If you are not able to work as a result of an injury or illness that took place at work in Alhambra, you might be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. When a workplace injury happens, you might find yourself missing out on paychecks, accumulating medical bills, and being overwhelmed with paperwork. This can be a very difficult and uncertain time.

Fortunately, California law protects workers from negative fallout related to work injuries by requiring companies to carry workers compensation insurance.

What is Workers Compensation and How Does It Work?

Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that is purchased by an employer to protect their workers from job-related injuries and illness. It provides a safety net for injured workers to ensure they are not left with no job and no money while trying to recover from an injury. Some jobs can be hazardous, and it shouldn't be the responsibility of the employee to deal with all the consequences that come with an injury.

Under the California Workers' Compensation Act, people who are hurt on the job can get different kinds of financial support to cover their injury-related expenses. This includes:

• Missed income from time off work
• Medical costs
• Job training if you have to change professions
• Death benefits if a worker dies in a job-related incident

Unlike a personal injury case, workers can receive benefits regardless of being at fault for a job-related accident. However, injured workers can not recover compensation for damages normally granted in a personal injury case.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

The top three leading causes of work-related injuries make up more than 84% of all nonfatal injuries on the job. This includes:

• Overexertion and repetitive motion injuries
• Slip and fall injuries
• Injuries from contact with equipment and objects

Overexertion and Repetitive Motion Injuries

Overexertion injuries can happen when a worker uses excessive physical effort to do a job and becomes hurt. This includes lifting, pushing, turning, holding, carrying, or throwing.

Repetitive motion triggered by stress or strain on some part of the body is because of the repetitive nature of the job. Common repetitive tasks include lifting boxes, typing on a computer, using a ten-key machine, sitting for long hours, and working on an assembly line.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents are among the most frequent on-the-job injuries. They account for 25% of yearly injury cases, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Falls at work include falling from slippery floors, from tripping, and from heights like ladders, roofs, scaffolding, or other structures.

Injuries from Contact with Equipment and Objects

Contact with equipment and objects refers to injuries that happen when a worker is hit by something or runs into something. This can include an employee being hit by a moving object, running into or being pushed in front of an object, being crushed in equipment, or being caught in cable or rope. It may also include incidents like an employee being struck or crushed by collapsing structures, equipment, or materials.

Workers' Compensation May Also Cover Occupational Illnesses

In addition to being injured, employees can also get sick with an illness because of their job. When this happens, workers compensation insurance is designed to help cover some of the expenses.

Job-related illnesses include diseases that develop from hazardous work environments or workplace exposures. Some typical illnesses that happen at work include:

• Hearing loss
• Respiratory diseases
• Skin conditions
• Toxic chemical poisoning

Situations involving work-related illness are complicated for a number of different reasons. One of the main reasons is that you will have to prove that your illness was caused by your job, and not from some other factor like genetics or something that occurred during your personal time. This is further complicated by the fact that several illnesses develop over time, which makes them harder to notice and to pinpoint the origin.

What Should I Do If I Am Injured On the Job?

If you become hurt during your employment, you should always report the accident, injury, or condition as soon as possible to your employer. This is essential even if an injury seems minor. This, because injuries that seem small in the beginning can become much more serious in the coming days or weeks.

For instance, an injury that might feel like only a strained muscle can end up being a sign of permanent nerve damage. Or a sore lower back from lifting a heavy object could be a disc herniation that needs surgery.

Further, you should always have a work-related injury assessed by a medical professional. This is the only way to figure out the extent of your injury, and what can be done to recuperate. This is particularly important for stress or repetitive motion injuries. Here, making changes in the ergonomic environment might not only treat the injury, but help to prevent injuries to others. Further, to preserve the long-term ability of a worker to maintain and continue in their job.

Finally, waiting too long to report an injury at work might seize your right to claim any kind of workers' compensation benefits.

Should You Get In Touch With an Alhambra Workers' Compensation Attorney?

Consequently, if sustain an on-the-job injury in Alhambra, consult with the Alhambra personal injury attorneys at Mendez & Sanchez. Don't go through these hard times on your own. We are here to help you with your claim. We understand the causes and impacts of work accidents and injuries. Also, we know the laws and regulations related to workers' compensation in California and will work to maximize the compensation you receive.

OUR PERSONAL INJURY AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ATTORNEYS IN ALHAMBRA, CALIFORNIA, ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY TO TAKE YOUR CALL. FOR A FREE CONSULTATION, CALL US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE.