Strains and sprains occur when movements, such as twisting in awkward positions or repetitive motions, stretch or tear muscles or tendons. Some of the primary strains in the workplace happen in the back and hamstring muscles. When you have sustained an injury on the job, working with a well-versed workplace injury attorney could be crucial to ensure you get the benefits you deserve.
Sprain- or strain-related injuries can be painful and may be accompanied by swelling, muscle spasms, and limit your ability to move freely. It is crucial to know that this type of accident could happen suddenly or be triggered by stressful events compounded over time. Schedule a meeting with a Glendale workplace strain and sprain injury lawyer for questions or help pursuing a claim.
Sprain and strain accidents can happen for various reasons in the workplace. Some of the typical causes include:
After reviewing the case details, a Glendale workplace strain and sprain injury attorney could answer specific questions regarding the process and help an injured worker understand their available benefits.
California labor laws require companies to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect injured workers. Benefits cover medical costs, partially lost wages, and vocational training, if necessary, for obtaining a new position after the accident.
Workers can collect benefits after a workplace injury, regardless of who is at fault. Completing each step as required under the statutes is crucial, and even what seems like a minor error could lead to delays or a denial of benefits.
After a workplace accident, injured parties must notify their employers. According to the guidelines provided by the State of California Department of Industrial Relations, while immediately reporting the accident is best, failing to do so within 30 days could mean losing eligibility to collect benefits.
After informing employers about the injuries, the next essential step is to seek emergency medical care or visit an approved doctor. It is also vital to follow the physician’s treatment plan.
Employers must provide injured employees with a document called the workers’ compensation claim form within one business day of receiving the notification. After receiving the form, the employee must complete their section and return it to their employer by certified mail or in person. Upon receiving the complete form, the person handling the duties on behalf of the business must complete their portion of the document and forward it to the insurance provider.
The insurance provider will review and process the claim form and determine the benefits the injured worker can collect. The injured worker will usually receive their response within 14 days, and if they disagree with the findings, they may contact the provider or their employer to try and settle.
If they cannot agree, the worker can file an appeal. A workplace strain and sprain injury attorney in Glendale knows the processes inside and out and could successfully help a person navigate the process to reach a favorable outcome.
Straining or spraining a muscle or tendon while at work can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unable to handle your duties as required. State laws protect workers by requiring companies to provide workers’ compensation benefits to employees who sustain serious injuries.
Regardless, the claims process is complex and comes with challenges that a Glendale workplace strain and sprain injury lawyer could help a person effectively navigate. Call the diligent attorneys at Glauber Berenson Vego to set up a consultation.
