Maison Law helps people that have been injured at work in California. Whether it means filing a workers’ compensation claim or regular legal action after a slip-and-trip accident, we’ll be there to guide and support you. Don’t wait–contact us today to set up a free consultation to talk about your options.
How Can Our Lawyers Help You After a Slip & Trip Injury at Work?
A slip & trip accident at work isn’t all that different from it happening in your personal life, with one major exception: it gives you the opportunity to file a workers’ compensation claim. Still, you don’t technically need a lawyer to file one of these claims. That said, trying to manage everything on your own can be very difficult. Here’s how our team can help you:
- Explaining your rights and options
- Gathering paperwork and records for a workers’ compensation claim
- Negotiating with your employer or workers’ comp insurance company
It’s unfortunate to get hurt at work, but it can happen, and you may need to hire a lawyer. While you have options, it’s important to look at the context–namely what causes these accidents in the workplace.
What Causes Slip & Trip Injuries in the Workplace?
Obviously, a slip & trip accident can happen at virtually any workplace. But what separates this from a freak accident to a potential workers’ comp claim is negligence. Under California law, your employer has to maintain a safe work environment, and part of this includes making sure there aren’t slip & trip hazards. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen and leads to conditions like the following:
- Uneven surfaces or elevation changes
- Cluttered or obstructed walkways
- Poor design or maintenance
- Poor lighting
- Lack of handrails
- Not being provided with the proper footwear or safety equipment
When these conditions happen at work, it causes accidents. And accidents mean a rash of potential injuries like:
- Sprains and strains – Twisting or pulling muscles and ligaments during a fall can result in sprains or strains, often affecting your ankles, knees, or wrists.
- Broken bones – A trip or slip and fall can cause broken bones, particularly in your arms, legs, or wrists, when you try to break your fall.
- Head injuries – Falls can result in concussions or other head injuries, especially if you hit your head on the ground or an object.
- Back injuries – Tripping and falling can lead to back injuries, including muscle strains or herniated discs.
- Soft tissue damage – These can occur in various areas, leading to pain and swelling, particularly in the lower part of your body.
- Bruising – Impact from falling onto hard surfaces can lead to bruises, which can be painful and may take time to heal.
- Cuts – Sharp edges or objects on the ground can cause cuts or scrapes during a trip and fall.
- Chronic pain – Some injuries may lead to chronic pain or long-term mobility issues, impacting your ability to work going forward.
No matter what the scope of your injuries are, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim after one of these accidents. But at the same time, you shouldn’t go into the situation blindly, so it’s important to know how it works and what to expect.
What Are Your Options For Filing a Claim After a Slip & Trip Injury at Work?
The way that you deal with any slip & trip injury that happens at work is by taking a clear approach. This means getting medical attention right away and reporting what happened to your boss or company. From there, you can file a claim that will potentially allow you to recover certain “damages” that relate to your injuries and losses. Typically in this situation you have two main options:
- Filing a workers’ comp claim – This is similar to filing an insurance claim. You submit your claim, and your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance will likely provide a settlement with things like lost wages, temporary or permanent disability benefits, medical expenses, or job retraining costs.
- Filing a lawsuit – Once your workers’ comp benefits run out, you may need to file a lawsuit if you require additional support, or if your employer retaliates against you for filing a claim. This is a regular personal injury lawsuit that can help you recover damages like:
- Medical expenses
- Costs for ongoing care related to your injuries
- Lost wages or future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Going through a slip and trip injury in the workplace is challenging, but it’s essential to understand your legal options. Whether you choose to file a workers’ compensation claim, insurance claim or a lawsuit, make sure to file within two years of your injury to protect your rights.
Legal Support for Slip & Trip Injuries in California
By taking these steps, you’ll build a stronger case for your workers’ compensation claim. If your employer failed to provide a safe working environment, you may have grounds to file for workers’ compensation or take legal action to receive the support you need for your recovery.
Even with legal options and rights, the process can still be overwhelming if you’re dealing with injuries. At Maison Law, we understand how these injuries impact both your work and personal life. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you through the claims process.
