Employee Rights After Work Injury
When you’ve been injured while on the job, you are entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim to be compensated for your injuries. Exactly what this entails may vary in different parts of the country, but many of your rights are similar in all states. When you’ve been hurt, you are entitled to see a doctor for treatment for your injuries. If the doctor believes that you can return to work, you have the right to return to your job. If you’ve been temporarily or permanently disabled by your injury, you are entitled to disability compensation. If an employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company drags its heels or denies your claim, you also have the right to appeal any decision they’ve made and/or to hire an attorney to represent you in that case.
When You Can File a Civil Lawsuit
If you were seriously injured while at work, you should also be aware that there are some circumstances in which you can file a civil personal injury lawsuit. In some work settings, like with construction work environments, there are third parties whose negligent acts may have contributed to the accident that caused your injury. For example, an outside contractor on a construction site may have behaved recklessly, leading to an accident. The manufacturer of some defective equipment that you worked with may also be liable for your injuries. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can evaluate your case to discover all possible sources of compensation that may be available to you. This can end up making a huge difference in the amount of compensation that you ultimately receive for your losses and injuries.
Call to Schedule a Free Consultation With a California Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident while at work, call to schedule a free consultation with a California workers’ compensation attorney today. Oftentimes there are several parties who are responsible for your injuries or losses, and they need to be held accountable for their part in having caused you any harm. The legal professionals at the Law Office of Kerry P. O’Brien of California understand the complex laws that govern worker’s compensation. We can help you wade through the bureaucratic process efficiently and can deal with the insurance companies and other involved parties for you. We serve the cities of Los Alamitos, Long Beach, Lakewood, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, Garden Grove, Westminster and Anaheim. Visit our website at kerryobrienlaw.com or call us at 866-983-0747 and find out how we can help you.