Free Consultation408-848-1113
7459 Monterey St., Suite A, Gilroy, CA 95020
Recent Blog Posts
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Workers' Compensation for Hearing Loss
You may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits if you experience hearing loss due to your job. However, navigating the claims process can be challenging. To improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve, consider following the advice of a California lawyer.
Document Your Exposure to Loud Noise
One of the most crucial aspects of a successful hearing loss workers' compensation claim is demonstrating that your hearing loss is work-related. Keep a detailed record of your exposure to loud noise on the job, including the dates, times, and duration of exposure. If possible, measure the noise levels using a decibel meter or ask your employer to provide noise level data.
Get a Professional Hearing Evaluation
To prove the extent of your hearing loss, you should undergo a professional hearing evaluation by a licensed audiologist or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. Make sure to inform the medical professional that your hearing loss is connected to your work, which will be significant for your claim. Keep copies of all medical records and test results related to your hearing loss.
What Union Workers Need to Know About Job Injuries
Being a union worker comes with many protections and benefits, but workplace injuries can still happen. If you get hurt on the job, you should understand your rights under California’s workers’ compensation system. A California lawyer can share some key information that can benefit you as a union worker.
Report Your Injury Right Away
No matter how minor an injury may seem, always report it to your supervisor or union representative immediately. California law requires notifying your employer within 30 days, but it is best not to wait that long. Prompt reporting helps document what happened and protects your eligibility for workers’ comp benefits. Do not brush off aches, pains, or "small" injuries, as these can worsen over time.
See a Doctor You Trust
After reporting the injury, your employer should offer you a workers’ comp claim form and authorize medical treatment, even if they are unsure the injury is work-related. In an emergency, get care right away. Otherwise, find out if your employer has a Medical Provider Network (MPN) for work injuries. With most MPNs, you can choose your own physician after the first visit. If there is no MPN, you have more flexibility in selecting a treating doctor. Choose someone you are comfortable with who has experience treating your type of injury.
Work Injuries Caused by Equipment Failure
Workers in all types of jobs can find themselves trying to recover from injuries caused by accidents at their workplace. Some jobs have a higher risk of injury, like firefighters, professional athletes, and shooting range workers. Others have a seemingly lower risk, including office workers, music teachers, and call center phone operators. Regardless, every single job on the planet has some degree of risk of injury because every job has its own environment and other factors that can influence workplace safety. One common cause of significant workplace injury that could result in granting the injured employee workers’ compensation is equipment failure. If you were injured at your work because of faulty equipment, speak with a skilled Morgan Hill, CA workers’ compensation attorney to understand your rights and options.
Risks That Delivery Drivers Should Look Out For
There are plenty of reasons why people seek jobs as delivery drivers. They get to earn an honest living while out on the road instead of being stuck inside a stuffy office, dress comfortably, and listen to things they like while getting their job done. However, the job certainly comes with its own set of risks. Delivery drivers are at a higher risk for a variety of accidents and injuries that could result in costly medical care and recovery. If you are a delivery driver, it is important to understand the types of risk you face and how workers’ compensation can help. This article will examine some common causes for delivery driver injuries, but if this is personally relevant to you, an experienced California driver injury attorney can help you navigate the process of getting compensated for your expenses.
Common Causes of Delivery Driver Injuries
There are a large number of things that can cause delivery drivers to get injured at work. Some of the most common include:
Can My Age Affect My Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation?
The state of California has prioritized workers’ rights, with many laws protecting all types of workers in almost every field imaginable. When someone gets injured while performing their job or at their place of work, they are generally eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, which would cover the expenses of their recovery. Unfortunately, not all workers are aware of what they are entitled to in such cases. Even if their employer has made sure to distribute information to all employees about what they can do if they have a workplace injury, insurance companies prefer paying less than the employee is entitled to, or nothing at all, so it can be difficult getting all the relevant information.
Sometimes, insurance companies might even try to intimidate or manipulate injured employees and try to make them think that their age or other factors can affect their eligibility for workers’ compensation. If you get hurt at work, the best thing you can do is consult with an experienced Gilroy, CA workers’ compensation lawyer who can arm you with comprehensive knowledge about everything you are entitled to.
Workers Compensation for Shoulder Injuries in California
People can suffer from a large variety of injuries at work. When that happens, they are generally eligible for workers’ compensation to cover the costs related to the injury. That can include medical bills and other costs associated with treatment and recovery as well as lost income when the employee could not come to work and potentially lost wages and earning capacity if the injury makes him unable to function in the job he used to have. One common type of workplace injury that will be explored in this article is an injury affecting the shoulder. If you suffered a work injury, speak with a skilled Hollister, CA workers’ compensation attorney to find out how to proceed.
Common Workplace Shoulder Injuries
Workplace injuries can happen to people who have more physical jobs - for example, military personnel, construction workers, dancers, and athletes - and those who have more sedentary jobs like office workers, computer coders, and manicurists. That is why these injuries can happen in such a variety of ways and cause varying degrees of damage. Some of the most common shoulder-related workplace injuries include:
What Can I Do if I Was Denied Workers’ Compensation?
Workers who get injured during a work-related accident are generally entitled to workers’ compensation, which is intended to cover the costs related to the accident: hospital bills, medication and treatment, and income loss due to time spent away from work or an inability to resume your job. Sometimes, a workers’ compensation claim is denied for various reasons. Fortunately, there are still options for you if this happens. This article will provide some information about some of the steps you can take to appeal the denial. If this has happened to you, speak with an experienced Morgan Hill, CA workers’ compensation attorney who can guide you through the appeal process and seek maximum compensation.
How Does an Appeal Work?
When an employer’s insurance company denies an initial workers’ comp claim, that does not have to be the final word. California law provides several steps for appealing a denial.
Inadequate Training and Employer Liability for Injuries
If your job requires you to operate heavy machinery and equipment, you need to receive proper training so that you know how to handle it safely. Otherwise, you might end up mishandling it, which could lead to serious injury and material damage. If you were injured in a workplace accident while using equipment that you were never properly trained to handle, your employer might be liable for negligence in inadequately training you for your job. A skilled Hollister, CA workers’ compensation lawyer can review your case and offer valuable guidance on how to proceed.
How Can You Prove Employer Negligence?
In the state of California, employers are legally required to properly train any employees whose jobs entail the completion of high-risk. Whether you need to operate forklifts, chainsaws, hazardous materials, 18-wheeler trucks, or firearms, proper training is crucial for the safety of your work environment. If you are given rushed, insufficient training for the equipment you are required to handle at work, it would be considered negligence.
Workers Compensation Eligibility With PTSD
Workplace injuries entitle most employees to workers’ compensation benefits to cover the costs of any injuries or other damage they suffered as a result of the injury. While visible, physical injuries are easier to identify, and mental health can also be affected. If it is, the employee might require treatment or be unable to work as a result, just like with any other injury. If you were injured at work and are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, speak with a Morgan Hill, CA workers’ compensation lawyer to understand your rights and seek the coverage you need and deserve.
Who Is Affected by PTSD?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anyone can get PTSD at any age, whether they personally experienced a traumatic event or heard about one that someone else lived through. However, we do not know exactly how many Americans are affected by PTSD for several reasons, including:
What Can I Do if I Lost My Eyesight in a Work Accident?
Few of us ever have the chance to think about how our lives would be different if we lost vision in one or both eyes. But for others, accidents at work cause eye injuries that result in full or partial vision loss, triggering major life changes.
Not being able to see does not only mean the loss of sight itself; it often means losing the ability to do the things you love. Everyday activities become much harder, and other things - like driving, cooking, and doing certain sports - may become impossible. In situations like this, it is absolutely essential that injured people get the help they need. And when this means ensuring that California Workers’ Compensation pays out a full and fair compensation, the attorneys with Cramer + Martinez are here to help.
From our office in Gilroy, CA we serve clients throughout Northern California including but not limited to San Jose, Santa Cruz, Salinas, Monterey, Watsonville, Morgan Hill, San Martin, Hollister, San Felipe, Dunneville, San Juan Batista, River Oaks, Sargent, Cottage Corners, Logan, Rucker, Santa Clara County, and San Benito County.
Contact Our Firm
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
I have read and understand the Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
