Glendale Work Injury Lawyer

Types of Workplace Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp

No matter what kind of job you have—whether construction or office work—the risk of injury exists. The extent and severity of potential harm varies from catastrophic loss to repetitive strain injuries. If you’ve been hurt in an accident while on the job or contracted a work-related illness, you may have grounds to file a workers’ compensation claim to help pay for your medical bills and lost wages.

Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation handles cases related to workers’ compensation and Social Security disability law. With offices in Glendale and Santa Clarita, our Workers’ Compensation lawyers provide personal counsel to clients throughout the greater Los Angeles area. In our many years of practice, we have helped victims of all types of injuries and accidents and may be able to assist you.

Common Workers’ Compensation Injuries

The first thing insurance companies will want to know is if your injury was caused while you were working. This can be complicated as there are many gray areas when it comes to what is considered “on the job.” Issues with this can lead to your workers’ compensation claim being denied. For example, your injuries may not be covered if they occurred on your lunch break or if you were commuting to work.

There are many injuries that are covered when they occur on the job. These include:

• Wrist injuries
• Back injuries
• Heaving lifting
• Hearing loss
• Traumatizing mental conditions
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Disease or illness resulting from working conditions
• Preexisting conditions exacerbated by your job
• Industrial accidents, such as slip and falls or machinery accidents

Catastrophic on-the-Job Injuries

A catastrophic injury is a type of serious injury that often results in permanent or long-term disability or disfigurement. Catastrophic workplace injuries are common for workers in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and industries that deal with toxic chemicals and hazardous machinery on a consistent basis.

Some common on-the-job catastrophic injuries:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Paralysis
• Amputations or loss of limbs
• Crush injuries
• Severe burns
• Blindness
• Deafness

Catastrophic injuries are often devastating and life-altering, affecting the victim physically, emotionally, and financially. Furthermore, the victim’s family members must often make sacrifices in making sure their loved one receives the appropriate care and treatment at all times.

Catastrophic Injury Workers’ Comp Benefits

Workers’ compensation benefits for the workers with catastrophic injuries include:

• Medical care and treatment
• Disability benefits
• Rehabilitation costs
• Home care or nursing care
• Handicap accessible equipment and accommodations for your home

If you have suffered a catastrophic injury at work, Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation is ready to help you. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our Glendale workers’ compensation lawyers have an extensive knowledge of California workers’ compensation law to guide you through the entire legal process and help recover the benefits you deserve. Our attorneys work alongside medical professionals to ensure comprehensive documentation and support, maximizing your chances of receiving full compensation. Whether dealing with insurance adjusters or navigating the complexities of legal proceedings, we provide guidance every step of the way.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

When most people think of workplace injuries, they often imagine life-altering incidents, such as a severed finger due to a slip of a kitchen knife or severe burns from a methane explosion in a mineshaft. However, workplace injuries are not often caused by isolated events. In truth, most injuries sustained on the job develop over a long period of time, derived from repetitive motions that are part of day-to-day activities. These types of injures are known as repetitive stress injuries (RSI).

Common Causes of Repetitive Stress Injuries

Some of the common causes of RSIs include:

• Frequent typing
• Clicking a computer mouse
• Digging and roadwork
• Moving heavy objects
• Construction site power tools
• Gardening and landscaping
• Restaurant line cook
• Moving and stacking boxes
• Operation of heavy machinery
• Stocking warehouse inventory

Repetitive stress injuries can fall under workers’ compensation if the injury is job-related and the worker was legally employed by the employer. The injury is required to be connected somehow to the individual’s work duties and their job descriptions.

Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries

Common types of RSIs include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Tennis elbow
• Writer’s cramp
• Ganglion
• DeQuervain’s syndrome

You can file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. You will likely need an extensive amount of documentation—including medical bills, hospital paperwork, pay stubs, and work logs—regarding your injury and the circumstances that led to it.

Toxic Exposure in the Workplace

Many occupations in California and throughout the United States are associated with the risk of harmful exposure to toxic chemicals by workers who come in constant contact with them. Industries such as construction, mechanical repairs, hospital work, fabrication, and airline work are typically vulnerable to toxic exposure. While federal guidelines are in place to protect workers, accidents still occur, resulting in serious and fatal injuries. Proactive measures and regular safety training can help minimize these risks, but knowing your legal rights when exposure occurs is crucial.

Occupational diseases are injuries and illnesses derived from working conditions. Employees who sustain an occupational disease are eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if a negligent third party—such as a chemical manufacturer—is also liable, the employee may file a separate personal injury lawsuit for additional monetary damages. Navigating these concurrent legal pathways can be complex, necessitating the skilled support of experienced attorneys to ensure all potential sources of compensation are pursued.

Types of Toxic Substances

The following are common toxic substances that can harm workers:

• Asbestos
• Lead
• Pesticides
• Benzene
• Acids
• Mercury
• Beryllium
• Cadmium
• Industrial paint
• Silica
• Perennial talc

Inhaling fumes, skin contact with strong chemicals, or accidentally swallowing a harmful substance can result in several illnesses, which may even be life-threatening. Common injuries suffered from toxic exposure include cancers, chemical burns, rashes, brain damage, and neurological complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical, and employees should seek immediate professional medical evaluation if exposure is suspected. Working closely with legal professionals specializing in toxic exposure cases ensures that all employer responsibilities and safety violations are investigated thoroughly.

If you suffered an injury or illness due to toxic chemical exposure, the Law Office of Wax & Wax is committed to helping you recover workers’ compensation benefits. With more than 100 years of collective experience, our Glendale workers’ compensation attorneys can thoroughly review your case and determine all of your legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Steps Should I Take After a Workplace Injury?

Immediately following a workplace injury, your health is the priority. Ensure you seek appropriate medical attention promptly. Reporting your injury to your employer as soon as possible is crucial; California law requires this within 30 days. Notifying your employer initiates the workers’ compensation process and helps preserve your rights to benefits. Collecting documentation, such as photographs of the injury scene and any witness statements, can strengthen your claim. Our firm recommends maintaining a detailed journal of your injuries and recovery. For tailored advice, contacting a Glendale work injury attorney from Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation will ensure all procedures are correctly followed.

What If My Claim Is Denied?

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, it’s vital not to lose hope. Many initial claims face denial due to technical errors or insufficient documentation. The first step is to review the reasons for denial provided by the insurance company. At Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation, we work closely with clients to meticulously gather additional evidence, such as medical records or expert testimonials, to present a well-documented reconsideration or appeal. Time is essential; California law sets specific deadlines for filing appeals. Our attorneys are adept at swiftly moving through these processes to improve your chances of a successful outcome.

I’ve Been Injured at Work, What Should I Do?

Our Workers’ Compensation attorneys are pioneers in the field. We advise injured workers to keep a written journal of their pain as well as the activities they can no longer do because of the extent of their pain. It is also helpful to keep notes on any new conditions or problems that may develop. This helps doctors properly report on your case and can aid your memory in the event of a future deposition or trial.

In addition, we strongly advise clients not to post on social media or talk with any individuals about their injuries and accident during their case, as anything they post or say may be used against them in the future.

Related Reading

• 5 Most Common Wear & Tear Injuries in the Workplace
• Common Construction Site Injuries – What You Need to Know
• Repetitive Strain Injuries – Tips for Prevention
• 5 Types of Injuries Not Covered by Workers’ Comp
• Common Injuries Among Factory Workers
• Common First Responder Injuries
• Inadequate Training Injuries
• Rotator Cuff Injuries – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments