When a workplace accident occurs, your life can change in an instant. Medical bills pile up. Lost wages create financial strain. You’re left wondering how to handle the workers’ compensation system while recovering from your injuries. At Dordick Law Corporation, we understand the challenges injured workers face in Los Angeles and throughout California. Our experienced workplace accident lawyers work to help you receive the full compensation you deserve.
This includes workers’ compensation benefits or third-party liability claims. We work on a no-recovery-no-fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward.
Why Choose Dordick Law Corporation
When you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, you need an attorney who understands California’s workers’ compensation system. You need someone who fights for injured workers’ rights. You need an attorney with the experience to maximize your recovery. Dordick Law Corporation brings decades of experience handling workplace accident cases. We work throughout Los Angeles and California. We’ve recovered substantial compensation for injured workers. We work across all industries and injury types.
We believe injured workers deserve aggressive legal representation. We prioritize their interests. We don’t accept inadequate settlement offers. We’re prepared to take cases to trial when necessary. Our no-recovery-no-fee arrangement ensures we’re fully committed to your success. Our case results page showcases our track record of success.
What Constitutes a Workplace Accident in Los Angeles?
Workplace accidents encompass far more than the obvious incidents that come to mind. While many people think of construction site falls or machinery injuries, workplace accidents occur across virtually every industry. They can take many forms.
A workplace accident is any injury or illness that occurs as a direct result of job duties or workplace conditions. The key factor is that the injury must be connected to your employment. This means accidents that happen while you’re performing your job responsibilities qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Work-related travel accidents also qualify. Even accidents during work-sponsored events may qualify for benefits.
In Los Angeles, workplace accidents include slip and fall incidents in offices. Car collisions during work-related travel happen frequently. Repetitive strain injuries from prolonged computer use occur in many workplaces. Chemical exposures in manufacturing facilities present serious risks. Equipment-related injuries affect workers across industries. These accidents can happen to anyone. Warehouse workers, healthcare professionals, and administrative staff all face workplace risks.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents
Common types of workplace accidents in Los Angeles include:
- Slip and fall accidents on wet or uneven surfaces
- Machinery and equipment-related injuries
- Vehicle accidents during work-related travel
- Repetitive motion and ergonomic injuries
- Chemical, toxic, or hazardous material exposure
- Construction site accidents and falls from heights
- Workplace violence incidents
If you’ve experienced any type of workplace accident, Dordick Law Corporation can help you understand your rights. We explore your legal options. We handle cases across all industries and injury types throughout the Los Angeles area. Our team of attorneys has extensive experience with workplace injury claims.
Your Rights After a Workplace Accident in California
California’s workers’ compensation system protects injured workers. It provides benefits without requiring you to prove employer negligence. This no-fault system means you can receive benefits even if your employer wasn’t directly responsible for the accident. The injury must occur during the course of employment.
As an injured worker in California, you have several important rights. You’re entitled to comprehensive medical treatment coverage for all injuries related to your workplace accident. This includes doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services. You also receive wage replacement benefits. These typically cover two-thirds of your average weekly wages while you’re unable to work.
Permanent Disability
If your injury results in permanent disability, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits. These are based on your permanent disability rating. This significantly affects your final settlement amount. This rating evaluates the extent to which your injury has reduced your ability to earn wages in the future. Understanding how this rating is calculated matters greatly. Challenging it if it’s too low can substantially increase your compensation. Our attorneys at Dordick Law Corporation work to ensure your permanent disability rating accurately reflects the impact of your injuries.
Retaliation
Beyond these standard workers’ compensation benefits, California law also protects you from employer retaliation. Your employer cannot fire, demote, or discriminate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. They cannot retaliate for reporting unsafe working conditions. If retaliation occurs, you may have additional legal claims against your employer. Contact our attorneys if you believe you’ve experienced retaliation.
Rehabilitation
Additionally, California law provides vocational rehabilitation services. These help you return to work if you’re unable to perform your previous job duties.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Third-Party Claims
While workers’ compensation provides important benefits, it’s not always your only legal option. Understanding the distinction between workers’ compensation claims and third-party liability claims is crucial. This helps you maximize your recovery.
Third-party liability claims arise when someone other than your employer causes your workplace injury. For example, if a negligent contractor’s actions cause your injury, you may pursue a claim. If defective equipment manufactured by another company injures you, you may pursue a claim. If a property owner’s negligence contributes to your accident, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against that third party. These claims can result in significantly higher compensation than workers’ compensation alone. They include damages for pain and suffering, which workers’ compensation does not cover.
Differences Between Workers’ Compensation and Third-Party Claims
Key differences between these claim types include:
Workers’ Compensation:
- No-fault system
- Covers medical expenses and lost wages
- Employer immunity applies
- Faster resolution typically
Third-Party Claims:
- Requires proving negligence
- Includes pain and suffering damages
- Higher potential compensation
- Longer litigation timeline
Negligence and Liability
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system. It covers injuries occurring during employment. In exchange for receiving these benefits, you generally cannot sue your employer for negligence. However, this immunity has important exceptions. If your employer intentionally caused your injury through willful physical assault or intentional misconduct, you may pursue a claim for intentional tort.
Additionally, if your employer fraudulently concealed your injury, you may have additional legal claims. If your employer failed to maintain required workers’ compensation insurance, you may have additional claims. If your employer removed safety devices from power presses, you may have additional claims.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we investigate every workplace accident thoroughly. We identify all potentially liable parties. If third-party liability exists, we pursue these claims aggressively. This helps maximize your total recovery. Many injured workers receive significantly more compensation through combined workers’ compensation and third-party claims. This is more than through either avenue alone. Our case results demonstrate our success in securing substantial settlements.
How a Workplace Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Handling the workers’ compensation system and potential third-party claims can be overwhelming. This is especially true while you’re recovering from your injuries. An experienced workplace accident lawyer serves as your advocate. We handle the complex legal and administrative processes. You can focus on healing.
Our attorneys at Dordick Law Corporation provide comprehensive legal services throughout your case. We conduct thorough investigations into how your accident occurred. We gather evidence and interview witnesses. Then, we identify all potentially liable parties and handle all communications with insurance companies. This ensures they don’t pressure you into accepting inadequate settlements. We prepare and file all necessary documentation. We meet critical deadlines that could otherwise result in lost benefits.
Insurance companies often resist paying full benefits. They attempt to minimize settlements. They employ experienced adjusters and attorneys. Their job is to reduce payouts. Having skilled legal representation levels the playing field. We negotiate aggressively on your behalf. If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. We fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Los Angeles personal injury team has recovered millions for injured workers.
We also handle appeals if your initial claim is denied. We can help if you disagree with your permanent disability rating. Many injured workers accept unfavorable decisions without realizing they have appeal rights. Our attorneys know how to challenge these decisions effectively. We present compelling evidence to support higher ratings and greater benefits.
Throughout your case, we maintain open communication. We keep you informed of developments, answer your questions, and work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement ensures our interests align with yours. We succeed only when you receive the compensation you deserve.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Accident
Taking the right actions immediately following a workplace accident can significantly impact your case. Your first priority should always be your health and safety. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. Even minor injuries deserve attention. Some injuries develop symptoms over time. Having medical documentation from the date of your accident is crucial for your claim.
Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. California law requires employers to maintain workers’ compensation insurance. Employers must inform employees of their rights. Provide a clear, detailed account of how the accident occurred. Request a copy of the incident report for your records.
Document everything related to your accident and injuries. Take photographs of the accident scene. Document any hazardous conditions. Photograph your injuries. Write down detailed notes about what happened. Do this while the events are fresh in your memory. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident. Keep all medical records. Save receipts for medical expenses. Document lost wages.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims in California is generally one year from the date of injury. Exceptions do exist. However, don’t wait until the deadline approaches. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can begin investigating your case. We gather evidence and protect your rights. Contact Dordick Law Corporation today for a free consultation to discuss your workplace accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Accidents in Los Angeles
How much does a workplace accident attorney cost?
At Dordick Law Corporation, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs or attorney fees. We only collect a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you. We also cover the costs of investigation. We cover filing fees and other case expenses. You won’t pay these costs out of pocket. This arrangement ensures we’re fully committed to maximizing your recovery. Our compensation depends directly on the results we achieve for you. Learn more about our fee structure.
How long do I have to file a workplace injury claim?
California’s statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims is generally one year from the date of your injury. However, this deadline can be extended in certain circumstances. For example, if your injury wasn’t immediately apparent, the deadline may be extended. Additionally, if your employer failed to provide the required workers’ compensation insurance information, the deadline may be extended. Don’t delay in contacting an attorney. The sooner you file your claim and begin the legal process, the stronger your case will be. Our attorneys can explain the specific deadlines that apply to your situation.
Can I sue my employer for a workplace accident?
In most cases, California’s workers’ compensation system provides your exclusive remedy against your employer. This means you cannot sue them for negligence. However, important exceptions exist. If your employer intentionally caused your injury through willful physical assault or intentional misconduct, you may pursue a claim for intentional tort. Additionally, if your employer fraudulently concealed your injury, you may have additional legal claims.
If your employer failed to maintain required workers’ compensation insurance, you may have additional claims. If your employer removed safety devices from power presses, you may have additional claims. If a third party other than your employer caused your injury, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against that party. This includes negligent contractors, equipment manufacturers, or property owners. However, certain situations, such as commuting to or from work, may not qualify for third-party claims. Our attorneys investigate every case to identify all available legal remedies.
What if my injury was partially my fault?
California follows a comparative negligence standard. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for your accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. You’re not barred from receiving compensation. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you can only recover 80%. This principle applies to third-party claims. For workers’ compensation benefits, fault is generally irrelevant. You can receive benefits even if the accident was entirely your fault. The accident must occur during employment.
How long does it take to settle a workplace accident case?
The timeline for settling a workplace accident case varies depending on several factors. These include the complexity of your injuries and the clarity of liability. Disputes may arise that affect timing. Some cases settle within a few months. Others may take a year or longer. If your case requires litigation, the process typically takes longer. Factors affecting settlement duration include the severity of your injuries. The extent of medical treatment needed matters. Whether your permanent disability rating is disputed affects timing. Whether third-party claims are involved also matters. At Dordick Law Corporation, we work efficiently to resolve your case. We ensure you receive full compensation. We keep you informed throughout the process. We never pressure you to accept inadequate settlements.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation
If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident in Los Angeles, contact Dordick Law Corporation today for a free consultation. Call (310) 551-0949 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your appointment. Our attorneys are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our firm can help you move forward with your life.
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