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Suffering a workplace injury can leave you feeling lost, both physically and emotionally. It’s not just the pain that’s hard to deal with — it’s the uncertainty of what comes next. You’re likely asking yourself questions about your job, your health, and your future. Perhaps you’ve faced the confusion of dealing with insurance claims or the frustration of not receiving the medical attention you need.
If you are wondering how to make ends meet while grappling with the uncertainty of recovery, we can help. At Jassim Law, our team empathizes with your situation and is committed to helping you reclaim control of your life. No matter what type of workplace injury you have suffered, our workers’ compensation attorneys will guide you through the process from beginning to end, ensuring your rights are protected during each step.
What to Know About Work Accidents
The definition of work accident includes accidents occurring “while engaged in an economic activity, or at work, or carrying on the business of the employer leading to physical or mental injury. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), 395 million workers suffer non-fatal injuries each year, with another 3 million workers losing their lives to job-related accidents and diseases.
These numbers are staggering, but taking preventative action can spare workers needless pain and suffering. Some of the most common causes of work-related injuries include:
- Hazardous materials
- Workplace violence
- Poor lighting
- Stress
- Trips and falls
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Lifting heavy equipment
Employers must prioritize safety protocols, while workers should remain aware of potential hazards and take precautions. By addressing these common causes, we can reduce the number of accidents and help protect the well-being of employees across all industries.
How Workers’ Compensation Works in California
California has a no-fault workers compensation system, ideally benefiting both employees and employers. Workers cannot sue their employers in court, and in return, employees don’t have to prove that their employer was at fault for the injury–just that the injury was work-related. The California workers’ compensation system, paid for by employers, provides several benefits to injured workers, including providing coverage for:
- Medical Treatment: Workers are entitled to coverage for any medical care required to treat their work-related injury or illness. This includes doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and any other necessary procedures to aid recovery.
- Prescription Drugs: Medications prescribed by a healthcare provider to manage pain or treat the injury are also covered, ensuring workers can access the medication they need without financial strain.
- Medical Aid Devices: Injured workers may require devices like crutches, wheelchairs, or braces during recovery, and these assistive tools are provided as part of the workers’ compensation benefits.
- Transportation Costs: If traveling to medical appointments or treatments becomes a burden, the workers’ compensation system can reimburse transportation costs, helping ease the logistical challenges of managing healthcare.
Depending on the nature of your worker’s compensation claim and related injuries, workers may be entitled to recover other forms of benefits outside of the worker’s compensation program, including state disability insurance benefits (SDI), Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), court judgments or settlements from a lawsuit against a third party.
Do I Have to Pursue Workers Compensation if I’m Injured at Work?
If your injury was due to the negligence of a person or entity other than your employer, you do not have to pursue a workers compensation claim, although you are permitted to and may do so in additional to a personal injury action.
For example, if you work as an electrician on a construction project and are injured because of the owner’s or another trade’s (i.e., plumbing contractor) negligence, you could have a legal claim against the other party as a traditional personal injury action. There are different rights and remedies available in a traditional personal injury action.
Your best course of action should be discussed with an experienced attorney immediately after you suffer an injury to preserve all of your legal rights.
Contact Our San Diego Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
If you have been injured while at work, you may be entitled to financial compensation from your employer, a third party, or both. Our workers’ compensation attorneys can help you determine the most beneficial course of action for your unique situation. Our firm offers a free case evaluation where we will provide answers to your questions and explain your legal options.
At Jassim Law, we have a proven track record of advocating for clients who have been injured through no fault of their own. Our lead attorney, Pajman Jassim, has been recognized as a SuperLawyer from 2017 to 2024 and has a reputation for relentless advocacy. Call us at (858) 524-6140 or fill out the form below to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team.
