Work-related injuries can have a significant impact on your health, finances, and overall well-being. Knowing how to handle the process of getting compensation for these injuries is important to make sure you get the help you need.
But what exactly counts as a work-related injury, and how can you make sure you’re treated fairly?
What is a work-related injury?
A work-related injury is any injury or illness that occurs while a worker is doing their job or is exposed to hazards related to their work.
Some common work-related injuries to watch out for are:
- Slip and fall injuries: These happen when floors are slippery, surfaces are uneven or there’s too much stuff lying around at work. They can lead to sprains, broken bones or head injuries.
- Repetitive strain injuries: Repeating the same movements, like typing or working on an assembly line, can lead to RSIs. These include carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis.
- Overexertion: Jobs that require heavy lifting, pushing or pulling can lead to overexertion injuries such as pulled muscles, hernias or even heart issues.
- Falling objects: In places like construction sites or factories, things falling from above can be dangerous. This can cause head injuries, concussions or damage to your spine.
In California, not all injuries may fall under the umbrella of workers’ compensation. This is why having proof or evidence to back up the cause of the injury and where it occurred is important.
Protect your rights
Navigating the complexities of the workers’ compensation process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with recovery from an injury. To get the help you need, you’ll have to work with the company that handles workers’ compensation insurance. But remember, their main goal is to spend as little money as possible, not necessarily to make sure you get all the help you deserve.