Usually we think work injuries include back pain or broken bones. We often associate them with machine malfunctions, lifting heavy objects or working in high-risk environments. This is true, all of these can factor into a workplace injury, but we often overlook other workplace injuries as well.
Employees who work in environments that don’t provide certain safety equipment or precautions or don’t offer workplace ergonomics, are all subject to work-related injuries too.
Common overlooked injuries
Often times people suffer different pains that they figure are caused from daily life or they are the “perks” of getting older. However, this is not always the case. Some injuries and pains can be caused from work related tasks. Some of the more common over looked injuries include:
- Hearing loss: From power drills, dental drills or other loud or high frequency noises
- Arthritis or hand injuries: typing or lifting heavy objects
- Eye injuries: unclean air particles or eye strain
- Back injury: from an office or desk job, sitting too long or poor work ergonomics
- Lung diseases or other illnesses: unclean air or unsafe working conditions with hazardous chemicals
You can receive workers’ compensation
Even if you have a preexisting condition, as long as you can prove your job aggravated or further contributed to your injury, you can receive compensation. If you are unsure if you qualify, speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. They can examine your case and help determine if you are eligible for benefits.
Workers’ compensation benefits
In California, you are entitled to essentially five categories of benefits. These include:
- Medical care
- Temporary disability
- Permanent disability
- Death compensation
- Job displacement training
Your employer is required to pay for medical care for your work related injury until you are fully recovered or treatment is no longer necessary. They will also compensate you a percentage of your wages until you are able to return to work. If you are unable to return to work because of your injury they will pay you permanent disability and skills training so you can learn to work in other industries that can accommodate you and your injury.
If your spouse or child dies from a work-related injury or illness, you will also receive payments for your loss.
Workers’ compensation can be confusing and you may not even be sure how to file a claim or begin the process. An attorney can guide you through the process and help you with your case. They can also address any questions or concerns you may have about workers’ compensation.
