What Types of Injuries are Covered by Workers’ Compensation in California?

At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our workers’ compensation attorneys in Whittier know that when our California clients are hurt at work, their lives change in an instant.

Fortunately, according to the California Workers’ Compensation laws, if a business employs one or more employees, it must provide workers’ compensation coverage to each of those employees.

To qualify for workers’ compensation in California, the injured person must first be employed by the company when the injury occurs, and there must be a relationship between the injury and their employment.

However, making this connection may become increasingly complicated if the injured employee was traveling for work, or in a meeting when the incident occurred. a

No matter where your work-related injury or illness occurred, our skilled Los Angeles County workers’ compensation attorneys will help evaluate your claim and build your case for success.

Which Work-Related Injuries are Covered by Workers’ Compensation in California?

California workers’ compensation coverage applies to three major types of injuries.

They include:

• Specific Injuries

Specific injuries are those that are straightforward, like broken bones or head trauma caused by a fall from heights, being struck by an object or equipment, electrocutions, or getting crushed or stuck between objects.

• Repetitive Motion and Overuse Injuries

Repetitive strain or stress injuries result from employees performing the same task repeatedly over an extended period, and may include carpal tunnel, tendonitis, joint injuries, and back pain.

• Occupational Illnesses and Harmful Exposure

Illnesses that result from employment, even those that develop over time, which are caused by exposure to a toxic chemical in the workplace are covered by workers’ compensation in California and may include illnesses like asbestos or mesothelioma.

What Types of Injuries are Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation in California?

Not all types of injuries are covered by workers’ compensation in California.

The circumstances surrounding your injuries may make you ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you or the person responsible for your injury acted outside the scope of employment.

They include:

• The employee disregarded company policy or safety procedures.
• The employee suffered their injury while off the clock.
• The employee who caused the injury was under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the accident occurred.
• The employee was engaged in unlawful activities.
• The employee suffered from a self-inflicted injury, or intentionally inflicted harm upon another.

In some cases, third parties — like an equipment manufacturer or property owner —may also be liable for the employee’s injuries.

Our experienced Whittier and Arcadia workers’ compensation lawyers can help you identify the responsible party and determine the best legal path to pursuing the financial recovery you are entitled to for your injuries.

Contact Our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Whittier, California

If you have been hurt at work and are unsure of what type of workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to, we can help.

Contact our skilled personal injury attorneys in Whittier at Hanning & Sacchetto today by calling (562) 698-6446.