Accidents can happen at any time and at any place, even at work. If you were injured on the job or while performing work duties, it is crucial that you understand your legal rights and options.
Safe Working Conditions
In California, the California Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1973, every Los Angeles employer must provide and maintain a safe and healthful workplace for employees.
Workers’ Compensation as Exclusive Remedy
Because workers’ compensation is generally the exclusive remedy for a work-related injury or illness, you must file a workers’ compensation claim through the state administrative agency. Employers pay into the state system by purchasing workers’ compensation insurance to pay medical expenses and lost wages of employees that result from an occupational accident.
Exceptions to Workers’ Compensation Exclusivity
Employees are not prohibited from bringing employment claims for conduct or actions that are not a normal part of the employment relationship. For example, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination are not an expected part of an employment relationship, and therefore, employers may be civilly liable for resulting physical or emotional injuries. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can explain more.
Can I Bring a Lawsuit?
If you were injured in the workplace by the intentional, deliberate, or egregious conduct of another person, including your supervisor, you might be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against that person.
If you were injured by a defective product, machine, or piece of equipment, you might be able to bring a products liability action against the manufacturer of the product.
If you were injured by a toxic substance, you might be able to bring a toxic tort lawsuit against the manufacturer of the substance.
How do you know if your injury is serious enough to file a lawsuit? Chances are, if you suffered emotional or physical harm that required medical treatment, it is. Contact an experienced trial lawyer to learn about your rights and the type of financial compensation you might be able to recover.
For more information about employee injuries, workers compensation claims, and personal injury lawsuits against your employer, contact the aggressive Los Angeles trial lawyers at BIKLAW today.