When you are injured on the job or develop a work-related illness, you generally do not consider the fact that you may develop further related issues. Often, the original injury or illness is just the start of it, as side effects and complications create equally debilitating health problems. For example, you may develop complications after surgery for a back injury, leaving you in a worse position than before the procedure. When this occurs, you may also be entitled to claim workers’ compensation and disability benefits for this secondary illness or injury officially referred to as a compensable consequence injury.
Realistically, this matter can become complicated by your employer and their insurer fighting to protect their own bottom line through denying that you are eligible to claim compensation for a compensable injury. With an esteemed Santa Clarita compensable injury attorney with a proven track record of success litigating on your behalf, you can take the time you need to recover from your injuries, rather than attempting to navigate an unfamiliar legal process.
Common Types of Compensable Consequence Injuries Seen by a Santa Clarita Lawyer
There are countless types of compensable injuries that may be sustained, just as there are many types of original injuries. When you choose to work with a Santa Clarita attorney from Koszdin, Fields & Sherry when seeking compensation, you can be confident that you have an attorney committed to protecting your legal rights, and equipped with the necessary expertise to do just that.
Some of the common types of compensable injury regularly encountered by our Santa Clarita attorneys include:
- Carpal tunnel in one hand leads to overuse syndrome in the other
- Nerve damage as a complication of surgery for a workplace injury
- A fall down the stairs when a work-damaged knee buckles
- A neck injury in a car crash en route to physical therapy for a work injury
- An addiction to painkillers stemming from a work-induced back injury
- Clinical depression resulting from a shoulder injury that won’t heal
- Complications arising from a surgical procedure intended to remedy a back or neck injury
This list is, of course, by no means exhaustive, but we can provide the compassionate guidance and support you require throughout the legal process, regardless of the injury type.
California Workers Compensation Laws
If you hope to collect the compensation you will need to get through these difficult times, you may need to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits due to your compensable injury. Under California law, nearly every employer is required to protect their employees with workers’ compensation coverage. Those that do not come face harsh penalties including fines and other sanctions.
Many people believe that you must work full-time hours or have been employed with a company for a minimum of 90 days before being eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. But this is not the case. Under the law, you have the right to protection from the very first day you are hired. Whether you work full or part-time hours, you should be protected by your employer‘s workers’ compensation coverage.
However, if you hope to be eligible for benefits, your injuries must relate to your work in some way. For example, if you were in a car accident while running an errand for your boss, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. But if you were in a car accident on your way home from work after you had already clocked out, you may not be eligible for workers’ compensation.
What Benefits Are You Entitled To After a Compensable Injury in Santa Clarita?
After suffering a compensable injury in Santa Clarita, you may be wondering what benefits you could receive. When you file a workers’ compensation claim, there are specific benefits you could recover, including:
- Full coverage of your medical expenses
- Disability benefits amounting to approximately two-thirds of your average weekly earnings
- Death benefits for surviving family members
- Job displacement benefits
However, as you can imagine, workers’ compensation benefits may not always be enough to fully meet your needs. When this happens, you may need to discuss your legal options further with your attorney. Filing a civil lawsuit against the liable party could be the best way to ensure that you recover maximum compensation for your suffering.
However, the laws surrounding workers’ compensation, and civil claims can be complex. Make sure you have an experienced legal advocate on your side who can help you understand how to get justice for your damages.
The Statistics of Santa Clarita Compensable Injuries
Before any compensable consequence injuries occur, this is how the workplace injury statistics in California looked in 2016:
- 466,600 reportable non-fatal workplace injuries
- A clear majority of workplace injury occurs within the service industry, with fewest happening within the computer, engineering, and science roles
- The most common cause of workplace injury is overexertion, followed by contact with an object or equipment, and a slip or trip and fall
- The most common type of workplace injury is sprains, strains, and tears, followed by soreness and pain
When you have been rendered unable to work due to a workplace injury, expert legal representation could prove invaluable. To schedule your free initial consultation with a skilled Santa Clarita compensable injury attorney, call us today on 800-747-3447.
Meet With a Compensable Injury Lawyer in Santa Clarita
Although dealing with the insurance company after suffering a work injury can be overwhelming, when you have help from an experienced Santa Clarita compensable injury lawyer at Koszdin, Fields & Sherry advocating for your rights, you can focus on recovering while we handle the legal details of your case.