Every job carries risks, but when safety protocols are ignored or equipment fails, workers pay the price with their health and livelihood. If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident in Southern California, you need the help of an attorney who can help you recover compensation for the resulting medical bills, lost wages, and other losses you are facing.
While California’s workers’ compensation system provides some benefits for injured workers, these benefits often fall far short of covering the full extent of your losses. Workers’ compensation typically covers only medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, with no compensation for pain and suffering or the full value of future lost earnings. When third parties bear responsibility for your workplace accident, or when employers engage in serious misconduct, you may be entitled to pursue additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we have been fighting for injury victims since 1987. Our attorneys understand the nuances of workplace accident cases and will explore every avenue for recovery, including third-party claims. Call us today at (310) 551-0949 for a free consultation.
Types of Southern California Workplace Accidents We Handle
Southern California’s diverse economy creates varied workplace hazards across industries, from construction and manufacturing to transportation and healthcare. Our experienced attorneys handle the full spectrum of workplace accident cases throughout the region, including:
- Construction Site Accidents – Falls from scaffolding, ladders, and rooftops cause devastating injuries and fatalities each year. Workers struck by falling objects, caught in excavation collapses, or injured by defective equipment face life-changing consequences.
- Machinery and Equipment Accidents – Manufacturing facilities and warehouses throughout Southern California use heavy machinery that poses serious risks when safety protocols are violated. Product manufacturers may bear liability when design defects or manufacturing flaws contribute to accidents.
- Vehicle-Related Workplace Accidents – Vehicular accidents can affect delivery drivers, construction workers operating heavy equipment, and employees traveling for business. When negligent third-party drivers cause accidents involving workers, these cases often provide opportunities for substantial recovery beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
- Toxic Exposure Accidents – Workers can suffer serious harm when they are exposed to hazardous chemicals, asbestos, or other dangerous substances without proper protection. These cases often involve long-term health consequences, including cancer, respiratory diseases, and neurological disorders.
- Fires and Explosions – Gas leaks, improperly stored flammable materials, and defective equipment can lead to burn injuries and smoke inhalation.
- Electrocution Accidents – Defective wiring, inadequate safety protocols, and equipment failures can cause severe electrical injuries or death.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries – RSIs develop over time from performing the same motions repeatedly, affecting workers in manufacturing, office environments, and service industries. While these injuries may qualify for workers’ compensation, ergonomic equipment defects or inadequate workplace design may create third-party liability.
- Workplace Violence Incidents – Employers have a duty to provide safe work environments, and their failure to address known risks or implement adequate security measures may create additional liability beyond workers’ compensation.
Southern California Workplace Accident Statistics
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California reported 439 fatal work injuries in a recent year, representing a significant portion of the 5,283 workplace fatalities nationwide that year.
Transportation incidents caused 108 fatal workplace injuries in California, while exposure to harmful substances resulted in 106 deaths. These two categories combined accounted for nearly 50 percent of all fatal workplace injuries in the state, demonstrating the particular risks associated with these types of accidents.
Workers aged 25 to 54 accounted for 62 percent of California’s workplace fatalities, indicating that workplace dangers affect workers in their prime earning years when families depend most heavily on their income.
Recent Case Results
Our track record of success in workplace accident cases demonstrates our commitment to securing maximum compensation for injured workers throughout Southern California.
In 2022, Gary Dordick secured a remarkable $30 million settlement for Jonathan Brock, whose life was forever changed in a devastating forklift accident in Santa Barbara, California. The case involved a catastrophic machinery failure when the mast of a specialized forklift fell on top of Mr. Brock while he was working.
The accident occurred because the screws necessary to bolt the mast to the frame were missing, creating a dangerous condition that led to the mast’s collapse. This mechanical failure resulted in severe and life-altering injuries for Mr. Brock, whose medical conditions included paralysis, thoracic spine injury, paraplegia, tachycardia, acute hyperglycemia, PTSD, and significant emotional trauma. Through persistent advocacy and thorough case preparation, we were able to secure this substantial settlement that provides Mr. Brock with the resources necessary for his ongoing medical care and support.
This settlement reflects our firm’s commitment to holding responsible parties accountable and helping injured workers pursue full compensation for their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have sustained injuries at work, you probably have a lot of questions about what your path forward looks like. Here are some of the most common questions the team at Dordick Law Corporation receives from our clients:
When can I sue someone other than my employer for a workplace accident?
While workers’ compensation generally prohibits lawsuits against employers, you may be able to pursue third-party claims against other parties whose negligence contributed to your accident. These might include:
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers
- Property owners
- Negligent drivers
What’s the difference between workers’ compensation and a personal injury lawsuit?
Workers’ compensation provides medical benefits and partial wage replacement regardless of fault, but doesn’t include compensation for pain and suffering or full lost wages. Personal injury lawsuits require proving negligence but can result in much higher compensation, including pain and suffering, full lost wages, and future losses. When third parties contribute to workplace accidents, you may be able to pursue both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims simultaneously.
How much is my workplace accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on multiple factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, your age and earning capacity, and whether third parties bear responsibility. Our recent $30 million settlement for a forklift accident victim demonstrates the substantial compensation possible in catastrophic injury cases. Cases involving permanent disabilities, spinal cord injuries, or brain trauma often result in higher settlements to cover lifetime care needs and lost earning capacity.
Can undocumented workers recover compensation for workplace injuries?
California workers’ compensation law specifically includes all workers regardless of immigration status. Undocumented workers are entitled to the same workers’ compensation benefits as any other employee. Additionally, third-party personal injury claims are available regardless of immigration status when other parties’ negligence contributes to workplace accidents.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
Workplace accidents can devastate your life and your family’s financial security in an instant. While workers’ compensation provides some benefits, it often falls far short of covering your full losses, especially in cases involving serious injuries or permanent disabilities. Working with a skilled attorney can help you understand and seek the maximum compensation available in your case.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we understand that every workplace accident case is unique. Our experienced Southern California workplace injury attorneys will explore all possible sources of recovery, including third-party claims that can provide substantially greater compensation than workers’ compensation alone.
The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building the strongest possible case for maximum compensation. Contact us today at (310) 551-0949 for a free consultation. Let us put our experience and proven track record to work for you, fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. We look forward to hearing your story and discussing your options.
