Types of Work Injuries and How to Protect Your Rights
Work injuries can happen in many ways, including falls, equipment accidents, lifting injuries, repetitive strain, exposure to hazardous materials, and incidents involving vehicles. After an injury, protecting your rights usually starts with reporting the accident promptly, getting appropriate medical care, documenting what happened, and understanding the workers’ compensation benefits that may apply.
Los Angeles is a large and busy Southern California city with major industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to healthcare, transportation, entertainment, and office-based work. Its large workforce means employees may face very different workplace risks depending on their jobs and working environments.
If you have been injured in a work accident in Los Angeles, understanding the steps to take after the incident can help you protect your interests.
What Are Common Types of Work Injuries?
Work injuries can range from minor conditions to serious injuries that require extensive treatment.
Some common examples include:
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Cuts and burns
- Sprains and strains
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Hearing damage
- Exposure-related illnesses
- Spinal cord injuries
- Injuries caused by workplace falls
The type of injury often depends on the employee’s occupation and the conditions present at the workplace.
Report the Injury Promptly
After a workplace accident, report the injury to your employer as soon as reasonably possible.
Delaying a report can create questions about when and how the injury occurred.
Give your employer accurate information about what happened. Keep a copy of any written report or other documentation you submit.
If the injury developed gradually rather than from one specific accident, explain when you first noticed symptoms and how your job duties may have contributed to the condition.
Get Medical Treatment
Medical care should be a priority after a workplace injury.
Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and attend recommended appointments.
Keep records of diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, work restrictions, and follow-up visits.
If your employer directs you to a particular medical provider through the workers’ compensation system, understand the applicable rules before seeking non-emergency treatment elsewhere.
Keep Your Own Records
Do not rely entirely on your employer or insurance company to maintain documentation.
Keep copies of:
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Work restrictions
- Pay information
- Workers’ compensation paperwork
- Emails and messages
- Medical bills
- Appointment records
Also write down how your injury affects your ability to work and perform normal activities.
Understand Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation may provide benefits for qualifying workplace injuries.
Depending on the circumstances, benefits may include medical treatment and partial wage replacement while an employee is unable to work.
Some serious injuries may also qualify for additional benefits.
The exact benefits and procedures depend on the applicable state workers’ compensation laws and the circumstances of the injury.
What If Your Claim Is Denied?
An employer or insurance company may dispute a workers’ compensation claim.
A dispute could involve questions about whether the injury happened at work, whether medical treatment is necessary, or whether the employee is entitled to certain benefits.
Do not assume that a denied claim means you have no options.
Review the denial carefully and consider getting legal advice about the procedures available to challenge it.
Key Takeaways
- Work injuries can include falls, equipment accidents, strains, burns, repetitive motion injuries, and exposure-related illnesses.
- Report workplace injuries promptly and provide accurate details about what happened.
- Seek appropriate medical treatment and keep records of your care and work restrictions.
- Maintain copies of accident reports, medical records, bills, pay information, and workers’ compensation documents.
- Workers’ compensation may provide medical care and partial wage replacement for qualifying injuries.
- If your claim is denied or disputed, review the reason carefully and consider seeking legal guidance.
