Common Workplace Injuries Covered Under California Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a crucial system in California designed to protect employees who suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses. It provides medical benefits, wage replacement, and support for injured workers as they recover. Fortunately for employees, California workers’ comp is very broad and covers just about any injury or illness, so long as it is work-related. Even with this broad coverage, injured workers still often wonder whether a particular accident or injury is covered. Below we describe some of the most common workplace injuries that are covered under California workers’ compensation, including some of the areas employees most often have questions about. This list is not exhaustive by any means, so if you have been hurt on the job or otherwise think you might be entitled to workers’ comp for an injury or illness in Southern California, contact Ochoa & Calderón to discuss your situation with a knowledgeable and experienced Riverside workers’ compensation lawyer.
Overexertion Injuries
These are among the most common workplace injuries, resulting from physical activities such as lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects. They can lead to sprains, strains, and muscle tears, particularly affecting the back, shoulders, and knees.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Employees can slip on wet or oily surfaces, trip over obstacles, or fall from heights, leading to fractures, bruises, and head injuries. Employers are responsible for maintaining safe working environments to prevent these accidents.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
These injuries occur from performing the same motion repeatedly, leading to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis. RSIs are common in office settings where employees use keyboards and mice extensively, as well as warehouses and factory floors where work involves constant repetitive movements.
Vehicle-Related Accidents
Workers who operate or are around vehicles as part of their job can suffer injuries from collisions, rollovers, or being struck by a vehicle. This category includes accidents involving cars, trucks, forklifts, and other machinery. These accidents include crashes on public roadways while the employee is on the clock, such as traveling between job sites, picking up materials, or making deliveries.
Machinery and Equipment Accidents
Employees working with heavy machinery or equipment can suffer injuries such as amputations, crush injuries, or burns if the machines are defective, improperly used, or lack adequate safety measures.
Falls from Heights
Construction workers, roofers, and others who work at heights are at risk of falling from ladders, scaffolds, or rooftops, leading to serious injuries or even fatalities.
Violence in the Workplace
Unfortunately, workplace violence is a reality for some employees. This can include physical assaults, threats, or harassment, resulting in both physical and psychological injuries.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
Workers in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and cleaning can be exposed to chemicals, toxins, or biological hazards, leading to respiratory problems, skin conditions, or poisoning.
Hearing Loss
Prolonged exposure to loud noises in industries such as construction, manufacturing, or music can lead to permanent hearing damage, which is covered under workers’ compensation. Additionally, a single traumatic event such as an explosion could also result in compensable hearing loss.
Mental Stress and Emotional Injuries
While often overlooked, psychological injuries such as stress, anxiety, or depression resulting from workplace incidents or environments are also covered under California’s workers’ compensation laws.
Contact Ochoa & Calderón in Riverside for Help With Workers’ Compensation in Southern California
It’s important for employees to report any workplace injury or illness to their employer as soon as possible and seek medical attention. In Riverside, California, Ochoa & Calderón is a dedicated workers’ compensation law firm that can provide guidance and legal support to injured workers, helping them navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system and ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve. If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, don’t hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable attorney who can advocate for your rights and help you through the recovery process. Call us today at 951-901-4444 in Riverside or 844-401-0750 throughout Southern California for a free consultation.
