Maison Law helps injury victims in California explore their legal options. When these accidents happen at your job as a quality control inspector, it brings up a lot of questions. While you can file an injury claim, you can also go through the workers’ compensation process. Our team will be there to guide and support you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Would You Need a Lawyer?
Even though working as a quality control inspector isn’t as necessarily dangerous as an assembly line worker or some other job in a factory, you can still get hurt. When this happens, you’re not required to hire a lawyer, but having one can be very beneficial–especially if your injury is serious or your situation is more complicated.
At Maison Law, our experienced team understands what you’re going through and can help take some of the stress off of you by:
- Explaining your options – We’ll clarify the claims you can file and what benefits you may be able to get.
- Investigating what happened – We’ll help gather evidence and investigate what happened during the accident.
- Negotiating with insurance – Our team will negotiate with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company to secure better benefits for you.
- Filing a lawsuit – If necessary, we can help you file a lawsuit so you can get more financial support for your injuries.
No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen–and injuries can even develop over time. This gives you certain options, but in order to fully take care of your injuries, you’ll need to explore your options.
What Are Your Claims Options as a Quality Control Inspector After a Workplace Injury?
Just because you don’t expect to be injured in your daily routine as a quality control inspector doesn’t mean it won’t happen. However, your options don’t change in that situation. Your first step is usually to file a workers’ compensation claim, but you may also be able to file a lawsuit for additional support.
Specifically, though, here’s what your claims options are:
- Filing for workers’ compensation – The starting point is filing for workers’ compensation . This is actually just an insurance claim filed through your employer’s insurance company, so it follows the same basic process as a regular insurance claim. They may offer a full settlement or ongoing benefits, covering medical bills and a portion of your lost wages. These benefits run out after a certain amount of time, though.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit – If you need extra financial help after workers’ comp benefits end or if your employer retaliates against you, you can also file a lawsuit. The point, as with any other lawsuit, is to get “damages” like:
- Lost wages
- Future earnings if you can’t return to work right away
- Medical bills
- Ongoing care needs, like physical therapy or further rehabilitation
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Knowing your options after an injury can make all the difference in how you’re able to make a recovery. No matter which option you choose, we can support you. That said, knowing what to watch out for as a quality control inspector can help you prepare for eventual pitfalls.
How Do Quality Control Inspectors Get Injured on the Job?
You might think being a quality control inspector means you won’t get injured on the job, given your daily tasks. But, because you probably work in a factory or manufacturing setting, the potential risks are still there. Most of the time, it’s going to involve the following circumstances where you would need workers’ comp:
- Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) – As a quality control inspector, you often repeat the same movements, like handling materials, lifting, and checking products. Over time, this can cause issues like muscle strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis.
- Slips, trips, and falls – The inspection area you work in has clutter or spills, increasing the chance of slips or falls. These can lead to sprains, broken bones, or head injuries.
- Exposure to hazardous materials – You might have to sometimes handle chemicals, dust, or fumes while inspecting products. Without proper safety gear, this exposure can lead to breathing problems, skin irritation, or even long-term health concerns.
- Equipment-related injuries – Working near heavy machinery or moving parts can put you at risk for cuts, crush injuries, or even getting caught in equipment. Proper training and maintenance are key for preventing these accidents.
- Lifting injuries – You might have to sometimes lift heavy materials, which can lead to back strains, muscle injuries, or hernias if lifting isn’t done properly or the right equipment isn’t used.
- Vision problems – Inspecting products often requires close attention, which can strain your eyes, especially with poor lighting or if you lack protective eyewear.
- Burns or electrocutions – In some environments, you might have to work near hot surfaces or electrical equipment, putting you at risk for burns or shocks if safety guidelines aren’t followed.
Whenever there’s a situation where you’re injured or become ill because of your job duties as a quality control inspector, it’s pretty stressful. Not only are you dealing with recovery, but you’re missing out on important income and other potential losses from missing work. That’s why you have certain legal protections in place, but the strength of your claim is going to come into play.
How Can You Protect Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Even with the ability to file a workers’ compensation claim after you’ve been injured as a quality control inspector (or any other job), you don’t automatically get benefits. You have to do the right things to protect your claim, which usually involves the following steps:
- Take care of your injuries – Your health is the top priority. Seek first aid or medical treatment right away. If your injury is serious, go directly to the nearest hospital. Quick treatment also helps document your injury for your workers’ comp claim.
- Report your injury – Tell your employer about your injury as soon as it happens. In California, you have 30 days to report it, but the sooner you do, the faster you can file your workers’ comp claim.
- File your claim – After reporting the injury, you should receive a workers’ compensation claim form (DWC-1) from HR. Complete and submit it to start your claim, and keep a copy for your records.
- See a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) – In most cases, you’ll need to be evaluated by a QME, a doctor chosen by the insurance company who will give an independent assessment of your injury.
- Work with investigators – The insurance company will review your claim by looking over medical records and possibly speaking with you and your employer. Providing all requested information can help move your claim along.
These steps are a standard part of workers’ comp claims for most employees, including quality control inspectors. By understanding your rights and following these steps, you can access the benefits you need to help with your recovery.
Free Consultations for Quality Control Inspectors in California Workers’ Compensation Claims
At Maison Law, our team of workers’ compensation lawyers is here to support you with your claim. We’ll guide you through the entire process, making sure you have the assistance you need every step of the way. If you’re a quality control inspector and you’re thinking about your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation.
