What to Do If You Have Been Injured at Work

Friday’s are beautiful.  It’s the last day of the week, and all the potential of the weekend is ahead.  The last delivery is finally here.  All there is to do is unload the truck and your workday is over.  As you smile and think about extra cuddles with the wife in the morning, you hear something pop.  No, wait, you feel something pop.

Searing Pain.  “I did something.  I don’t know what, but I did something,” you hear yourself trying not to panic.

A trip to the ER later and your weekend ruined, you may have questions about workers comp.   The attorneys at Koszdin, Fields & Sherry specialize in seeing you secure the compensation you need.  Being injured and out of work doesn’t have to create a hardship on your family.  When you need a worker’s compensation attorney in Los Angeles, California, Koszdin, Fields & Sherry is here for you.

Most Common Workplace Injuries

Unfortunately, workplace injuries happen all the time.  The top injuries and exposures, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics are

1. Overexertion and bodily reaction.  This accounts for a whopping 31.4% of all claims.
2. Falls, slips, and trips account for 26.7%.
3. Contact with equipment and objects account for 26.2%.
4. Transportation incidents account for 5.6%
5. Violence and other injuries by persons or animals attribute 4.9% of all claims.
6. Exposure to harmful substances or environments accounts for 4.5%.

If you are injured, it can be especially troubling to be out of work during a pandemic.  If you are the sole provider for your family, you are counting on worker’s compensation to feed your family and keep a roof over their heads.  You need to contact a personal injury and worker’s comp attorney now.

Most Common Mistakes That Can Cost You Your Worker’s Compensation

Haven’t called?  Worker’s compensation isn’t a simple form you fill out and you’re on your way.  You have responsibilities as the injured party that an insurance company will use against you to deny or undercut the money you are entitled to have.  The most common mistakes include

• Failure to report the accident properly.  “Properly” could refer to various components, so consult your employee manual to follow the procedures.
• Not providing a complete medical history to your medical providers.  What if the first time you are seen, you explain to the doctor how your upper back hurts?  In your mind, you meant everything from the back of your neck down.  An insurance company could investigate and deny paying certain medical expenses because you only claimed your back hurt.
• Not filing a notice of injury with the state of California.  You might think the initial form your employer filled out is enough, but state law has other time-sensitive requirements.
• You must clarify what your “light duties” are.  Employers may assign you light duties to be performed.  However, if you and your employer disagree on what those light duties are, it can lead to unnecessary confrontation.
• Did you know there is money after your impairment benefits expire?  The attorneys at Koszdin, Fields & Sherry can see you go beyond the maximum medical improvement.
• Not seeking a second opinion.   You don’t have to settle for the course of treatment offered to you if you feel a second opinion may give new insights into your injury.
• Not hiring an attorney to represent your claim.  Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts.  We’re in the business of maximizing payouts.  Who would you rather have on your side?

How You Can Protect Yourself and Your Family

Don’t navigate your worker’s compensation claim alone.  If you or someone you love has been injured on the job, you need a worker’s compensation attorney in Los Angeles, California by your side.  Our knowledgeable team at Koszdin, Fields & Sherry are here for you.  You can reach out to us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 800-747-3447.  You could lose more than you realize.  Call us now and speak to a specialist.  A ten-minute call can make all the difference in your claim.

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• Workers Compensation
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• Workplace injuries

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