The post How to Find the Best Los Angeles Workers Compensation Lawyer appeared first on Mitchell Law Corporation.
]]>Hiring an attorney for your workers’ compensation claim can be incredibly helpful in delivering the benefits you need. They can help you file the initial paperwork to avoid costly errors that could harm the process. If your claim is denied and needs an appeal, they can help you gather relevant evidence and argue your case. While hiring an attorney for a workers’ compensation claim is not legally necessary, their knowledge can help you receive timely benefits.
Below are criteria you can use to evaluate different attorneys and law firms in the Los Angeles area:
Every individual is different. In the same way, every law firm is different and offers different types of benefits for their clients. To select the right law firm for your legal needs, evaluate different options based on the criteria that are most relevant to you.
Sprains, strains, punctures and cuts happen in all business environments, but slips, trips and falls plus material handling issues most often occur in the manufacturing, construction and retail industries. On the construction site, eye injuries can result from small particles such as cement chips, wood chips or metal slivers scraping the eyeball. Industrial cleaning products or chemicals can burn the eyes and, in the most serious cases, staples, nails or slivers of metal can penetrate the eyeball and cause permanent blindness.
Most workers’ compensation attorneys charge for their services using a contingency fee. This fee is assessed after the settlement is paid out. In Los Angeles, an attorney typically takes anywhere between 10% to 20% of the settlement earnings. This fee varies based on a variety of factors, including:
Most attorneys outline their fee structure with you during your initial consultations before you agree to work with them. It can be helpful to review the fee structure of several attorneys and compare them with other criteria like experience and other important features to find an attorney who works with your needs.
A: If an employee successfully files a workers’ compensation claim, they are entitled to up to 66% of their wages before tax with a weekly limit of $1,356.31. These benefits are usually untaxed and are funded by their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. While most employers have workers’ compensation insurance, there are some that are not legally required to do so. To evaluate your potential benefits, contact a workers’ compensation attorney.
A: Employers are responsible for providing work environments that are safe for their employees. If this safety is violated and an employee is injured, an employer owes that employee benefits in the form of workers’ compensation. The employer must also report to the state that the injury occurred. Depending on the injury, they might be required to pay the employee medical benefits, disability benefits, or death benefits to their family.
A: There are a variety of factors that affect an attorney’s work. It’s generally beneficial to find an attorney with proven experience, certifications relevant to workers’ compensation, and no disciplinary actions. Different attorneys also charge different rates and use different payment structures for their services, which should be taken into consideration as well. Finding the right attorney for your case could help you receive appropriate benefits.
A: The timeline in which workers’ compensation is paid depends on the type of payments that are received. Some payments are received in a lump sum format, while others are distributed on a weekly basis. Temporary disability benefits are usually paid out for 104 weeks, but more severe cases can be extended up to 240 weeks of payments. To learn more about how much money you might be entitled to, contact a workers’ compensation attorney.
The Mitchell Law Corporation strives to deliver compassionate and effective representation to all of our workers’ compensation clients. We offer representation in both English and Spanish and have experience in helping migrant workers as well as United States citizens. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options for your workers’ compensation claim.
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]]>The post How to Claim SIBTF Benefits? appeared first on Mitchell Law Corporation.
]]>Workers’ compensation benefits can be an invaluable lifeline for anyone who sustains an injury on the job in the state. However, there are limits to what you can reasonably expect from a successful workers’ compensation claim. Additionally, the benefits you receive will only apply to the specific injury. The SIBTF is separate from workers’ compensation but can work in tandem with a workers’ compensation benefits determination to enhance your recovery.
While any work-related injury has the potential to be severely damaging in many ways, it is also possible for an industrial injury to exacerbate a preexisting disability or medical condition. In some cases, these preexisting conditions aren’t discovered until a new injury has made them worse. It is also possible for a new injury to result in a disability that makes a preexisting disability even more challenging despite it affecting a separate part of the body.
The SIBTF exists to address these situations, offering affected workers an avenue of compensation if their most recent injuries have made preexisting conditions worse. The amount you can receive in SIBTF benefits depends on the values of your most recent disabling injury and the combined disability resulting from the most recent injury and your preexisting condition.
An experienced attorney can be an invaluable asset for your SIBTF claim filing process. While this benefits option can be invaluable for anyone who has developed a combined disability from a recent work injury and a preexisting condition, the reality is that the calculations and procedural steps involved in the claim can be very challenging. When you have experienced legal counsel on your side, you can approach your claim with confidence.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for SIBTF benefits, it’s vital to contact an attorney you can trust to help determine your eligibility. The SIBTF pertains to combined disability from work-related injuries and preexisting conditions. Commonly cited preexisting conditions in these claims include fibromyalgia, herniated vertebral discs, cancer, diminished sensation, and partial blindness.
There are two main formulas used to determine eligibility, and your total combined disability rating must be 70% or more. The first is the 35% rule, meaning that you can qualify for SIBTF benefits if your total permanent disability from your most recent injury is 35% or more and you have a preexisting condition. The second pertains to injuries to the extremities or the eyes. This is the opposite and corresponding requirement.
An individual qualifies if their preexisting permanent disability affects a hand, foot, limb, or eye, and their new injury affects the opposite and corresponding member with a 5% or greater increased disability. For example, if you are 35% disabled on your left side from a preexisting condition and suffer a 40% disability on your right side from a new injury, it would satisfy the opposite and corresponding requirement.
It is difficult to provide an estimate or average of how much you can likely expect in SIBTF benefits due to the fact that these cases fluctuate on a case-by-case basis. Benefits determinations also consider the time that has passed since the claimant began experiencing their combined permanent disability. An SIBTF benefit award may be paid over time in a stipulation award or in a one-time lump sum payout through compromise and release.
A: SIBTF functions differently than standard workers’ compensation benefits and aims to augment these benefits. The SIBTF provides compensation for the combined permanent disability resulting from the claimant’s most recent injury. This can be a complex calculation, and the amount you have already received in workers’ compensation benefits will influence how much you can receive in SIBTF benefits.
A: An individual qualifies for SIBTF benefits if they have a preexisting disability that predates their most recent industrial injury, and it does not matter whether they only recently discovered their preexisting condition. If their combined disability rating from their preexisting condition and their new injury is 35% or greater, or if they have suffered injuries to both sides of their body (such as both eyes or both hands) and one side is 5% or more disabled than the other, they qualify.
A: There is no statutory time limit for filing a claim for SIBTF benefits. However, the claimant should file their claim for SIBTF benefits within a reasonable time after discovering the full extent of their disability. It is generally advisable to file your claim for SIBTF benefits as soon as you determine that you qualify.
A:
No, SIBTFs are similar to workers’ compensation benefits in that they intend to compensate for a loss and do not qualify as earned income. Therefore, the SIBTF benefits you receive are not taxable at the state or federal levels.
A: The SIBTF has more stringent eligibility requirements than a standard workers’ compensation claim, and gathering the documentation you will need to file your claim successfully can be more challenging than you might expect. Having a seasoned Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund lawyer assist you will make the claim filing process much easier, and you will have a legal advocate readily available to help should you encounter any unexpected problems with your claim.
The attorneys at Mitchell Law Corporation strive to help every client we represent maximize the benefits they obtain from their workers’ compensation claims and related legal efforts. If you have recently discovered that your latest industrial injury has exacerbated any preexisting medical condition, you may be eligible to claim SIBTF benefits. Contact Mitchell Law Corporation today to learn more about the legal services we offer.
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]]>The post What Happens to Medical Bills When Workers’ Compensation Is Denied in California? appeared first on Mitchell Law Corporation.
]]>This compensation is often necessary for an employee to remain financially stable as they recover, particularly when they have high medical bills.
Denial of a workers’ compensation claim can be devastating, as you may suddenly find yourself facing full liability for medical costs and no compensation for lost income. However, it’s important to know that the denial of your workers’ compensation claim is not the final step, and the decision could be appealed. If an appeal is not possible or is unsuccessful, there are other options for recovery.
There are several possible reasons why a workers’ compensation claim may face denial:
For some denials of workers’ comp claims, an appeal will not be successful, as the claim simply does not qualify. However, if your employer is wrongfully or maliciously denying your claim in bad faith, or if another mistake was made, you may be able to successfully appeal the denial.
If your workers’ compensation claim was denied, you must take action within three years of the decision date, preferably sooner. If you do not take action in that time, the denial decision is final. To begin the appeals process, you can:
If your workers’ compensation claim is still denied, you will have to cover the medical bills from your injury or illness. However, you may not have to pay these costs out of pocket. Other options to cover the costs include:
An attorney can help you determine what option is beneficial to your situation and if you qualify.
A: If you were injured in a workplace accident, it can be frustrating to face a claim denial. You are likely facing income loss and medical costs, and being told you will not recover compensation for those damages can be upsetting.
Know that you can file an appeal on the decision. You may be able to file a petition for reconsideration or a petition for removal. Filing an initial claim and filing an appeal is more likely to go in your favor with an experienced workers’ compensation claim and appeals attorney.
A: Once an injured employee and a workers’ compensation insurer reach a settlement, the settlement amount must be approved by a judge. Once you file for this approval, the judge will schedule an informal hearing. The amount of time this takes will depend on the schedule and availability of the court the hearing is scheduled at. It may take several weeks or months.
At the hearing, the judge will ensure the terms of the agreement are fair and that the employee understands the terms. Once approved, the employee should receive their first or lump sum payment in days.
A: The statute of limitations for a workers’ compensation claim in California is one year from the date the accident or injury occurred. If the workplace injury is a developmental illness, the one-year statute begins from the date the employee knew or should have known that they had an illness or condition caused by their workplace.
Filing a claim is a separate process from informing your employer that the accident took place. Although a year may seem like a significant time to file, it’s important to file as quickly as possible.
A: Yes, an employee can file for an appeal if their workers’ compensation claim is denied and the following is true:
If you are unsure whether your workers’ compensation claim denial is eligible for an appeal, a knowledgeable attorney can review your case.
Navigating the appeals process can be frustrating, but the qualified workers’ compensation attorneys at Mitchell Law Corporation can make it easier. Contact our firm today to see how we can help your claim or appeal be more likely to succeed.
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]]>The post How Does Workers’ Compensation Work in San Diego, California? appeared first on Mitchell Law Corporation.
]]>If you work in any industry in the state and are a non-exempt employee, you have the right to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits if you suffer any type of injury at work. While the workers’ compensation claim process seems straightforward to many injured workers at first, the unfortunate reality is that many injured workers face unexpected challenges in their recovery efforts, and anyone in this situation needs legal counsel they can trust to reach the best possible results.
The injured worker should report the incident to their supervisor whenever a workplace injury occurs. State law requires employers to formally document employee injuries with incident reports. The employer must then provide the injured employee with the materials needed to file their workers’ compensation claim. If the employer refuses to provide these materials, fires the employee, or takes any type of retaliatory action against the employer, they are likely to face severe consequences for these actions.
Most work-related injuries are covered under state law. However, a claimant could have their claim for benefits denied if they caused their own injury through horseplay, carelessness, or a violation of a workplace safety policy. Otherwise, they can expect compensation for their medical expenses and the lost income they face during recovery. The amount they receive in benefits and the length of time their payments continue hinges on the severity of their injury and the long-term effects they face.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim is similar to filing any other type of insurance claim, but unlike most other types of claims, a workers’ compensation claim involves the employer-employee relationship, and an injured employee’s ability to secure the benefits they need is likely to hinge on their employer’s cooperation and honesty.
If you or a loved one has been injured while working in the state, you likely have grounds to file a workers’ compensation claim. Some employers attempt to avoid liability for workers’ compensation by misclassifying their employees; others will go so far as to interfere directly with their injured workers’ recovery efforts in illegal ways. An injured worker could also have more avenues of recovery available to them than just a workers’ compensation claim. For the best chance of maximizing your recovery after a workplace injury, you need an attorney you can trust to guide you through the workers’ compensation claim process.
Ultimately, you have no legal requirement to hire an attorney for a workers’ compensation claim or even a personal injury action in response to your workplace injury. However, hiring legal counsel you can trust makes all your recovery efforts easier to bear and more likely to succeed. Your attorney can guide you through the claim process, resolve any disputes that arise with the insurance carrier, and verify that you receive appropriate benefits that reflect the scope and severity of your injury. If you have grounds to pursue further legal recourse, your attorney will be especially helpful in these efforts. The Mitchell Law Corporation can provide the comprehensive legal representation and support you need after any workplace injury in California.
A: State law requires almost all employers to have workers’ compensation insurance, and if you are covered for your recent injury, you can expect two forms of compensation. First, the insurance carrier will cover the cost of all medical treatment you require to heal from your injury. Second, you can receive ongoing disability benefits if you are unable to work or face diminished earning power from your injury.
A: When you have a straightforward claim, a responsible and ethical employer who meets their legal obligations under the state’s workers’ compensation law, and an experienced attorney representing you, you could potentially secure a settlement offer from an insurance company within a few days to a few weeks after your workplace injury. Disputed claims can take much longer to resolve, and you will need experienced legal counsel if an insurance company contests your claim in any way.
A: State law typically prevents an injured worker from filing a civil suit for a workplace injury, but this rule has some exceptions. For example, if an employer does not have appropriate workers’ compensation coverage, or if the employer intentionally caused the employee’s injury, the employee would have grounds to file a civil action on top of their workers’ compensation claim. In addition, if someone outside of your work caused your injury, you could file a third-party personal injury claim against them to recover any damages that workers’ compensation can’t cover.
A: State law limits the amount an attorney can charge their client in a workers’ compensation case. Your attorney will only be able to take a percentage of your final case award. A good attorney should carefully explain all elements of their billing policy and address any concerns you have before you sign a contract for their representation.
The Mitchell Law Corporation has years of experience representing clients in their workers’ compensation cases. We know the stress and anxiety that any workplace injury can cause and the many questions you probably have about how you can recover. If you’re ready to meet with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your case, contact us today and schedule your consultation with our team.
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]]>The post What Is the Most Common Injury Among Electricians? appeared first on Mitchell Law Corporation.
]]>An electrical burn occurs when the skin is exposed to a high voltage electrical current. Electricity is not visible to the naked eye in most cases, and an electrical system may appear to be shut down when it has electricity coursing through it. As a result, electricians can suffer electrical burns, even if they wear appropriate safety equipment at work.
Electrical burns can be very complex and damaging injuries. Most people think of electrocution as an injury from electricity coursing through the body, but media depictions of electrocution injuries are typically far removed from reality. Direct exposure to electricity can cause intense burns at the injury site and result in various medical complications throughout the body.
A severe electrical burn may cause tremendous physical damage to the skin and nerve damage, interrupt the functions of internal organs, and even interrupt the rhythm of the victim’s heartbeat. Most victims of electrical burns will require immediate medical care, and they often face long-term symptoms from these injuries that can interfere with their lives in various ways.
Any burn can cause lasting damage to the victim, but electrical burns are especially harmful due to the internal complications they often cause. The victim may suffer extensive skin damage in the area affected by the burn, and treatment may entail skin grafting procedures and other invasive treatments. In addition, scar tissue is likely to form, resulting in permanent scarring that is not only disfiguring but also capable of causing various adverse symptoms.
Electrical burns can result in cardiovascular dysfunction, nerve damage throughout the body, and traumatic psychological damage to the victim. If you or a loved one is struggling with such effects from a workplace burn injury, it is crucial to know how to file a workers’ compensation claim.
If you or a loved one suffered an electrical burn at work, you likely have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. California requires all employers to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage by law. Therefore, employers are legally required to provide their injured employees with the materials needed to file claims for workers’ compensation benefits. Employers may not interfere with these claims in any way. Employers are also prohibited from penalizing an injured worker in response to their request to file a workers’ compensation claim. This is retaliation, and the employer can face severe consequences for any intentional interference with an employee’s workers’ compensation claim.
The injured worker should report their injury to their supervisor immediately and request a workers’ compensation claim form. The victim should seek medical treatment from any available doctor in an emergency. They will, however, need to visit a workers’ compensation doctor once they stabilize. If you must file a workers’ compensation claim in California, you should expect to visit a workers’ compensation doctor for a medical examination and disability rating.
The workers’ compensation doctor will evaluate the claimant’s electrical burn, review their symptoms, and determine their prognosis for future complications. They will then assign the claimant a disability rating to determine their eligibility to receive benefits.
When an injured worker suffers an electrical burn, they will not only face extensive immediate medical treatment but may also require ongoing care to rehabilitate from the injury. Workers’ compensation typically covers the costs of all medical treatments an injured worker requires to heal from their injury and manage their symptoms. Additionally, the claimant can receive ongoing disability benefits while they are unable to work.
Most claimants who qualify for temporary disability benefits can receive weekly payments of up to two-thirds of their average weekly income for up to 104 weeks or until they heal from their injury completely and can return to work. If an injured worker can still work after their injury but cannot earn as much as before the injury, they may qualify for partial disability benefits that can help make up the difference in their income. However, it is crucial for them to report all earnings to the insurance carrier and to only accept work duties they can medically handle; otherwise, they may be accused of defrauding the workers’ compensation system.
If you qualify to file a workers’ compensation claim for your electrical burn, it is unlikely that you will have the ability to sue your employer directly for the injury you suffered. This is because the laws involving workers’ compensation in California typically protect employers from civil liability for their employees’ workplace injuries. However, if your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance or intentionally caused your injury, you would have grounds for a civil suit. Additionally, if your electrical burn happened due to the actions of a third party, you could file a third-party personal injury claim against them to recover the damages not covered under their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy, such as your pain and suffering.
Ultimately, recovering from your electrical burn may entail a complicated workers’ compensation claim process and a personal injury claim against the party who caused your injury. Whatever your situation entails, it is vital to have legal representation you can trust as you navigate the legal proceedings that follow your electrical burn injury. The Mitchell Law Corporation can offer the legal counsel you need in this challenging situation. To discuss your case with a reliable workers’ compensation attorney, contact us today and schedule a case review with our team.
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]]>The post How Can I Avoid Common Construction Accidents? appeared first on Mitchell Law Corporation.
]]>In construction work, the use of heavy equipment and tools is a daily requirement. Driving large trailers, operating cranes, or working on high scaffolding, construction presents many opportunities to work with dangerous machinery. Upon being hired in the heavy construction industry, there are several prerequisites to operating these powerful tools. Without the appropriate licensing and education, there can be serious results. Although the industry can be a financially reliable source of income, knowing the risks and, more importantly, having the proper mechanical education and licensing is essential for your safety and the safety of others.
If no one was required to receive mechanical licensing, anyone would be able to operate heavy machinery. Tools like cranes, excavators, and bulldozers all require extensive knowledge on how to safely utilize them. Most tenured construction workers spend years honing their craft working with these massive pieces of mechanical gear, and accidents still happen. If anyone was able to do it, serious repercussions would occur. It is extremely common for these tools to flip, rollover, burn up and in some cases even crush the operator. The education prior to operating these machines is not only essential, but most major companies require certain licensing to even be hired. Some of these licenses include:
Without the proper licensing, serious or fatal accidents can happen. If your employers make a request for you to utilize or operate heavy machinery without having the proper certifications, there is probable cause for legal action. Frequently in construction, employers have their staff operate machinery that they have no business operating. Not only is this highly illegal, but it is unwise for the employer as it can result in serious neck injury.
If the employee in any way is harmed while using machinery that they do not have the certification and education to operate, the employee is eligible to sue for damages. Not only that, but the employer risks also losing their license to rent or own heavy machinery at all. If your employer requests that you man a piece of machinery you are not eligible to use, speak up.
The first step to reducing any common work-related injury is ensuring the work environment is safe. This could mean appropriate protective gear such as a hard helmet, goggles, steel-toed boots, and earplugs. If you are working on scaffolding, it is essential that you have fall gear like harnesses and nets. These protective elements can literally mean life or death in environments where there are many precarious scenarios. Many companies will provide the protective gear to their employees, but in the case they do not, obtaining them yourself will be necessary.
A team is nothing without a team leader. Many construction crews will have a head supervisor. This individuals’ responsibilities include but are not limited to:
A supervisor is there to make sure everything is running as it should. If a supervisor is not properly showing employees how to use dangerous hand tools, serious or fatal injuries can happen. Tools like a welding machine can be treacherous if the operator is not first shown how to use them safely. Without first educating construction workers on how to utilize even simple machinery, accidents can easily happen. Certain weather conditions are not conducive to construction work and thus can cause slipping and falling from tall heights. Not regularly checking the heat gauges on heavy machines can result in deadly fire explosions and gas leaks. Without proper supervision, employees can easily get injured on the job. This is why reporting supervisor misconduct and negligence is necessary.
In any job environment, there is risk for injury. However, in the construction industry, the risks are generally more severe. What might seem like an easy piece of equipment to run could mean the difference in protecting the safety of oneself and others. Addressing hazardous work conditions like heavy rain or not having the proper protective gear can mean life or death in this industry. That is why taking the extra time to ensure the safety of employees should be an absolute priority.
If you have been a victim of a workplace injury at the fault of your employer, seek out legal counsel. Whether you have been injured on the job because of negligible management or have been harmed from a workplace accident, research your legal options. At Mitchell Law Corporation,we aggressively pursue your civil liberties and protect your ability to receive financial compensation for workplace injuries.
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]]>The post What is compromise and release? appeared first on Mitchell Law Corporation.
]]>The first option allows you to request periodic reviews to determine your ongoing or enhanced need for benefits. According to the State of California, Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Workers’ Compensation, a compromise and release agreement is a settlement agreement that effectively closes all aspects of your workers’ comp claim. You receive one lump payment and cannot request more, even if it turns out you need more.
Though a lawyer can advise you on the best course of action upon approval of your workers’ comp claim, know that there are distinct advantages to option number two. The top advantages are as follows:
Compromise and release agreements do come with a few downfalls. The most significant pitfall is your inability to collect additional benefits should your condition worsen, as once you sign a compromise and release, you release your employer from all future liability. If you die as a result of your injury, your loved ones cannot collect benefits as a result of this release as well.
The second disadvantage is the fact that a compromise and release is legally binding once a judge approves it. A judge will not set aside this type of agreement save for in select few (and rare) circumstances.
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]]>The post 4 reasons for workers’ compensation denials appeared first on Mitchell Law Corporation.
]]>Sometimes, it is just a mistake. Other times, people might be trying to avoid their responsibilities. Here are some of the top reasons for workers’ comp denials.
You must report your injury soon after it happens. Delays could cause problems.
You also have a relatively short period of time to complete all of your documents and turn them in to the correct people. If you do not move fast enough, the insurance company might decide to reject your claim.
It is also important to seek medical attention. A doctor familiar with the workers’ compensation system is usually a good resource. A prompt visit to a medical professional should provide the paperwork do you need to proceed with the claims process.
Your employer might decide to dispute your claim. Sometimes, it is because your employer believes that the injury was due to your intoxication or violent behavior. In other cases, they might just want to avoid higher insurance payments in the future.
The insurance company might decide that your injury did not happen at work. If you believe that it did, you might be able to provide evidence to prove your point.
A denial is not the end of the process in many cases. In each of these types of cases, it is sometimes possible to work with your insurance company and show them that you deserve payment.
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]]>The post Can I get workers’ compensation if I am undocumented? appeared first on Mitchell Law Corporation.
]]>California employment law is much more expansive in scope than US law. California employment law goes out of its way to protect the rights of all workers, including undocumented ones. According to Legal Aid at Work, all workers who sustain injury on the job may be eligible for most workers’ compensation benefits, even if you are an undocumented worker.
Undocumented workers may be eligable for workers’ compensation to cover medical expenses and potentailly lost wages, just like documented workers and American citizens are. However, you may be ineligible for certain types of job retraining or other programs for workers as an undocumented worker.
If your employer fires you in retaliation for claiming workers’ compensation benefits as an undocumented worker, whether or not you can reclaim lost money due to the company firing you is not clear.
The first place you should go is to your employer to get the claim forms. In the event that your employer fires you or is not willing to give you the necessary paperwork to make the claim, you have options. You can contact the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board to file an appeal.
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]]>The post How can I avoid fatigue-related workplace injuries? appeared first on Mitchell Law Corporation.
]]>Workers who suffer fatigue-related accidents on the job may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Knowing the signs of sleep deprivation in the workplace can help you to avoid accidents and injuries.
The effects of fatigue in the workplace are not always obvious because they are similar to the signs of stress. Besides reduced vigilance, lower awareness, slower reaction times and poor judgment, tired workers often exhibit poor work performance, reduced productivity, memory loss and increase in errors. Dealing with high levels of long-term stress can compromise your overall health, further increasing your risk of occupational injury or illness. It can also damage employee morale and cause other employees to become less vigilante in reporting and preventing workplace accidents.
While it is not always possible to get enough sleep, you can lower your exposure to workplace fatigue by adjusting your work schedule, take more breaks, improve your diet and lifestyle and learn ways to mitigate stress. You should also review your employer’s OHSA-approved fatigue risk management resources. Your employer has an obligation to minimize hazards in the work area that could cause you harm. This includes providing you with sufficient breaks and not overscheduling staff.
Workplace injuries are preventable. Stay abreast of your workplace’s safety policies and take personal measures to protect yourself.
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