Riverside County’s diverse economy encompasses sectors like construction, healthcare, and agriculture. These industries often lead in workers’ compensation claims due to the physical demands and inherent risks involved. Understanding the top industries for workers’ comp claims in Riverside County, CA, can shed light on whether or not you work in a potentially high-risk field.
In 2023 alone, Riverside County saw 39,556 workers’ compensation claims, with an injury rate of 3.6 per 100 employees.
Retail Jobs in Riverside County
Retail trade is one of the largest and most injury-prone sectors in the state. In 2021, California’s retail industry reported an injury incidence rate of 5.5 per 200,000 working hours, with 24,426 documented injuries. That makes retail the second-highest industry for workplace injuries statewide.
In cities like Moreno Valley and Riverside, where large retail centers such as the Moreno Valley Mall and Galleria at Tyler drive major employment, retail workers face daily hazards. These include:
- Overexertion from lifting and stocking heavy inventory
- Falls while navigating cluttered storage areas or back rooms
- Slips on freshly mopped or poorly maintained sales floors
- Accidents involving collapsing displays or falling items from overhead shelving
Even minor injuries can lead to missed work and mounting expenses. A workers’ compensation claim may help cover your medical bills and lost wages while you recover.
Nursing and Healthcare Workers in Riverside County
Nursing jobs come with both physical and emotional stress. According to the 2022 Survey of California Registered Nurses, over 14% of nurses reported symptoms of burnout, including 5.7% of California registered nurses with severe symptoms and 8.5% with persistent signs of stress.
The same report found that nurses have serious and ongoing concerns about workplace violence. Patients who are upset about their condition, are undermedicated or are belligerent in general often lash out at nurses, either verbally or physically.
Strains from lifting, exposure to contagious illnesses, and assaults by patients are all regular hazards. When a nurse is injured on the job in Riverside County, workers’ compensation benefits may cover treatment costs, rehabilitation, and lost income.
Construction Workers
With a bustling economy and growth across various sectors, construction workers lead the way when it comes to growth in Riverside. These jobs come with potential hazards, whether the workers are building tall buildings or long warehouses.
Common causes of injuries include falls from ladders, nail gun injuries, electrical shocks, and broken bones from heavy machinery accidents. Safety protocols can reduce the risk of these types of injuries if those guidelines are followed.
When construction sites suffer from fast-paced schedules and understaffed crews, safety protocols can be missed or even ignored. Injured construction site workers have the right to pursue compensation with the help of a Riverside injury lawyer.
Agricultural Workers
Agricultural workers face a wide range of dangers due to the nature of their work in areas like Coachella Valley and Perris, where farms produce citrus, dates, grapes, and other important agricultural commodities. The physical toll on farmworkers is significant, with many putting in long days during hot summer days.
Common farm-related injuries can include:
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Back strain
- Pesticide exposure
- Farming equipment injuries
- Injuries from vehicle collisions when moving to and from work
During harvest season, there is extra pressure to perform long hours. Seasonal workers may face language barriers that can increase the risk of an accident. Workers may not be informed of their rights to breaks under state law. Injured workers may be under pressure not to report a work-related injury for fear of losing their job or not being re-hired the following season.
FAQs
Q: What Are Common Injuries Leading to Workers’ Comp Claims in Riverside County?
A: Common workers’ comp injuries in Riverside County include back strains, repetitive motion injuries, fractures, and slip-and-fall injuries. These are especially common in warehouses, nursing homes, farms, and job sites with ladders or uneven ground. Many of these injuries develop over time. Reporting symptoms as soon as they appear helps workers qualify for medical care and income replacement through California’s workers’ comp system.
Q: How Can Workers in High-Risk Industries in Riverside County Protect Themselves?
A: Workers in high-risk industries can reduce injury risk by wearing required safety gear, following site procedures, and participating in all training sessions. Reporting hazards immediately helps prevent accidents before they happen. In places like Moreno Valley and Jurupa Valley, where construction and warehouse jobs are common, staying alert on the job is critical. Workers who speak up early often avoid more serious problems later.
Q: What Steps Should an Injured Worker in Riverside County Take to File a Workers’ Comp Claim?
A: After a work injury in Riverside County, report the injury to your employer immediately and ask for a workers’ comp claim form. Get medical attention from an approved provider and keep records of your treatment. Submit the completed claim form as soon as possible. Workers should act quickly since delays can cause complications with medical care or payments.
Q: How Can Attorneys Assist Workers with Compensation Claims in Riverside County?
A: Attorneys help workers in Riverside County by making sure claim forms are filed correctly, medical records are submitted on time, and deadlines are met. They can communicate with claims administrators and represent injured workers in hearings or disputes. Legal help is especially useful after denied claims or benefit delays. Having legal help ensures that someone filing a claim receives the compensation they are entitled to under the law.
Unwavering Legal Support for Injured Workers Across Riverside County
Industries like construction, transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare carry some of the highest injury rates in Riverside County. If you were hurt on the job, it’s important to understand your rights and what benefits you may be entitled to under California’s workers’ compensation laws. Taking early action can help protect your health, your income, and your future.
At Diefer Law Group, P.C., we represent workers across a wide range of industries who have been injured while performing their jobs. Our skilled and compassionate attorneys provide experienced, personalized support throughout every stage of the process. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and get the help you need.
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