Maison Law represents injury victims in California, and can help them with the workers’ compensation process after they’ve been hurt at work. Even though every work environment is different, there’s certain things that can cause injuries–including a fall. If you’ve been hurt during a fall at work, we can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Claims Options Do You Have After Falling at Work?
Unfortunately, a fall injury is something that can happen to you at work–regardless of what your job is. What you need to focus on if it happens to you is taking care of your health and safety first, then looking at the actual process of filing a claim:
- Get medical care right away – Your health should be your first priority. If you’re injured from a fall, get medical help right away. Ask your supervisor or someone in charge for first aid, then call 911 for an ambulance. If you’re still under your own power, you can also go to an urgent care or emergency room for treatment.
- Report the accident – At the same time, let your employer know about the fall and your injury as soon as possible so they can take care of any further fall risks. California law holds that workplace injuries have to be reported within 30 days.
- Workers’ compensation – A fall injury should be covered by workers’ comp. Your employer will give you a claim form to start the process. Fill it out, return it to them, and ask for a copy for your records.
- Insurance probe – Your employer’s workers’ comp insurance will investigate the claim. This typically means looking at medical records and speaking with you and any witnesses to the fall.
- Medical evaluation – You may need to see a doctor chosen by the insurance company to assess your injury and what treatment you’ll need.
- Making a decision – The insurance company will decide if your claim is valid and what benefits you qualify for, such as medical treatment, temporary or permanent disability, or job retraining.
- Resolving disputes – If there are disagreements over your claim, such as the extent of your injury or whether it was caused by the fall, you may need to go through dispute resolution, which could include negotiation, mediation, or a workers’ comp hearing.
- Return to work – If you can, your employer might offer you a job that fits your medical restrictions. If you can’t return to your old job, vocational retraining services may help you find new employment.
- Lawsuit – Alongside your workers’ compensation claim, you may also be able to file an injury claim, either by filing an insurance claim against responsible parties or a personal injury lawsuit. The evidence you gather for your workers’ comp claim will also be helpful if you go through this process
The good thing about following these steps is that they apply in virtually any workplace injury situation. At the same time, it’s also important to look at how these accidents happen and what injuries they typically result in.
How Do Fall Injuries Happen at Work?
It’s not all that complicated to see how a fall injury can happen at work. Whether you work in an office or a factory floor, the threat is always there when your employer fails to take certain steps. Things like not maintaining carpets, keeping walkways clear, or cleaning up spills quickly all lead to falls. But specifically, it’s important to know what to watch out for. Here’s how these injuries typically happen in most workplaces:
- Slippery or wet floors – Spills, leaks, or freshly cleaned surfaces can cause employees to slip and fall if not properly marked or cleaned up.
- Uneven surfaces – Cracked floors, loose carpeting, or uneven walkways can lead to trips and falls, especially in poorly lit areas.
- Cluttered workspaces – Objects left in walkways, tools, or debris on the floor can become tripping hazards.
- Ladders and elevated surfaces – Workers can fall from ladders, scaffolding, or platforms, especially if the equipment is unstable, improperly used, or lacks safety measures.
- Lack of handrails – Stairs or elevated walkways without proper handrails can increase the risk of falling.
- Poor lighting – Not enough lighting in work areas or stairwells can make it harder to see obstacles or changes in floor level.
- Weather hazards – Outdoor workers may face slippery surfaces from rain, ice, or snow, leading to falls.
- Improper footwear – Wearing shoes that don’t have proper grip or are unsuitable for the work environment can increase the chances of slipping or tripping.
Like a fall anywhere else, one at work can lead to a whole host of injuries and other issues, ranging from broken bones to muscle tears and head injuries. So, you’re probably facing extensive medical treatment, missed work, and other losses. This is the thrust of your protection via workers’ comp or the legal system.
What Damages Can You Get From Workers’ Compensation After a Fall Injury?
A workers’ compensation claim is just another version of an insurance claim that you can file after an injury. It gives you access to certain financial support–known as “damages.” But like a regular insurance claim or lawsuit, the benefits you can get in a workers’ compensation claim is going to depend on your injuries and the evidence you can show. Generally, though, you can recover things like:
- Lost income
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Disability benefits, which can be either temporary or permanent
- Job retraining costs
- Travel expenses
It’s important to remember that workers’ comp benefits run out after a certain period of time–usually after 104 weeks in California. Also, you might heal quicker or take longer to heal than others, so it’s all fairly subjective. What isn’t subjective is the rights and options you have, and our team at Maison Law will be there to support you.
Contact Maison Law After a Fall Injury at Work in California
A work environment–dangerous or not–has to be kept reasonably safe by your employer. When this doesn’t happen, you can be hurt by a fall or some other hazard. At that point, you need to start thinking about your legal options. Our California workers’ compensation lawyers at Maison Law will be there to support and guide you through the claims process. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
