Santa Clara County Office Worker Injury Attorneys

Workers' Compensation Lawyers for Office Employee Slip and Falls and Repetitive Strain Injuries in Gilroy, CA

As an office employee who spends most of your time working in a seemingly safe environment, perhaps while sitting at a desk, you may find it unlikely that you could be injured at work, or that your employer would be responsible for the costs of your work-related injuries. However, in California, office workers have the same entitlement to workers' compensation as employees in other industries and occupations, thanks to a law requiring all employers in the state to offer these benefits.

Workers' compensation is necessary for office workers more often than you might expect, and if you have been injured in the course of your office job, you may need an attorney's help to obtain benefits. At Cramer & Martinez, LLP, our lawyers understand the details and complexities of the workers' compensation process, and we can advise you as you file your claim and represent you in any resulting disputes.

How Can California Office Workers Get Injured?

Office employees typically are not subject to the same level of physical strain as those in other occupations like construction, manufacturing, or farm work, nor are they exposed to as many environmental hazards. However, that does not mean their work environment is risk-free. Most workers' compensation claims from office employees involve one of the following causes:

• Slip, trip, and falls: Wet floors, loose carpets or rugs, snow and ice near entrances, and power cords and other objects in areas that experience foot traffic can all present tripping or slipping hazards. An employee who falls may suffer broken bones, strains and sprains, lacerations, andhead, neck, andback injuries.
• Repetitive strain: Office workers often hold the same posture for long periods of time, and in some cases, their workspaces do not offer the proper ergonomic support. Common repetitive strain injuries among office employees include neck and back pain from sitting at a desk, carpal tunnel syndrome from using a computer keyboard, and eye strain from looking at screens.
• Occupational illness: Employees who work for many months or years in an office environment with poor air quality may develop respiratory diseases or conditions. Office workers may also be eligible for workers' compensation if they contract COVID-19 at work, especially if there has been a recent outbreak at their workplace.
• Catastrophic accidents: Though not as common, some office workers do suffer severe injuries as a result of serious accidents, including workplace fires and car crashes while driving for a work-related task.

Workers' Comp Benefits for Injured Office Employees

The first step in obtaining workers' compensation benefits is notifying your employer as soon as you know of your condition, and getting emergency medical care if necessary. Your employer will tell you how to submit a claim form for review by the claims administrator. An accepted claim means that you can expect the full costs of your medical care to be covered by your employer, while a denied claim means that you will need to petition for an appeal and prepare to present evidence of your condition and its connection to your work. This is often necessary in the case of repetitive strain injuries, which the administrator may argue developed due to factors unrelated to your job.

In many cases, employers are able to provide injured office workers with accommodations, or adapted or alternative work, so that they can continue working and earning their previous wages. However, if your injuries keep you away from work for more than three days, or if your employer is unable to provide work that pays the same, temporary disability benefits are available at a usual rate of two-thirds of your lost weekly income. Permanent disability benefits may also be available if your doctor determines that your injuries will limit your work abilities indefinitely.

Contact a Salinas Office Employee Injury Attorney

For a free consultation regarding your work-related injury and to learn how we can help with your claim or appeal, contact us today at 408-848-1113. We represent injured office workers in Hollister, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Salinas, San Jose, Los Banos, Watsonville, and throughout San Benito County, Santa Clara County, Monterey County, Merced County, Santa Cruz County, and the surrounding areas.