Glendale Workplace Accident Attorneys

Workplace Accidents in Southern California

Injuries from workplace accidents can happen in an office, on a construction site, or at any other type of job situation. These incidents can lead to injuries ranging from back injuries to catastrophic brain damage. No matter the circumstances, if you’ve been injured on the job, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim with the personalized help of a skilled, experienced attorney.

At the Law Offices of Wax & Wax, our Glendale workplace accident lawyers specialize in workers’ compensation and Social Security disability law. From our offices in Glendale and Santa Clarita, we have served workplace accident victims throughout the greater Los Angeles area since 1987.

Read on to learn more about the common types of workplace accidents, or call us at (818) 946-0608 to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with one of our Glendale workers’ comp lawyers.

What are Common Causes of Work Related Injuries

There are a number of accidents that may qualify you for workers’ compensation. Some of the most common work place accidents include:

• Slip and falls
• Commercial vehicle accidents
• Machinery accidents
• Industrial accidents
• Construction accidents
• Unsafe premises or other dangerous conditions

It is important to realize that accidents that occurred because an employee was not following safety rules or committed intentional misconduct may still be covered by workers’ compensation. Your employer has an obligation to protect you on the job, regardless of who is at fault for your accident and any related injuries.

Hearing Loss from Construction Work

Construction work typically involves loud machinery and tools while on the job. Without proper protection, prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in your ears). Losing your hearing can have life changing effects on how you go about your daily life. California state law states that anyone who suffers from a work-related injury or hazard that causes hearing loss is entitled to workers' compensation.

Eligibility to worker' comp for hearing loss will depend on the specifics of your case. Being eligible could cover the expenses around treating your hearing loss; like getting hearing aids. The most important thing to remember is the clock is ticking on your case and the sooner you reach out to a Glendale workplace accident attorney, the better.

Company Vehicle Accidents

If you suffered an injury in an accident while operating a company vehicle, you may be eligible to recover workers’ compensation benefits from your employer. However, the process of obtaining your benefits may be complicated, especially if your employer fails to cooperate or if your initial claim was denied.

At the Law Office of Wax & Wax, we are dedicated to pursuing the benefits and justice our clients deserve. Our lawyers are ready to investigate your accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and guide you through the complexities of the legal system.

Understanding Respondeat Superior Doctrine

The relationship between employers and employees who drive company vehicles falls under the respondeat superior legal doctrine. This means employers have a legal responsibility for their employees’ actions while employees are “acting within the scope of their employment,” which includes paying for injuries and property damage caused by an employee while driving a company vehicle. If you suffered an injury while driving a company vehicle, no matter if it was your fault or not, you are eligible for workers’ compensation.

On the other hand, if the employee was injured due to a third party’s negligence, the employee may bring a civil claim against the driver or his or her insurance company. A civil claim is brought if you suffered injuries because of the fault or negligence of the other driver.

While workers’ compensation can include reimbursement for the employee’s medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, and a portion of wages lost from being out of work, you can only recover payments for any physical or mental pain and suffering through a civil lawsuit.

Equipment Malfunctions

Some work environments possess a great potential for severe injury compared to others. In places where employees are required to work with heavy machinery, the risk of injury is much higher. While employers typically try their best to implement safe practices and manufacturers do their best to make quality equipment, there are many occasions when equipment fails and an employee suffers an injury.

Common machine-related accidents on the job include:

• Forklift accidents
• Bulldozer accidents
• Crane accidents
• Defective switch accidents
• Factory machine accidents
• Drill press accidents
• Loader accidents
• Defective conveyor belt accidents

Common Causes of Machinery Accidents

The common causes of machinery accidents are often the result of manufacturing defects, inadequate maintenance, and operator error. Whether it was your fault or not, if you suffered an injury from a machine at work, workers’ compensation is available to help you cover your losses, such as medical treatment and missed earnings.

If you sustained a serious injury due to malfunctioning equipment, the Law Office of Wax & Wax is committed to helping you recover your rightful benefits. Our Glendale workers’ compensation attorneys have won numerous awards for their dedication to client satisfaction and successful results, such as inclusion in the California Super Lawyers® list and AV Preeminent® Ratings from Martindale-Hubbell®. Do not risk filing a claim without experienced and award-winning legal assistance.

Workplace Slip and Fall Accidents

If you suffered an injury as a result of a trip, slip, or fall at work, you do not have to prove negligence to claim workers’ compensation benefits. As long as you were performing job duties when the injury occurred, you can file a work accident claim. However, these types of injuries undergo heavy scrutiny by workers’ compensation insurance providers. It is imperative that an experienced workers’ comp lawyer helps ensure your claim is filed properly in order to obtain the necessary medical treatment and the appropriate funds while you recover from your injury.

Over 20 percent of worker injuries in the United States are due to slip and fall accidents, which amounts to more than 1 million workers’ compensation cases annually. From office jobs to construction sites to hospitals, these accidents can occur in any work setting.

Common Causes of Workplace Falls

Workplace hazards that lead to slip and fall accidents are plentiful. Even before you step foot inside your job site, the dangers of slip and fall accidents are evident in a slippery hallway, a parking lot covered with snow, or an uneven surface or pothole.

Other workplace dangers that can trap your foot or cause you to lose your footing include the following:

• Wrinkled carpeting
• Warped or uneven flooring
• Stairways
• Building entrances where rain or snow are tracked inside
• Portable ladders
• Slippery surfaces
• Grease or oil on floor
• Spilled water around sinks and restrooms
• Poorly lit work areas or passageways

With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our legal team possesses the extensive knowledge of California’s workers’ comp law needed to guide you through the complexities of the legal system. Let us protect your rights and best interests.