Suffering disabling injuries in a work accident in Los Angeles can be frustrating as well as cause pain, suffering, and loss of income. Workers’ compensation is typically there for you in times like this. You should be able to file a claim and recover medical expenses as well as income loss up to a certain degree.
According to the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), employers in California have to have workers’ insurance for all employees, whether full-time or part-time. In addition, if you suffered injuries on the job, you will not have to prove that the injury was not your fault as California is a no-fault state. This means that you can recover benefits even if the work-injury occurred due to your own fault.
If you recently had an accident at work and suffered injuries, you might be wondering what types of injuries are covered by workers’ compensation in Los Angeles. Typically, workers’ compensation insurance should cover all injuries or illnesses that either happened at work or were caused by your job.
However, obtaining benefits is not always straightforward. Workers’ compensation insurance occasionally denies claims. If you have a complicated workers’ compensation case, or your claim was already denied, you can consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer who can advise you.
Types of Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), every seven seconds, one worker suffers injuries on the job. Ideally, workers’ compensation covers all your injuries and illnesses caused by your work. This can include a variety of conditions, including repetitive strain and occupational illnesses.
In some cases, workers’ insurance also covers work-related mental conditions and disorders. There can be many different injuries covered by workers’ compensation insurance, including:
- Injuries caused by slips and falls in general.
- Injuries from getting caught between machinery or objects.
- Repetitive strain and overuse injuries.
- Inhaling toxic fumes and substances.
- Cuts, lacerations, and punctures.
- Back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions.
- Loss or reduction of hearing.
This list is not exhaustive and workers’ compensation can cover other work accidents and injuries. The main requirement for coverage is that your injuries happened at work or due to work, and you will have to prove this. You can consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer to find out whether you can file a workers’ compensation claim.
Injuries Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation
In some instances, workers’ compensation will not cover your injuries and conditions. This can happen when, for instance, your injuries occurred while you were commuting to and from your job site. You will also most likely not have workers’ compensation coverage if your injury occurred while you were out on your lunch break.
Workers’ compensation insurance can contest injuries in a claim, even if they are theoretically covered. The insurance may dispute stress-related disorders or occupational work injuries due to repetitive strain. You will have to prove that your condition arose due to a work-related activity.
Occasionally, although employers have to carry workers’ compensation insurance, an employer may lack coverage. This can leave you unable to file a claim and stuck with the medical expenses, as well as lost work time. However, if this happened to you, you can speak to a workers’ compensation attorney as you might have legal options. You could potentially sue your employer and recover compensation for your injuries this way.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you suffered injuries at work, you could generally recover a range of benefits with a workers’ compensation claim.
Medical Expenses
You can receive medical benefits for a work injury right away in Los Angeles, even if your claim is still under investigation. Generally, all your medical expenses due to a work injury are covered by workers’ compensation, even if your treatments last for years.
Loss of Income
Your workers’ compensation benefits are there to ensure that you continue to have an income while you are recovering. You can generally receive wage benefits of up to two-thirds of your gross wages, up to a certain amount.
Career Benefits
If you suffered injuries that make it difficult or impossible to carry out your previous job, you could also qualify for career-change or retraining benefits in Los Angeles. You could potentially receive funds to attend retraining courses, as well as other benefits.
Your Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
Contact us today if you want to find out what types of injuries are covered by workers’ compensation in Los Angeles. We can advise you on your options for receiving the benefits that you and your family deserve.
If your loved one died as the result of a work injury, we can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you do not lose out on compensation.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, your Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyer for help with your case today. Reach us at (800) 529-9122.