Van Nuys Workplace Accident and Physical Injury Attorney

The last thing that anybody expects when they go to work is that they will sustain an injury. Unfortunately, work injuries are not uncommon in and around the Van Nuys area. Anytime a person is injured at work, they should be able to receive workers compensation benefits to cover the medical bills and lost wages. If necessary, short- and long-term disability benefits should also be made available. At Koszdin, Fields & Sherry , our Van Nuys work injury attorneys want to discuss the most common types of workplace accidents and physical injuries that we help clients with.

Common causes of workplace accidents in Van Nuys

When we turn to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we can see that there were around 2.7 million workplace injuries or illnesses reported across the country during the latest year of data gathered. When we look at statistics provided by the National Safety Council, we can see that there are various ways that these injuries can occur. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Slips, trips, and falls from various heights
• Exposure to hazardous materials or conditions in the workplace
• Vehicle accidents
• Overexertion and bodily reactions
• Getting caught in between objects

Some industries are riskier than others concerning severe workplace injuries (construction, transportation, manufacturing, etc.). However, workers can sustain injuries in any type of work environment. A slip and fall can happen inside an office building just as easily as it can at a construction site.

Most common workplace injuries

Workplace injuries are usually relatively minor and do not require extensive medical care. However, there are times when a worker sustains a severe injury that leads to significant time away from work. At Koszdin, Fields & Sherry , our  Van Nuys work injury lawyers regularly help clients who have sustained the following:

• Severe sprains or strains
• Broken and dislocated bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord trauma
• Other severe neck and back injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations or puncture wounds
• Crush injuries and amputations

Our team also helps clients who are suffering from occupational injuries and illnesses that develop over longer periods of time. This includes:

• Repetitive motion injuries
• Various types of lung diseases
• Cancers of varying forms
• Cardiovascular diseases
• And more

While these injuries are not always immediately apparent, they must be taken seriously. Similarly, many mental health illnesses can be traced to the workplace, and employees should be able to recover compensation for these as well.

Time Limit for Filing a Work Injury Claim in Van Nuys

When a person sustains a work injury in Van Nuys, they need to be aware that there are various deadlines in place. These deadlines are crucial because failing to file a claim on time could result in the worker not receiving the compensation they are entitled to.

• Workers’ compensation deadlines: There are a few deadlines in place for workers’ compensation claims. On-the-job injury victims in California must report the incident to their employer within 30 days of the injury occurring. Failing to do so will likely result in the injury victim is unable to receive compensation. However, even after making this initial report, the injured worker has up to one year from the day the injury occurs to file for workers’ compensation benefits.
• Third-party lawsuit deadline: In the event, a third-party lawsuit is an option in these situations, injury victims must abide by the California personal injury statute of limitations. These lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date an injury occurs.

Regardless of which route you are taking to pursue compensation after a work injury in Van Nuys, you need to have a skilled attorney by your side. A work injury lawyer will be able to investigate every aspect of these claims and help ensure that your case is filed on time so that you can receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Why Would an Employer or Insurance Carrier Deny a Work Injury Claim?

There are various reasons why an employer or insurance carrier may deny a work injury claim. Some of these reasons include the following:

• Not filing on time: If a work injury claim is not filed within the appropriate deadlines, this likely gives the employer or the insurance carrier the right to deny the claim. Exceptions can be made depending on when an injury or illness is discovered.
• The injury did not happen at work: If an injury happened away from work, perhaps during a commute or during a scheduled break, workers’ compensation may deny the claim.
• Facts disputed: If there is any dispute about how the work injury occurred, the claim could be delayed or denied altogether.
• Drugs or alcohol: If an employee was intoxicated by alcohol or drugs at the time of the injury occurs, coverage may be denied. It is very likely that the injury victim will be asked to take a drug or blood alcohol test after a serious injury occurs.
• Pre-existing conditions: If there are any pre-existing conditions that an individual had before they started their job that is exasperated by the workplace, an employer or insurance carrier may try to deny the claim.
• Negligent behavior: Anytime an employee engages in negligent behavior in the workplace that causes an injury, coverage of the injury claim may be denied. This can include horse playing on the job.
• Not seeking medical care: If an injury victim does not seek medical care or refuses to follow through with required medical treatment, the claim may be denied.

Call us for a free consultation of your case today

If you or somebody you love has sustained an injury in the workplace, you should be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. At Koszdin, Fields & Sherry , our competent and experienced attorneys are ready to help if you have sustained a work injury. Our goal is to ensure you receive all benefits you are entitled to, and we have no problem taking on aggressive insurance carriers or employers. When you need a Van Nuys work injury attorney, you can reach out to us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 800-747-3447.