Workers’ compensation is a valuable system that offers economic security and relief to injured workers in all industries. Each state has different workers’ compensation laws, and California requires virtually every employer to have this insurance coverage, even if they have just one employee. If you work in Indian Wells, you are likely covered by your employer’s insurance policy, but it’s a good idea to know what to expect if you ever need to file a claim.
The attorneys at English Lloyd & Armenta routinely assist clients in the Indian Wells community with their work injury claims, including those that involve personal injury suits against specific parties responsible for causing these incidents. If you or a family member has been hurt at work, we can help you recover as fully as the law allows.
Most Common Causes of Workers’ Compensation Claims
It’s important to understand that while work injuries may be more common in some industries than others, it is possible for anyone to sustain an unexpected injury at work and face a very difficult road to recovery. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and various state and federal agencies, a few of the most commonly reported causes of work injury claims in Indian Wells and across the state include:
- Falls. Across all industries, falls are one of the most commonly cited causes of workplace accidents each year. Falls can easily cause complex injuries that lead to permanent disabilities; they are also a leading cause of fatal work injuries across the country each year.
- Exposure. Based on the latest work injury data from across the United States, exposure is a leading cause of work-related injuries each year. Overexposure to extreme heat or cold, toxic substances, and various other environmental hazards can easily result in work injury claims.
- Overexertion. This occurs whenever an employee pushes their body too far and/or for too long. This can potentially lead to soft tissue damage or more severe acute injuries. It is also possible for an employee who has overexerted themselves to face a greater risk of injury from other causes due to fatigue.
- Repetitive stress. Many people use the same motions and body parts to do their work every day, completing the same physical motions on a consistent basis. Over time, this can cause repetitive stress injuries. One of the most common examples of this is carpal tunnel syndrome from typing. These injuries are sometimes difficult to treat and often result in long-term or permanent complications.
- Vehicle accidents. Some people drive for work, and others require the use of specialized vehicles to perform their job duties. Vehicle accidents while working can happen for many of the same reasons as all other accidents. Recovery from this type of accident could potentially involve a workers’ compensation claim, an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, and a personal injury suit.
- Regulatory noncompliance. Employers of all industries must maintain compliance with the safety regulations that apply to their industries. If your employer has failed to meet applicable safety regulations for your workplace in any way that causes an injury, you could not only file a workers’ compensation claim but also have grounds for a civil suit against your employer, and they are likely to face penalties from regulatory agencies as well.
This is not a complete list of all the ways that workplace injuries may occur in Indian Wells, and it’s vital to know what to do if you experience an injury at work. The attorneys at English Lloyd & Armenta can provide the legal counsel you need in this situation, so do not hesitate to reach out when you need professional legal guidance after any type of injury at work in the Indian Wells area.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Most Common Cause of Workers’ Compensation Claims?
A: According to the most recent workplace injury data across the United States, falls continue to account for most of the workers’ compensation claims, workplace injury reports, and missed days of work across all industries. Falls can potentially cause a host of serious losses to the victim, from imposing expensive medical expenses to diminishing their ability to work and earn income. The severity of the effects of a fall generally depends on the height and location of the accident.
Q: What Industry Has the Most Workers’ Compensation Claims?
A: Statistically, construction workers have the most dangerous job. Every year, the construction industry is responsible for the largest share of all workplace injury reports and workers’ compensation claims. Construction injuries can occur from falls, failure to enforce workplace safety standards, electrocutions, and many other hazards.
Q: What Is the Leading Cause of Employee Injuries?
A: According to the most recent workplace safety data, exposure to harmful environmental conditions is the leading cause of workplace injuries in most industries. Working in extreme heat or cold, near harmful substances, or in proximity to other environmental hazards are just a few examples of how exposure can lead to severe injuries in many workplaces.
Q: What Compensation Is Available From Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
A: An injured employee can generally qualify to receive two types of benefits. The first is medical expense coverage, which will pay for any and all medical treatment costs the injured employee incurs from a workplace injury. The second is ongoing disability benefits. These can be awarded in different formats, but most claimants qualify to receive about two-thirds of their weekly wage in weekly disability benefits for up to 104 weeks.
Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
A: There is no legal obligation to hire legal representation for a work injury claim, but doing so will make securing the benefits you need much easier. Your attorney can help gather any evidence needed to prove how your injury occurred and then guide you through the claim process. A workers’ compensation insurance carrier will be more likely to handle your claim efficiently and in good faith when they notice you have legal representation.
The attorneys at English Lloyd & Armenta have years of experience helping our clients recover from their workplace injuries. Our firm has cultivated a strong track record of successful work injury claims thanks to our dedication to client recovery and taking the time required to guide each client through the unique legal challenges they face. To speak with an attorney you can trust about your legal options after a work injury, contact us today and schedule a free case review.