Recent Blog Posts
Help for Nurses and CNAs Assaulted at Work
No one should be getting physically attacked at work. Unfortunately, a very large percentage of nurses and nurses’ aids will experience workplace violence. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses are about five times more likely to be assaulted while working than the average worker. The World Health Organization suggests that up to 38 percent of nurses will be assaulted at some point during their careers, generally by a patient or a patient’s family member. These attacks can cause serious physical injuries or psychological trauma that renders you unable to work for some time. Healthcare workers who are assaulted at work may be eligible for workers’ compensation. An experienced San Benito County, CA workers’ compensation attorney can fight for you.
Why Workplace Violence is a Major Cause of Work Injuries for Healthcare Workers
Nurses are expected to deal with people at their worst. Especially in the emergency room, a lot of patients are in crisis - they are in extreme pain, having a psychotic break, or are receiving life-altering news. Patient’s family members who are unsure whether their loved one is going to survive are often experiencing an emotional crisis. These people are more inclined to act out violently than the average customer at a grocery store or florist. The emotionality of the situation does not excuse violence against healthcare workers, but it does explain why nurses are at higher risk of being assaulted.
Workers’ Compensation for PTSD and Psychological Injuries
You do not have to be physically injured at work to be suffering from a work-induced psychological disability. If you are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, struggling with acute post-traumatic stress, or have begun to experience other psychological problems like depression or anxiety as a direct result of something that has happened at work, you might be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. Issues like PTSD or depression can be the result of a single, serious incident or can build up over time, like many other occupational illnesses. If you have had to take time away from work due to PTSD or other psychological issues, you should talk to an experienced Santa Clara County, CA workers’ compensation lawyer.
Mental Health After a Serious Injury
Many workplace accidents are traumatic. The psychological ramifications of a workplace accident can persist long after your physical injuries have healed. If you were physically hurt at work, you may have a very strong case for getting workers’ compensation for your psychological injuries as well. If you find that your thoughts and memories of the accident are causing you such significant distress that you are not able to work even after physically healing, you may qualify for long-term disability.
Wearable Technology and Workers’ Compensation in California
As technology develops to meet more needs, some innovations can play a significant role in keeping employees safer than they used to be. One area where this is becoming increasingly noticeable is with wearable technology. Devices such as fitness trackers and smart helmets can monitor a worker's health and safety in real time, and there has been a noticeable effect on workers’ compensation claims. If you suffered a work injury and want to explore how wearable technology can impact your claims, speak with a skilled Hollister, CA workers' compensation lawyer to learn more.
Benefits of Wearable Technology in the Workplace
Workplace injuries, and resulting workers’ compensation claims, continue to add up year after year. Many employers find themselves seeking ways to prevent this, whether out of concern for their workers’ safety or their financial bottom line. Regardless, one method that many employers have been considering is introducing wearable technology. This offers several benefits, including:
Workers’ Compensation Issues Following a Trench Collapse in California
Trenches are commonly found at construction sites, and when they collapse, it can lead to severe injury and sometimes death. The recent death of a construction worker following a trench collapse has highlighted how dangerous these can be. All workers in California are entitled to workers’ compensation when they are hurt in a workplace injury, and construction workers are no exception. However, companies that provide compensation have an interest in limiting the amount of money they pay out. If you are injured while doing your job, a seasoned Morgan Hill, CA workers’ compensation lawyer can review your case and advise you on how to seek maximum compensation.
Workers’ Compensation Challenges in California’s Gig Economy
In 2024, more and more people are earning their living in ways that people could never have imagined a few decades ago. As platforms like Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit, and more have developed, it is more convenient for customers to get the goods and services they want, and people have more access to paying jobs to provide the requested services. With such an extensive gig economy, questions arise about things like workers’ compensation for people in short-term jobs. If you have questions about your workers’ compensation eligibility, contact a knowledgeable Morgan Hill, CA workers’ compensation lawyer.
How is Workers’ Compensation Eligibility Determined?
California’s workers’ compensation system is meant to compensate injured workers regardless of who is to blame for the injury. By nature of their work, gig workers tend to face several types of risks, including:
Are Nurses Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in California?
Working as a nurse can be extremely demanding. Whether they are dealing with other people’s bodily fluids or bad tempers, handling hazardous materials, or treating contagious diseases, there are so many risks nurses face on a daily basis. Fortunately, like all employees in the state of California, nurses are entitled to workers’ comp benefits when they get injured at work. If you have questions about a specific case, contact a qualified Gilroy, CA workers’ comp lawyer.
What Does Nurses’ Workers’ Comp Coverage Involve?
When an employee in California gets sick or injured as a result of their job, they are generally entitled to workers’ comp, which covers the costs of any resulting medical expenses and any lost income from the time they were unable to work. There are two important conditions that need to be met for anyone to qualify for this coverage:
3 Main Causes of Teacher Injuries in California
Teachers play a vital role in children’s lives. However, they often deal with conditions that go beyond the scope of what you would typically expect to contend with during a regular work day. Teachers, like any other workers, are eligible for workers’ compensation if they get injured doing their jobs. If you have questions about an injury you got while working as a school teacher, a qualified Hollister, CA workers’ compensation lawyer can give you answers.
Toxic Exposure for School Teachers
Many schools face endless budgetary battles and find they hardly have enough money to keep going from year to year. With resources stretched thin, it can be hard for school administrators to address issues that come up, including:
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Moisture damage and mold
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Toxic fumes
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Faulty plumbing
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Rodents and insects
Workers’ Compensation for Auto Mechanics in California
When people get injured at their jobs, they are generally entitled to workers’ compensation, which can cover any medical expenses, long-term therapy, missed work, and the need for new job training resulting from the injury. Auto mechanics are no exception. With a daily routine that can include working with machines and cars, heavy lifting, and straining, there are several common injuries typical of an average auto mechanic. If you work in an auto shop and have questions about whether you are eligible for workers’ comp coverage for a workplace injury, speak with a knowledgeable Gilroy, CA workers’ comp lawyer to learn more.
Common Auto Mechanic Injuries
Auto repair can be a physically demanding job with many potential risks. Mechanics work with cars, tools, and machinery. Some of the most commonly reported injuries among auto mechanics include repetitive stress injuries, back strains, herniated discs, and fractures caused by:
Workers’ Compensation Eligibility for California Waste Collectors
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.
Do Airport Workers Get Workers’ Compensation? | CA
Airport workers are the backbone of the travel industry, keeping everything from planes to passengers moving smoothly. Whether it is loading baggage, maintaining airplanes, or ensuring runway safety, their work is vital. But with that responsibility comes risk.
From dealing with heavy equipment to working long shifts in unpredictable weather, airport jobs can be tough. Unfortunately, these conditions can lead to injuries, and when that happens, workers need to know they are protected by laws that promise compensation for their injuries. If you are an airport worker who has been hurt on the job, talk to a Gilroy, CA workers' compensation lawyer to learn more about options you may have.
What Are Common Injuries Suffered by Airport Workers?
Airport workers face a variety of hazards that can result in different types of injuries, including: