, speaking to an experienced attorney is important.
Pursuing a Lawsuit Against a Negligent Third-Party
Filing a workers’ compensation claim may not be your most strategic option. In addition to filing a workers’ compensation claim, you have the right to file a work injury lawsuit against a party other than your employer whose negligence caused your injury. Regardless of your immigration status, you have the right to file a work injury lawsuit.
When a third party’s negligence caused your injuries, you can pursue a civil lawsuit for additional monetary damages you won’t be able to recover through a workers’ compensation claim. For example, you can pursue compensation for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering and economic damages.
Discuss Your Case with a Skilled Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident in Los Angeles, the attorneys at Saeedian Law Group are here to help. We can answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact Saeedian Law Group to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.
