The workforce in California spans multiple industries, including construction and manufacturing, and extends to healthcare and office positions. Workplace safety regulations exist to safeguard workers, but work-related injuries remain a frequent occurrence. Understanding which workplace injuries occur most often and their origins, along with knowing your legal rights, allows you to protect yourself and pursue compensation if injured at work. At the Law Offices of Benjamin Arsenian, our Santa Ana workers’ compensation attorneys are well-versed in this area of law and have seen all types of workplace injuries throughout California.
Falls, Slips, and Trips
Most workplace injuries in California result from falls, slips, and trips. Accidents can occur in any work setting, including office buildings and construction areas. Common causes include:
- Wet or uneven surfaces
- Cluttered workspaces
- Poor lighting
- Unsecured rugs or mats
- Unmarked hazards such as spills
Workplace injuries from falls range from minor bruises and sprains to major health problems like broken bones and spinal injuries. That said, business owners must keep work areas safe, and if they fail to do so, you can file a claim if you are injured.
Exposure to Harmful Substances and Toxic Chemicals
Workers in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare face exposure to harmful substances, which can result in severe health conditions. Common types of harmful exposure include:
- Inhalation of toxic fumes or asbestos
- Skin contact with harmful chemicals
- Radiation exposure
- Exposure to biological dangers, including viruses and harmful bacteria
Short-term exposure can cause immediate symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or burns, while long-term exposure may lead to chronic conditions like lung disease, cancer, or neurological disorders. If you develop a work-related illness due to toxic exposure, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for medical treatment and lost wages.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries, which are also called repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), are conditions that emerge through repeated motion over time. Some common examples include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from excessive typing
- Tendonitis from factory assembly line work
- Rotator cuff injuries from overhead lifting
- Lower back pain from prolonged standing or improper lifting techniques
You should be aware that workers often face difficulties obtaining claim approvals because these injuries develop slowly over time. Insurance firms might suggest that the injury developed from natural aging processes or activities unrelated to work. However, the skilled Santa Ana workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of Benjamin Arsenian will help you demonstrate that your injury was related to your job and work to ensure you get all the benefits to which you are entitled.
Struck-By and Caught-In/Between Accidents
Employees who work in construction, manufacturing, or warehousing jobs face greater risks of injury when objects strike them or they get caught in or between machinery. Unfortunately, severe injuries or fatalities commonly result from such accidents. Common causes include:
- Falling tools or materials
- Heavy machinery malfunctions
- Employees becoming trapped in conveyor belts or rotating machinery parts
- Vehicles striking workers on job sites
Employers must enforce safety protocols, provide protective gear, and ensure proper training to reduce these risks. If an employer’s negligence led to an injury, additional compensation may be available beyond workers’ compensation.
Vehicle-Related Work Accidents
Employees whose work responsibilities involve operating vehicles run the risk of suffering accidents while on duty. This includes:
- Truck drivers involved in highway collisions
- Delivery drivers injured in traffic accidents
- Moving vehicles on job sites that strike construction workers during their work activities
These accidents result in serious injuries, including fractures, bone damage, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ injuries. Employees who get hurt while driving for work are protected by workers’ compensation. However, they can also file a third-party personal injury claim against the other driver if they caused the accident.
Machinery and Equipment Injuries
Construction workers and employees in agriculture and manufacturing face considerable dangers from heavy machinery, power tools, and other equipment. Common machinery-related injuries include:
- Crushed limbs from malfunctioning equipment
- Severe lacerations from power tools
- Electrocution from faulty wiring
- Amputations due to improper machine operation
Employers must provide adequate training, machine guards, and safety measures to prevent such injuries. When equipment malfunctions due to a manufacturer defect, an injured worker may be able to file a product liability claim in addition to seeking workers’ compensation benefits.
Workplace Violence Injuries
Many employees experience workplace violence, which is especially prevalent among customer service representatives and workers in healthcare and law enforcement professions. Workplace violence can include:
- Physical assaults by coworkers, customers, or clients
- Injuries from robberies or criminal acts
- Psychological trauma from verbal abuse or threats
An employee who suffers harm due to insufficient security measures or unaddressed risks may pursue legal actions apart from workers’ compensation claims.
Hearing Loss Due to Workplace Noise
Employees who work in noisy environments like construction sites and airports may experience irreversible hearing loss from extended exposure to loud sounds. Common sources of excessive workplace noise include:
- Heavy machinery and power tools
- Industrial equipment
- Aircraft and transportation hubs
Employers must provide workers with protective hearing devices and follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules concerning noise exposure. Workers’ compensation should pay for medical evaluations and hearing aids when workers’ hearing loss results from workplace conditions.
Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can occur in various workplaces due to:
- Fires and explosions
- Electrical malfunctions
- Chemical burns from hazardous substances
- Scalding liquids in food service industries
Extensive medical treatment through skin grafts and surgeries combined with long-term rehabilitation is needed for severe burn injuries. Burn victims typically need to get urgent medical care and submit a workers’ compensation claim to obtain financial support for their medical expenses and lost income.
Our Santa Ana Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Provides Essential Legal Support
The workers’ compensation process poses difficulties for anyone who experiences an injury at their place of work. Insurance companies frequently try to reduce payments by denying claims or stating that workplace injuries did not occur during work hours. Our team of skilled Santa Ana workers’ compensation attorneys can assist by:
- Gathering medical evidence to support your claim
- Making sure important documents are submitted properly and in a timely fashion
- Negotiating with insurance companies for maximum benefits
- Representing you during hearings and appeals if your workers’ compensation claim is denied
- Exploring third-party liability claims for additional compensation
The Knowledgeable Santa Ana Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Offices of Benjamin Arsenian Can Help
Workplace injuries can have lasting consequences on your health, career, and financial stability. Whether you experience a fall, repetitive motion injury, toxic exposure, or machinery accident, you have legal rights under California’s workers’ compensation system. Seeking help from experienced Santa Ana workers’ compensation attorneys can ensure that you receive the benefits and support you need to recover and move forward. If you have been injured at work, don’t hesitate to contact our office and protect your rights today.