The Workers’ Compensation system provides employees medical treatment, wage replacement, and other benefits when a worker is injured on the job. Benefits may pay for medical care, lost wages, and more.
What are the types of work injuries?
Common workplace injuries include:
● Back and neck injuries
● Sprains, tears, and strains of the knees and shoulders
● Pain and soreness from constant work activities
● Fractures
● Amputations
● Head and brain injuries
● Carpal tunnel syndrome
● Lung injuries
Unfortunately, fatal injuries occur on the job as well. The so called “fatal four” categories of injuries leading to construction worker deaths include:
● Falls: 33.5%
● Struck by an object: 11.1%
● Electrocutions: 8.5%
● Caught in/between objects: 5.5%
Potential causes of workplace deaths also include excessive exposure to sunlight leading to heat stroke, overexertion, bodily contact with dangerous equipment or objects, transportation accidents, workplace violence, and slips, falls, and trips.
Is there a maximum time off work?
In California, the maximum period of time a worker can be paid Temporary Total Disability is two years, subject to certain exceptions. A few examples of the median number of days off for certain types of work injuries are:
● Multiple fractures and injuries: 48
● Fractures: 32
● Amputations: 31
● Carpal tunnel syndrome: 30
● Tendonitis: 14
● Strains, tears, and sprains: 11
● Multiple traumatic injuries: 9
● Soreness or pain: 8
● Multiple sprains with injuries: 7
● Contusions and bruises: 5
● Heat burns: 5
● Lacerations, punctures, and cuts: 4
● Chemical burns: 3
Do I have a workers’ compensation case?
It may be time to consult with a work injury lawyer if the claims adjuster denies the case, or fails to pay benefits on time. Click here to learn more about workers’ compensation. Often, insurance adjusters are focused on getting a case closed rather than making sure an injured worker receives the medical treatment and wage replacement benefits they are entitled to.
Employees who have sustained an injury that caused a permanent disability, whether partial or total, may not be able to return to their prior job and have to make a career change, struggle to fulfill typical job requirements, or be unable to work at all. In these cases, employees may be entitled to substantial weekly payments to make up for lost wages.
If an employer retaliates against an employee for filing a workers’ comp claim, either by firing them, demoting them, reducing their hours, reducing pay, or discriminating against the employee in any other way, only a workers’ comp attorney will know how to protect their rights.
Employees injured by a third party or as a result of gross negligence on the part of the employer may be entitled to additional compensation not typically provided by a workers’ comp policy.
The Next Step
Choosing a competent workers’ comp lawyer is the best way to make sure you receive all of the benefits you deserve. To discuss your claim with award-winning attorney Thomas F. Martin, call us today at 714-547-5025 or reach out to us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
Learn more about types of work injuries.