Workers’ Compensation Eligibility for California Waste Collectors

 Posted on September 14, 2024 in Workers' Compensation

Waste collectors contribute so much to the communities they serve. They come to work regardless of the weather to ensure the cleanliness of our neighborhoods. Unfortunately, they face serious risks, too. Although fatalities have decreased in recent years, waste collection is still the seventh deadliest industry in America.

The good news is that just like any other employee, waste collectors are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Whether you work for a private waste company or the local government, you could receive coverage for medical care and lost wages. If you suffered a workplace injury at your waste collection job but are having trouble getting the benefits you are entitled to, speak with a knowledgeable San Benito County, CA workers’ compensation attorney for guidance.

Common Causes of Waste Collector Injuries

Waste collection work is associated with daily risks. Some of the most common causes of work-related injuries for waste collectors include:

• Traffic accidents: Working mainly on the roads increases your chances of being involved in a traffic accident. You might be entitled to compensation from the other driver’s insurance in addition to your workers’ comp benefits.

• Heavy lifting: Your job might include lifting heavy loads and emptying them into the truck. This can increase your chances of developing muscle strain, back problems, and more.
• Falling: Riding around on the back of a truck poses a significant risk of falling off a moving vehicle. Along with fractures, nerve damage, and concussion, this also increases the chances of being run over by another vehicle, which could result in organ damage and even death.
• Exposure to hazardous material: People are not always as cautious as necessary when disposing of potentially harmful objects. Whether you are exposed to broken glass, a needle, mold, or soiled diapers, you are at risk of infection and disease.
• Exposure to extreme weather: Driving around on the back of a truck in all types of weather increases your risk of exposure to extreme cold or heat, rain, lightning, hail, and snow. Working outdoors all year round carries the potential for heat exhaustion, fainting, frostbite, and pneumonia.

What to Do When You Have a Work-Related Injury

If you are injured at work, follow the following steps:

• Notify your employer as soon as possible. If you do not report your injury within 30 days of the incident, you might lose your eligibility for workers’ comp benefits.
• Seek medical attention: This is an important step for two reasons. First, you need to diagnose and treat you injuries. Second, it creates a record of your injury to prove your claims to the insurance company.
• File a claim. California’s Department of Industrial Relations has all the forms you need and instructions to follow on its website. Your employer might have additional documentation or steps to follow. Once your claim is filed you will be informed whether it is approved or denied.

If your claim is denied, a workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate the appeal process.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Hollister, CA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you were hurt doing your job, a qualified San Benito County, CA accident injury attorney can offer guidance. You likely have major expenses that you should not need to pay for. If you are having a hard time getting the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve, Cramer + Martinez wants to help. Call us at 408-848-1113 to schedule a consultation so we can review your case and fight for your rights.