Regardless of the type of employment, almost all workers in California face risks as they complete their job responsibilities. As a result, the state requires employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage to protect workers financially in the event that they suffer workplace injuries. Several out-of-state workers may have questions regarding their eligibility for such compensation after a recent accident sent them to the hospital.
The incident happened one day in mid-December at a company called Lightning Rod and Pipe. The company reportedly melts plastic pellets and molds them into pipe. Unfortunately, the machine that melted the plastic experienced some sort of malfunction, causing it to clog.
After the malfunction, the four injured workers attempted to open the machine, allowing hot plastic to spew out. Two victims were transported to the hospital by ambulance while a third was transported by helicopter. A fourth victim was treated at the scene. The accident does not appear to threaten public safety.
Workplace injuries can create financial complications for employees and their family members. Medical bills can quickly pile up. and many victims lose wages due to an inability to work during their period of recovery. For those in California, workers’ compensation insurance benefits will likely cover these expenses as well as others, including compensation for additional education if a person is unable to return to work in the same capacity, or funeral expenses for a victim’s surviving family if the accident results in a fatality. In order to ensure fair compensation and avoid added stress during an already trying time, many turn to an attorney with experience with the process to guide them through their pursuit of the compensation to which they are entitled.
Source: click2houston.com, “Four people injured after industrial accident in Humble“, Mark Boyle, Dec. 15, 2015
