Work Injury Cases

Start Your Claim for a Work Injury Case

Why Start My Work Injury Claim

Hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is the best thing you can do for your worker’s compensation case. Insurance companies are unscrupulous, and many will try to deny your claims. Do not allow this to happen and make sure that you contact our office to schedule a free consultation during which we can discuss the facts of your case.

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Have you been hurt at work? Are you wondering how to get a workers comp settlement?

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Accountability

Our lawyers at WILC for workers’ compensation claims are here to make sure that you get justice.

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Recovery

We work hard to make sure that you receive the fair payments and compensation you deserve.

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No Work Injury is Too Big For Us

We work with many types of work injuries in California

Repetitive Motion Injury

Most jobs have at least some repetitive tasks. You probably do them over and over again without thinking about it. Then, slowly, over time, something feels off. Then you wonder: What happens when repetitive motion causes injury?

Although a repetitive motion injury develops over time, it can be serious. The victim may not be able to work. They may need medical care.

If you have suffered a repetitive motion injury because of work, you may wonder if your case qualifies for workers compensation. In many cases, the answer is yes.

Catastrophic Work Injury

A catastrophic work injury is one that results in severe and long-lasting damage, often leaving the victim unable to work or perform daily activities. These injuries typically go beyond minor injuries and require significant medical treatment, prolonged recovery periods, or lead to permanent disability. Examples include serious burns, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple bone fractures, or severe diseases caused by workplace exposure to harmful substances.

Such injuries can profoundly disrupt the victim’s life, both professionally and personally. They often necessitate lifestyle modifications, long-term care, or assistance with daily tasks, which can be emotionally, physically, and financially draining.

Workers’ compensation systems generally recognize these injuries as being different from non-catastrophic ones, often providing additional benefits or compensations due to their severity. However, what qualifies as a catastrophic injury may vary depending on jurisdiction and specific workers’ compensation laws.

Determining whether an injury is catastrophic can be complex, often requiring extensive medical evidence, expert opinions, and thorough legal analysis. If you or someone you know has suffered a severe workplace injury, it is crucial to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can guide you through the process and help secure the benefits you are entitled to.

Overexertion Injury

Overexertion injuries are common workplace injuries, typically resulting from physical activities that are too strenuous for the body to handle. Such activities may involve lifting, pulling, pushing, or carrying heavy objects without proper training or equipment.

Overexertion can strain the musculoskeletal system, leading to injuries such as sprains, strains, or herniated discs. Over time, repetitive overexertion can also cause chronic problems, leading to conditions like lower back pain, repetitive strain injuries, or cumulative trauma disorders. In some cases, a single incident of overexertion can lead to acute injuries, such as torn muscles or ligaments.

These injuries are particularly prevalent in industries involving manual labor, but can also occur in office environments, for example, when lifting heavy boxes of supplies. Prevention strategies can include proper training in lifting techniques, the use of assistive devices for lifting, and encouraging regular breaks to avoid fatigue.

These are often the result of physical labor, such as lifting, pulling, or carrying heavy objects. Overexertion can lead to musculoskeletal injuries like strains, sprains, or herniated discs.

Machine Entanglement Injury

Machine entanglement injuries occur in workplaces where heavy machinery is used, such as factories, construction sites, and agricultural settings. These injuries happen when a worker’s clothing, hair, or body parts become entangled in the operating parts of a machine. The consequences can be severe, leading to crushed limbs, lacerations, burns, amputations, or in the worst cases, fatalities.

Factors contributing to machine entanglement injuries can include inadequate training, failure to use protective equipment, lack of machine guards, or poorly maintained equipment. It’s essential for workplaces to implement safety protocols to mitigate these risks.

This includes ensuring all machinery is equipped with appropriate safety guards, providing proper training to employees on the operation and potential risks of the machinery, and promoting the use of personal protective equipment. Regular inspections and maintenance of machinery can also help prevent malfunction that may lead to such injuries.

Workplace Violence Injury

Workplace violence injuries refer to harm caused by acts of violence within the workplace, which can range from verbal abuse and threats to physical assaults and even homicide. These incidents can result in both physical and psychological injuries, with consequences extending beyond the immediate physical harm to include trauma, stress, and decreased productivity.

Workplace violence can occur in any industry, but is more common in sectors like healthcare, public service, and retail, where employees interact directly with the public. Contributing factors can include high-stress environments, inadequate security, and lack of policies addressing workplace violence.

To mitigate the risk of such injuries, organizations can implement measures like security protocols, violence prevention programs, and employee training on conflict resolution. It’s crucial to foster a safe, respectful work environment, and encourage employees to report any incidents of violence or threats so that they can be addressed promptly and appropriately.

Harmful Substances Injury

Exposure to harmful substances or environments in the workplace can result in a wide range of injuries and health conditions. Workers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and healthcare are often exposed to chemicals, dust, radiation, loud noise, or extreme temperatures. This exposure can lead to acute injuries such as chemical burns, radiation sickness, or hearing loss. Long-term exposure can result in chronic conditions like respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, cancer, and permanent hearing damage. For example, asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer. Similarly, consistent exposure to loud noise can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Mitigating these risks requires the implementation of safety protocols, including proper ventilation, use of personal protective equipment, regular health screenings, and training on handling hazardous materials. Legislation and regulations also play a crucial role in limiting exposure to harmful substances and ensuring safe working conditions.

Work Related Driving Injury

Work-related vehicle injuries occur when employees who drive as part of their job duties are involved in vehicle accidents. These injuries can range from minor to severe and can include whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or even fatalities. Occupations at risk include truck drivers, delivery drivers, law enforcement officers, and sales representatives, among others. Causes of such accidents can vary, encompassing driver fatigue, distraction, impaired driving, speeding, or adverse weather conditions. Employers can help mitigate these risks by implementing and enforcing safety policies, providing driver safety training, ensuring vehicles are properly maintained, and scheduling work to allow for adequate rest. Technologies such as GPS tracking and dash cameras can also be used to monitor driving behaviors and identify areas for improvement. Moreover, all employees should be encouraged to adhere to traffic laws, wear seat belts, and avoid distractions while driving to ensure their safety on the road.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) are a group of conditions that occur as a result of continuous, repetitive movements, often associated with certain work activities. They are common in jobs requiring repeated use of a particular set of muscles, such as typing, assembly line work, or manual labor.

RSIs affect the body’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems, often manifesting in the form of pain, numbness, and impaired function in the affected areas.

Examples of RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis. Carpal tunnel syndrome, for instance, is a common RSI affecting people who frequently use a computer keyboard, causing pain and numbness in the hand and arm. RSIs can be mitigated or prevented through ergonomic improvements to workstations, regular breaks to rest the affected muscles, and exercises to strengthen the muscles and increase flexibility. If left untreated, RSIs can lead to long-term disability and chronic pain.

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Medical Attention & Diagnosis

The first step is to seek immediate medical care. This may involve first aid on site, followed by a visit to a hospital or clinic, depending on the severity of the injury. Medical professionals will conduct examinations and potentially order tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or blood tests to determine the extent and nature of the injury.

Treatment & Rehabilitation

Based on the diagnosis, a treatment plan will be developed. This may involve medication, surgery, physical therapy, or other treatments. Depending on the injury, a period of rest may be needed for the body to heal. Rehabilitation, including physical therapy or occupational therapy, may be necessary to restore function and strength.

Follow-Up Care & Reintegration

Once a worker is medically ready, they may participate in a return-to-work program. This often involves working reduced hours or performing modified duties at first, gradually returning to regular duties as the worker is able.

Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are important to monitor recovery and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Throughout this process, it’s also important to handle administrative tasks like reporting the injury to the employer, filing a workers’ compensation claim if applicable, and keeping detailed records of the injury and treatment. Mental health support may also be needed, as dealing with a work injury can be emotionally challenging.