Valencia Industrial Accident Lawyer

Trusted Industrial Accident Attorney in Valencia, CA

Industrial work can involve heavy machinery, moving equipment, dangerous substances, repetitive labor, and other conditions that place employees at risk of serious injury. A Valencia industrial accident lawyer can explain how California workers’ compensation laws apply after an accident or occupational injury. Industrial accident lawyers can be particularly beneficial for workers who labor in Valencia’s industrial facilities near Interstate 5 and Newhall Ranch Road.

Why Choose Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation

At Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation, advocating for injured workers has been a focus of our law practice for generations. Founded in 1965, our attorneys have over 100 years of collective legal experience. Our office in Santa Clarita is located at 27201 Tourney Road, Suite 200B, Valencia, California 91355.

We are situated close to Interstate 5, so we can easily reach clients who work and live throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. We pride ourselves on providing personal attention to clients while explaining the workers’ compensation system and the benefits that injured workers may be entitled to recover after an industrial accident.

Industrial Accidents in Valencia Workplaces

The Valencia area hosts a large industrial and commercial complex. Valencia Industrial Center is situated along the west side of I-5 and includes properties south of Newhall Ranch Road extending north to Mann Biomedical Park. Industrial accidents can arise from equipment, loading docks, warehousing, machinery, production lines, forklift trucks, chemicals, electrical hazards, heights, and repetitive labor.

Industrial injuries may be caused by sudden accidents or by injuries that develop over time. Some examples of industrial accidents include: 

• Injuries caused by machinery entanglement or being crushed by equipment
• Forklift accidents and industrial vehicle collisions
• Falls from ladders, loading docks, platforms, or other heights
• Burns from fires, electrocutions, and hazardous chemical exposure
• Cumulative trauma disorders and repetitive strain injuries
• Back injuries, neck injuries, shoulder injuries, and joint injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

California Statewide Occupational Injury and Illness Rates show that California employers reported 344,500 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in 2024. Out of these, 132,700 required taking days off work, and 91,400 resulted in a job transfer or restriction.

California Industrial Accident Laws

California Labor Code Section 3600 specifies that an employee is entitled to workers’ compensation if their injury is specifically originating from work. Typically, a worker qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits provided the injury happened both because of and during their job, and all legal prerequisites are fulfilled.

California’s workers’ compensation law is considered a no-fault system. Therefore, employees typically do not have to prove that their employers were negligent in causing their industrial accident to receive benefits.

An injured employee should also report the injury to the employer. California Labor Code Section 5400 requires an injured worker to give written notice to the employer within 30 days of the injury. Failure to provide timely notice can preclude recovery, but there are statutory exceptions.

There are different types of workers’ compensation benefits available depending on the injury. Industrial accident claims can provide benefits for:

• Medical treatment
• Temporary disability benefits
• Permanent disability benefits
• Supplemental job displacement benefits

There are death benefits for qualifying survivors if the injury results in death. A Valencia industrial accident attorney can help you understand what benefits may apply in your case.

Hire an Industrial Accident Lawyer

It is recommended that you hire an industrial accident lawyer if your workers’ compensation claim is denied or your benefits are withheld. Individuals should also speak to an attorney if the insurance company refuses to cover medical treatment, delays accepting responsibility for an injury, or disputes that the injury is work-related.

An attorney can help you understand your legal rights. They can advocate for you during hearings and represent you in court should your case require litigation.

Attorneys can also examine medical records and evaluations to confirm the injury is being reported correctly. If there is a dispute over a disability rating or whether you are entitled to future medical care, your lawyer can help resolve those issues. Legal representation is particularly important if you cannot return to work following your injury or have permanent work restrictions.

California workers’ compensation claims are heard by the California Division of Workers’ Compensation. The Van Nuys Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, located at 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 105, Van Nuys, CA 91401, is one local district office.

FAQs

What Constitutes an Industrial Accident?

An industrial accident refers to an unforeseen event or dangerous workplace condition that results in injury or illness to an employee while he or she is performing job-related duties. This can include accidents involving machinery, vehicles, chemicals, falls, fires, electricity, and other hazards commonly found at workplaces. Industrial injuries can also occur over time due to repetitive motions or extended exposure to harmful conditions.

What Are the Four Proofs of Negligence?

The four elements that a plaintiff typically must prove to show negligence are duty, breach, causation, and damages. Specifically, the injured person must prove that another person had a duty to use reasonable care, breached that duty, and that the breach caused an injury and resulted in damages. In California, however, workers generally do not need to prove that their employer was negligent to recover workers’ compensation benefits.

How Are Industrial Accidents Investigated?

Investigation of an industrial accident can include visiting the accident scene, interviewing workers and witnesses, reviewing any video surveillance of the incident, inspecting equipment, and more. The employer is expected to launch their own inquiry into what happened. Workers’ compensation insurance carriers often investigate whether injuries occurred while on the job.

What Are Some Examples of Industrial Accidents?

Some examples of industrial accidents include getting caught in machinery or equipment, being struck by a forklift or other vehicles, getting hit by falling objects, injuries from hazardous chemical exposure, electrocution from damaged wiring or equipment, and falling from high heights. Other common examples include explosions, fires, malfunctioning equipment, and vehicle accidents that occur at an industrial facility.

Valencia Industrial Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one was injured in an industrial accident, Wax & Wax, A Law Corporation, can help you seek the compensation you need for recovery. Contact us today to learn about your legal options.