Irvine Work Accident Lawyers

Work accidents can happen in any industry and without warning. In California, workers’ compensation claims may be filed by employees who suffer injuries or illnesses related to their jobs.

Workers’ compensation claims in California can be complicated and time-consuming, especially when you’re trying to recover from an injury. The dedicated injury attorneys at the Law Office of Daniel Deng are here to make the process easier, handling everything from claim filing to appealing denied benefits. We fight to ensure our clients receive proper compensation and medical care, allowing them to focus on their health and recovery. We offer consultations in English and Chinese, so contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.

What Are the Most Common Types of Workers’ Compensation Injuries in Irvine, California?

The types of workers’ compensation injuries that workers experience most can vary between industries, but the overall most common types include:

• Overexertion Injuries – these injuries include strains, sprains, and muscle tears and often result from heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling. Overexertion is common in industries that involve physical labor, such as construction.
• Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents – falls can occur due to slippery surfaces, uneven floors, or poor lighting. These accidents can easily cause injuries like fractures, sprains, or head trauma. Industries with high-traffic areas, such as hospitality and healthcare, see these claims frequently.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries – repetitive tasks, such as typing or assembly line work, can lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis. Office workers, factory employees, and other workers in jobs that require repetitive movements are at higher risk.
• Machinery and Equipment Accidents – workers in manufacturing, construction, and agriculture frequently use machinery, which can lead to serious injuries like amputations, lacerations, and crush injuries if the equipment malfunctions or lacks proper safety guards.
• Exposure to Toxic or Harmful Chemicals – workers in industries involving chemicals, like manufacturing or cleaning, may experience respiratory issues, skin conditions, or chronic illnesses from exposure to toxic substances. Claims can involve both immediate reactions and long-term conditions such as respiratory diseases.
• Hearing Loss – exposure to loud noises over time can result in occupational hearing loss. This is common among employees in construction, manufacturing, and other jobs involving heavy machinery.
• Burns and Electrical Injuries – burns from hot surfaces, chemicals, or electrical malfunctions are common in kitchens, laboratories, and construction sites. Electrical injuries can be particularly severe, often resulting from working with or near high-voltage equipment.

California’s workers’ compensation system is designed to help cover medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation for injured workers, aiming to support them in their recovery and eventual return to work. If you’ve been denied the benefits you are entitled to as a worker in California injured on the job, contact the Law Office of Daniel Deng for help.

What Benefits Am I Entitled to After a Work Injury in Irvine, California?

California offers workers various benefits that are specific to the circumstances of the injury or illness they sustain on the job.

Medical Treatment

Workers’ compensation covers all necessary and reasonable medical expenses related to the injury or illness, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and medical equipment.

Temporary Disability Benefit

Temporary disability benefits provide income replacement if the injured employee cannot work while recovering. There are two types in California: temporary total disability and temporary partial disability.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability benefits are available if an injury or illness leads to a permanent impairment, even if the employee can return to work. The amount depends on the severity of the disability, as rated by a physician, as well as factors like the worker’s age, occupation, and pre-injury earnings. These benefits can also either be classified as total or partial.

Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits

If a worker in California is unable to return to their previous job and their employer cannot offer modified work, they may be eligible for a voucher for retraining, skill enhancement, or educational programs. This voucher can be used for tuition, books, equipment, or vocational counseling to help the worker transition into a new job or field.

Death Benefits

If an employee suffers a fatal work-related injury or illness, their dependents are eligible for death benefits. These include funeral expenses and death benefit payments. The payments are typically equal to the weekly rate of maximum temporary disability benefits.

What Happens If I’m Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If you are fired because you filed a workers’ compensation claim, this is called retaliation, and it is illegal under California’s labor laws. Being fired isn’t the only way that employees are retaliated against after a claim; some workers also experience:

• Threats of termination
• Demotion or reduction in pay
• Unjust disciplinary actions
• Changes in job duties to undesirable tasks
• Hostile work environment or harassment

What Steps Should I Take if I’m Injured at Work in California?

Filing a California workers’ compensation claim involves numerous steps, some of which can be overwhelming for injured workers navigating the system alone. The first thing you should prioritize is getting medical treatment. If the injury or illness is an emergency, immediately seek medical attention. For non-emergencies, ask your employer for a list of healthcare providers on the Medical Provider Network, then choose one of the approved physicians to go to for medical care.

Other steps include:

Report the Injury to Your Employer

This should be done as soon as possible after your injury but must be completed within 30 days of the incident.

Obtain and Complete the DWC-1 Claim Form

Your employer should provide the forms for reporting a workplace injury in California, specifically the DWC-1 form. Once you complete your portion of the form, return it to your employer so they can complete and submit it.

Document Your Injury and Symptoms

It’s recommended that you keep detailed records of your injury, medical appointments, symptoms, and any conversations you have with your employer or the insurance company. Having a personal record can help support your claim if there are any disputes.

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in California can be complex, especially if your employer or insurer challenges your claim. Consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure you follow the proper steps, meet deadlines, and receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

How Do I Verify My Employer’s Workers’ Compensation Coverage in California?

The California Workers’ Compensation Coverage Inquiry website provides workers with the ability to obtain information about the insurers that have written policies within the last five years.

If you need assistance submitting a workers’ compensation claim in Irvine, California, contact the Law Office of Daniel Deng. We are happy to help people injured on the job recover the benefits they’re entitled to. Schedule a free case evaluation with one of our workers’ compensation attorneys.