California Work-Related Injuries and Workers' Compensation

March 01, 2012

California Work-Related Injuries and Workers' Compensation

From computer keyboards to heavy machinery, your workplace can be a dangerous place. Injuries caused by the latter are typical -- such as crane accidents or getting hurt in a motor vehicle accident while making deliveries -- but you can also get hurt through repetitive motion of the wrist, hand or fingers while typing. When this type of injury occurs, workers' compensation can help you recover both financially and in health.

Workers' Compensation Benefits

In California, employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance and pay you benefits when you are injured at work -- generally regardless of the cause of the injury. Workers' compensation covers most work-related physical or mental injuries and illnesses, whether caused by one event or repeated exposure. If the injury or illness developed gradually, you should report it immediately upon learning that it could be work-related to decrease the likelihood of a dispute over coverage.

In some cases, it is obvious that the employee was on the job at the time of the injury, while other cases are less clear. Basically, though, if the employee gets hurt while doing his or her job, he or she can receive several benefits through their employer to pay medical bills and cover other costs such as lost wages or job training.

Work-Related Injuries

Employees may be eligible for workers' compensation for the following types of work-related injuries:
-Injuries caused during breaks, lunch hours and work-sponsored activities
-Injuries caused at work by company facilities and equipment
-Injuries resulting from mental and physical strain brought on by increased work duties or work-related stress
-Preexisting conditions that the workplace accelerated or aggravated even if the pain from the injury was not immediately apparent
-Diseases, if contracted by exposure to toxins at work as a result of normal working conditions

Workers who have been injured on the job should seek medical care, inform their employer of the injury and seek representation by a skilled and knowledgeable workers' compensation attorney to seek to obtain all available benefits.

Article provided by Law Offices of Thomas Hoegh
Visit us at http://www.hoeghlaw.com