From primary school up to the collegiate level, school administrators have a job to assist students, support faculty, and maintain academic records. Unlike teachers, school administrators typically work 12 months out of the year with their responsibilities including hiring new teachers, coordinating maintenance schedules, and managing curriculum developments. But who provides support to school administrators when they are injured on the job?
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover for Injured School Administrators in California?
Workers’ compensation benefits can help pay for the cost of medical treatment and the lost wages for injured school administrators. According to California law, all employers with at least one employee must maintain workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. Workers’ Compensation benefits available to injured school administrators include:
- Medical Care: covers all reasonable medical treatment related to your injury or illness
- Temporary Disability Benefits: benefits paid if you’re unable to work while recovering
- Permanent Disability Benefits: if you don’t fully recover from your injury, you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits
- Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits: if you cannot return to your previous line of work, these benefits can help cover the costs of retraining or skill enhancement
- Death Benefits: in the unfortunate event of a fatal injury, dependents of the decedent are entitled to death benefits
Risks of Injury for School Administrators in California
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly 40,000 educators suffer a workplace injury per year. The most common accidents include being struck by falling material or slip-and-fall incidents, which may occur due to a spilled beverage or a freshly mopped floor. Another common risk school administrators face is carpal tunnel syndrome in their hands from repetitive typing or writing.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is an opening in your wrist that is formed by the carpal bones on the bottom of the wrist and the transverse carpal ligament across the top of the wrist. The median nerve within your carpal tunnel provides sensory and motor functions to the thumb and 3 middle fingers. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome will begin to show themselves if this median nerve gets compressed or irritated over time.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms will start gradually and worsen quickly, going from occasional discomfort to constant pain. The primary symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Burning
- Pain in the affected extremity
If any of these injuries leave you living and working with unnecessary pain, then it is recommended to file a workers’ compensation claim or speak with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney about your legal options.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in California?
If you’re injured on the job as a school administrator, the first thing you should do is report the injury to your employer. Make sure your direct supervisor, someone in human resources, or the head of the school knows as soon as possible. If your injury develops gradually such as tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or mental stress, you should also report it as soon as you believe your work is the cause of your injury. If your employer does not learn about your injury within 30 days of it occurring, you could potentially be denied workers’ compensation.
Next, you should fill out a workers’ compensation claim form. Your employer is obligated to give you or mail you a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form (DWC 1) within one working day after you report your injury. You should fill out this form and return it to your employer as soon as possible to avoid problems with your claim.
After submitting your claim, it is essential to get good medical care for your injury. You should seek out treatment from a doctor who understands your particular type of injury. The doctor you choose will be known as your “primary treating physician” throughout the workers’ compensation process. The role of this doctor is to:
- Prescribe care for your job-related injury
- Manage your overall care
- Help determine when or if you can return to work
- Help identify the kinds of work you can do safely while recovering
- Refer specialists if necessary
- Write medical reports that will help determine the benefits you can receive
When working through your injuries with your primary treating physician you should be open and honest about your symptoms. Describe the events at work and what you believe led to your injuries in great detail. If you do end up filing a workers’ compensation claim, your doctor will play a large role in certifying the legitimacy of your injuries and the damage done to your life.
Reasons for Filing a Lawsuit Against Worker’s Compensation Claims in California
Worker’s compensation claims are complicated because they entail filing a lawsuit against your employer’s insurance. Contrary to what most people believe, filing a lawsuit against worker’s compensation does not affect your employer. Worker’s compensation is a separate entity and you can file a lawsuit against them if you feel you’ve been mistreated or discriminated against in any way. Reasons for filing a lawsuit against worker’s compensation include:
- Your claim is denied: if your worker’s compensation claim is denied, an attorney can help you appeal the decision and represent you through negotiations.
- Your benefits are inadequate: if you believe your workers’ compensation benefits do not cover all your medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses, an attorney can help you seek the full benefits you deserve.
- Permanent disability: in cases of permanent disability, disputes over the level of impairment or the amount of compensation can arise, requiring legal representation.
What is the Typical Compensation for an Injured School Administrator Workers’ Compensation Claim in California?
While workers’ compensation claims for school administrators will vary on a case-by-case basis, certain factors will largely determine the amount of compensation you can receive. These items can be calculated based on your economic damages and non-economic damages caused by your injuries. These damages include:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Loss of income, as well as the reduction in your earning capacity you’ve suffered from your work-related accident
- Cost of living with your injury, such as making your home disability accessible, purchasing a wheelchair or crutches, hiring a nurse or housekeeper
- Damage done to your property during the accident
- Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- Stress and anxiety due to the nature of your accident
The more severe your damages are, the more your compensation you will typically receive. However, for a more specific amount, a Workers’ Compensation Attorney can help you understand the value of your case.
Contact a School Administrator Workers’ Compensation Claims Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one are a school administrator and have suffered injuries while at work, the attorneys at Maison Law can help you get the compensation you need. Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated matters, but our attorneys have years of experience in getting workers across the education industry fully compensated for their damages. Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. No upfront money is required for our services and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
