Industrial Accidents
Industrial accidents can happen in a wide range of workplaces, from construction sites and factories to warehouses and manufacturing plants. These accidents often result from various hazards in the environment, including heavy machinery, chemical exposure, falls from heights, electrical malfunctions, and more. Unfortunately, workers in these environments are susceptible to injuries that can significantly impact their lives physically, emotionally, and financially.
Ochoa & Calderón helps injured workers get medical care and compensation for lost wages after an industrial accident puts them out of commission, whether for a brief period or permanently. Learn more about industrial accidents below. For help after a workplace injury in Southern California, call Ochoa & Calderón to speak with an experienced and dedicated Riverside workers’ compensation attorney.
Compensable Injuries Under California Workers’ Compensation
In California, workers who suffer injuries in industrial accidents are entitled to seek compensation through the state’s workers’ compensation system. The primary purpose of workers’ compensation is to provide a safety net for employees, ensuring they receive medical care and financial support when they get hurt on the job, regardless of fault. Here are the benefits injured workers can receive:
- Medical Expenses: Workers’ compensation covers all necessary medical treatment, including doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and other related expenses. Injured workers are entitled to receive the care they need to recover from their injuries fully.
- Wage Replacement: If the industrial accident causes the worker to miss work for more than seven days, they may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. These benefits compensate for a portion of the injured worker’s lost wages during their recovery period.
- Disability Benefits: In cases where the injuries lead to permanent disabilities, workers may be eligible for permanent disability benefits. The amount received depends on the severity of the impairment and its impact on the worker’s ability to work.
- Job Displacement Benefits: If a worker cannot return to their previous job due to the injury, they may qualify for job displacement benefits. This benefit provides financial assistance for retraining or skill enhancement to help the injured worker find new employment opportunities.
- Death Benefits: In tragic cases where an industrial accident leads to a worker’s death, their dependents, such as a spouse, children, or other dependents, may receive death benefits to support them financially after their loss.
Third-Party Liability in Industrial Accidents
In some industrial accidents, the responsibility for the injuries may not lie solely with the employer or co-workers. There are instances where a third party, someone other than the employer, might be partially or entirely liable for the accident. For example, if a defective piece of machinery caused the injury or if the accident occurred due to the negligence of a subcontractor or another company working at the same site, that third party could be legally responsible.
In such cases, the injured worker may be able to pursue a third-party liability claim in addition to their workers’ compensation benefits. This means that they may seek compensation from the at-fault third party through a personal injury lawsuit. This legal avenue could potentially provide additional damages, such as pain and suffering, that are not typically covered under workers’ compensation. As attorneys who practice both personal injury and workers’ compensation, the lawyers at Ochoa & Calderón are perfectly situated to pursue all of your claims for maximum compensation.
Seeking Legal Representation After an Industrial Accident
Navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation and dealing with potential third-party liability issues can be challenging for an injured worker. That is why it is essential to consult with experienced workers’ compensation and personal injury attorneys like Ochoa & Calderón.
The dedicated legal team at Ochoa & Calderón is well-versed in California’s workers’ compensation laws and has a proven track record of successfully representing injured workers in industrial accident cases. They understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can have on individuals and their families, and they are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation their clients deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an industrial accident in Riverside or Southern California, do not hesitate to contact Ochoa & Calderon for a free consultation by calling 951-901-4444 in Riverside or toll-free throughout Southern California at 844-401-0750. Our team will assess your case, explain your rights and options, and work tirelessly to secure the benefits and compensation you need to rebuild your life.
