Back and neck injuries are among the most common work-related injuries. Employees in all industries, from office workers to contractors to delivery drivers to retail employees, are susceptible to on-the-job back and neck injuries. These injuries can happen as a result of catastrophic, one-time accidents or ongoing repetitive motions, strain, and overuse. Regardless of how the injury occurs, however, California employees are entitled to workers’ compensation for work-related back and neck injuries.
At Glauber Berenson Vego, our Glendale back and neck injury lawyers can assist you with your workers’ compensation claim. For more than 30 years, we have focused exclusively on workers’ compensation law, helping clients get back on their feet after serious on-the-job accidents and work-related injuries. With offices in Glendale, and the surrounding areas, we are here to assist you with all aspects of your claim. Our lawyers will explain the laws and benefits available after reviewing your case.
Depending on the nature of one’s work and working conditions, individuals may sustain a wide variety of back and neck injuries on the job.
Some of the most common work-related back and neck injuries include:
These and other back and neck injuries can have serious implications. Not only must injured workers undergo extensive (and costly) medical treatment, but they may also require permanent or lifelong care. They will also likely be unable to return to work for weeks, months, or even years due to their injuries, leading to lost wages and significant financial hardship.
If you were injured on the job or while carrying out any activities that benefitted your employer, whether you suffered a one-time catastrophic injury or a condition that developed over time, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for medical care, temporary and permanent disability benefits, as well as vocational rehabilitation. Get in touch with our Glendale lawyers for help with back and neck injuries.
Like other workplace injuries, work-related back and neck injuries can occur in one of two ways. In some cases, these injuries result from traumatic accidents in the workplace. In other instances, they develop over time due to an employee’s work-related duties and activities or the working environment.
Some of the most common causes of work-related back and neck injuries in the U.S. include:
Because workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, you do not need to prove that your employer, a co-worker, or any other party acted negligently in order to receive workers’ compensation benefits. If you are a covered employee (and most Glendale workers are), and you can prove that your injury happened at work or while you were actively conducting work benefitting your employer, you are entitled to workers’ compensation for your back or neck injury.
If you are injured in a workplace accident or suffer a back or neck injury related to your employment, it is important that you immediately report the injury to your employer. According to state law, you only have 30 days to report the injury to your employer, but the sooner you notify them, the better. You should also avoid taking days off using sick time if you suspect you have a work-related injury, as this can make your future workers’ compensation claim more complicated.
You should also seek medical attention right away, including calling 911 if necessary. Not only is this important for your health and safety, but it also establishes proof that you suffered a work-related injury and provides documented evidence for your claim. Make sure you follow your doctor’s orders and recommendations, including taking time off work until you are approved to return. Do not attempt to go back to work—even if your employer is threatening to fire you—if your treating physician has not approved you for light-duty or modified work.
After reporting the accident to your employer, speak to one of our attorneys. At Glauber Berenson Vego, we can help you obtain appropriate medical treatment—the doctor you see does matter—and can fight for your rightful benefits, whether through workers’ compensation or state disability. When you choose our firm, you are assigned a team consisting of a case coordinator and an attorney. Your team will be available to you throughout the legal process and will provide consistent communication and updates on the status of your claim. We will check in approximately every 45 days to see how your medical treatment is going and provide assistance as needed at any stage of the process.
Our Glendale attorneys recognize treating a back or neck injury may require surgery, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and rest. We will advocate for all necessary treatment, adequate time for you to heal, and needed accommodations, such as light duty, when you return to work.
Although the state’s workers’ compensation system exists, ostensibly, to protect injured workers, navigating the system can be extremely stressful, complicated, and challenging. You should be focused on getting the medical treatment you need and healing from your injuries—not on fighting for the rightful benefits you deserve.
Instead, trust your case to the team at Glauber Berenson Vego. With nearly 100 years of collective experience, our Glendale neck and back injury lawyers are here to represent your rights and protect your best interests. We proudly serve clients throughout Los Angeles County, providing dedicated, hands-on representation every step of the way.
To discuss your situation with one of our Glendale back and neck injury attorneys, please call us at (626) 796-9400 or contact us online. Se habla español.