If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident in Beverly Hills, you deserve compensation. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Dordick Law Corporation, our workplace accident lawyers understand the toll on-the-job injuries inflict on workers and families. We fight to help you receive the benefits and compensation you’re entitled to under California law.
Workplace accidents happen in every industry. These include construction sites, manufacturing facilities, offices, and retail establishments. Whether your injury resulted from employer negligence, unsafe working conditions, or a third party’s actions, we provide aggressive legal representation to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Why Choose Dordick Law Corporation for Your Workplace Accident Case
When you’ve been injured at work, you need an attorney who understands California’s complex workers’ compensation system and personal injury law. Dordick Law Corporation brings experience representing injured workers throughout Beverly Hills and Los Angeles County. Our firm has recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours. We succeed only when you receive the compensation you deserve. We handle all aspects of your case. This includes everything from initial investigation through settlement or trial. You can focus on your recovery.
Our client-focused approach means we listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout your case. We understand that workplace injuries create financial stress and uncertainty. We work efficiently to resolve your claim and get you the compensation you need as quickly as possible. Learn more about our team of experienced attorneys who are ready to fight for you. Our attorneys include Gary A. Dordick, a renowned trial attorney with over 150 jury trials, and Dylan Dordick, a partner and rising star in personal injury litigation.
What Constitutes a Workplace Accident in California
A workplace accident occurs when an employee sustains an injury while performing job duties or in connection with their employment. Under California law, employers bear responsibility for maintaining safe working conditions. They must protect their employees from foreseeable hazards. When employers fail to meet these obligations, they may face liability for resulting injuries.
Types of Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents encompass a wide range of incidents. Common types include:
- Construction accidents involving falls from heights, scaffolding collapses, or equipment failures
- Machinery and equipment injuries from inadequate guards or operator error
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents caused by hazardous flooring or poor maintenance
- Chemical exposure and toxic substance injuries in manufacturing or industrial settings
- Vehicle accidents involving company vehicles or work-related transportation, such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles
- Repetitive motion injuries from prolonged, improper work activities
- Electrocution and electrical injuries from faulty equipment or unsafe practices
California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health establishes workplace safety standards that employers must follow. When employers violate these standards and workers are injured as a result, those violations can form the basis for legal claims. These claims seek compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits. Our Beverly Hills personal injury attorneys have extensive experience pursuing these claims on behalf of injured workers.
Your Rights After a Workplace Accident in Beverly Hills
After a workplace accident, you have important legal rights in California. Understanding these rights helps you make informed decisions about your recovery and compensation options. The California Department of Industrial Relations provides comprehensive resources on workplace safety and workers’ compensation rights.
When You Can Sue Third Parties
In California Labor law, workers’ compensation provides the primary remedy for workplace injuries. This no-fault system means you can receive benefits regardless of who caused the accident. However, you generally cannot sue your employer directly. Important exceptions exist.
You may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against your employer if your injury resulted from their intentional misconduct. Additionally, if a third party caused your injury—such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or another company—you can file a personal injury claim against that party. You can do this while simultaneously pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.
Third-party liability claims often provide significantly higher compensation than workers’ compensation alone. For example, if defective equipment manufactured by another company caused your injury, you can pursue a product liability claim. If another company’s negligence contributed to your accident, you can seek damages for pain and suffering. Workers’ compensation does not cover these damages.
Statute of Limitations
For workers’ compensation claims, you must file within one year of your injury date under California Labor Code § 5405. If you pursue a civil lawsuit against your employer for intentional misconduct or against a third party, the statute of limitations is generally two years under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. These are separate deadlines. Missing either can bar your claim.
This deadline is critical. Failing to file within these timeframes can result in losing your right to compensation entirely. If you’ve been injured at work, contact an attorney immediately to protect your legal rights.
How Dordick Law Corporation Supports Injured Workers
At Dordick Law Corporation, we take a thorough approach to workplace accident cases. From the moment you contact us, our team works diligently to investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case for maximum compensation. Our experienced attorneys bring decades of combined experience in workers’ compensation and personal injury law.
Our services include:
- Thorough investigation of the accident scene and circumstances
- Collection and preservation of evidence, including photographs, equipment records, and witness statements
- Coordination with medical professionals to document your injuries and treatment
- Negotiation with insurance companies and employers
- Filing appeals if your workers’ compensation claim is denied
- Pursuing third-party liability claims when applicable
- Representation in settlement negotiations and litigation
Why Insurance Companies Deny Claims and How We Fight Denials
Insurance companies frequently deny workplace injury claims to minimize their financial obligations. Common denial reasons include claims that your injury was pre-existing. Others argue that you failed to report the accident in a timely manner or that your injury didn’t arise from your employment. Some insurers claim that you contributed to the accident through your own negligence.
When your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. We handle the entire appeals process. We present evidence and legal arguments to overturn wrongful denials. Our experience fighting insurance company tactics helps your claim receive the attention and advocacy it deserves. Our case results demonstrate our track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for injured workers. We’ve recovered millions for clients in workplace injury cases.
Compensation Available for Workplace Injuries
California workers’ compensation provides several types of benefits for injured workers. Understanding what compensation you may receive helps you evaluate settlement offers. It also helps you avoid accepting less than you deserve.
- Medical benefits cover all reasonable and necessary treatment for your workplace injury. This includes emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment. Employers must pay these costs as long as treatment is medically justified under California’s Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule and relates to your work injury.
- Temporary disability benefits replace a portion of your lost wages while you recover and cannot work. California law provides two-thirds of your average weekly wage. There is a maximum amount set annually by the state.
- Permanent disability benefits apply when your injury causes lasting impairment. This impairment affects your ability to work. The amount depends on the nature and severity of your disability and your age at the time of injury.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits help injured workers return to work through retraining, job placement services, or other support. These benefits apply when you cannot return to your previous position.
For workers with catastrophic injuries, these benefits become especially critical to rebuilding their lives. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and burn injuries often require extensive rehabilitation support.
Calculating Your Potential Settlement
Your settlement value depends on multiple factors. These include the severity of your injury, the extent of your medical treatment, your lost wages, your age and work history, and whether third-party liability exists. Permanent injuries typically result in higher settlements than temporary injuries. Injuries requiring ongoing medical care or resulting in significant functional limitations command greater compensation.
If a third party caused your injury, your settlement may include damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Workers’ compensation alone does not cover these categories. These additional damages can substantially increase your total recovery. Our attorneys have secured multi-million dollar settlements for clients with serious workplace injuries.
The Workplace Accident Claim Process in Beverly Hills
Understanding the steps involved in pursuing a workplace accident claim helps you know what to expect. It also helps you protect your interests throughout the process. The California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board oversees disputes and appeals in workers’ compensation cases.
What to Do Immediately After a Workplace Accident
The actions you take immediately following your accident significantly impact your claim’s success. Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Do this even if it seems minor. Seek immediate medical attention and document all treatment. Take photographs of the accident scene, hazardous conditions, and your injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident. Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, medications, and expenses. Avoid discussing your accident on social media or with anyone other than medical professionals and your attorney.
After reporting your injury, your employer must provide you with workers’ compensation claim forms. Complete these forms accurately and thoroughly. Describe your injury and how it occurred. Submit them promptly to your employer’s insurance carrier.
Your employer’s insurance company will investigate your claim and determine whether to accept or deny it. If accepted, benefits begin. If denied, you have the right to appeal and pursue legal action to overturn the denial. Similar to slip and fall accidents, documentation and immediate action are critical to protecting your claim. Premises liability cases often involve similar evidence-gathering requirements.
Throughout this process, having an experienced workplace accident attorney protects your rights. It also helps you receive fair treatment from insurance companies and employers. Our team at Dordick Law Corporation stands ready to advocate for you from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Accidents in Beverly Hills
How much does a workplace accident attorney cost?
At Dordick Law Corporation, we represent injured workers on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees or hourly rates. We recover our attorney fees only if we obtain compensation for you. We typically take a percentage of your settlement or judgment. This arrangement helps you access quality legal representation without upfront costs.
How long do I have to file a workplace injury claim in California?
For workers’ compensation claims, you must file within one year of your injury date. Additionally, you should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Ideally, report it within 30 days. If you pursue a civil lawsuit against a third party or your employer for intentional misconduct, you generally have two years from the date of injury. If you’ve been injured at work, contact an attorney immediately to meet all deadlines. The California Department of Industrial Relations provides additional guidance on filing deadlines.
Can I sue my employer for a workplace accident?
Generally, California’s workers’ compensation system prevents you from suing your employer directly. However, exceptions exist. If your employer acted with intentional misconduct—such as deliberately exposing you to a known hazard—you may pursue a claim against them. Additionally, if a third party caused your injury, you can sue that party while receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Our personal injury attorneys can evaluate whether you have grounds for a lawsuit beyond workers’ compensation.
What if my workplace injury was partially my fault?
California follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you contributed to your accident, you may still recover workers’ compensation benefits. Your own negligence does not bar your claim. However, if a third party was involved, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. An attorney can evaluate your specific situation and explain how comparative negligence applies to your case.
How long does it take to settle a workplace accident case?
Settlement timelines vary depending on your injury’s severity, the complexity of your case, and whether disputes arise. Some cases settle within months. Others take a year or longer. Serious injuries requiring ongoing treatment may take additional time to fully evaluate. We work to resolve your case efficiently while helping you receive full compensation. Our track record shows we consistently achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
What should I do immediately after a workplace accident?
Report your injury to your employer right away. Seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Document the accident scene with photographs if possible. Collect witness contact information. Keep records of all medical treatment and expenses. Avoid discussing your accident on social media. Contact an attorney to protect your legal rights and meet all claim deadlines. The sooner you reach out, the better we can protect your interests.
Do I need a lawyer for my workers' compensation claim?
While you can file a workers’ compensation claim without an attorney, having legal representation significantly improves your outcome. Insurance companies often deny valid claims or offer inadequate settlements. An experienced workplace accident attorney investigates your claim, fights wrongful denials, negotiates with insurance companies, and helps you receive the compensation you deserve. Given the financial stakes, legal representation typically pays for itself through increased recovery.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident in Beverly Hills, don’t face the insurance company alone. Contact Dordick Law Corporation for a free consultation with an experienced workplace accident lawyer. Our attorneys will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and discuss your options for recovery. Call (310) 736-2866 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation. Our firm is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Beverly Hills office is conveniently located to serve injured workers throughout the area.
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