California law requires most private employers in the state to have workers’ compensation insurance, and this insurance applies to any injury suffered on the job or illness acquired from work. Thousands of workers’ compensation claims are filed in California each year, but what is the most common workers’ comp claim in California?
Most Common Workers’ Compensation Claims in California
Workers’ compensation insurance can be a valuable lifeline for anyone who is hurt on the job in California. This insurance can pay for their medical treatment and provide ongoing disability benefits if they cannot work during their recovery. However, many workers wonder what types of injuries and illnesses are covered and whether they would be eligible to claim benefits if they are hurt or become sick from work.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded about 363,900 private industry claims for nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses in California in 2023. Of these, roughly 236,700 were severe enough to result in missed days of work or require new job placement for victims. Some of the most commonly filed workplace injury cases in California include:
- Repetitive stress injuries. These injuries develop over time as a worker performs their job duties. When an employee must perform the same physical tasks every day at work, this wear and tear can eventually cause various adverse symptoms. Repetitive stress injuries may require various forms of ongoing care to manage symptoms and enable workers to continue performing their job duties.
- Sprains and strains. These injuries can happen in various ways, such as when attempting to lift heavy objects or as a result of slip and fall accidents.
- Bone fractures. It’s possible for broken bones to result from falls, vehicle accidents, and various other causes. These injuries usually heal with time and appropriate medical care but may require surgical correction, such as the placement of steel plates or pins to keep the bone in the proper position while it heals. Some fractures can cause nerve damage and result in chronic pain or reduced mobility.
- Toxic exposure. It is possible for employees to become sick due to exposure to certain chemicals or environmental hazards. For example, a worker could develop silicosis due to repeated exposure to silica dust. The worker will need to prove they acquired their condition from work to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Injuries from falls. Falls are one of the most commonly reported workplace accidents in the United States and the leading cause of workplace fatalities each year. It’s possible for a fall to result in broken bones, internal organ damage, traumatic brain injury, and many other effects.
These are just a few examples of some of the most commonly reported workplace injuries in California. If you are hurt at work, or if you are diagnosed with any medical condition you believe resulted from you performing your job duties, you should report it to your supervisor immediately. If you do not report the injury or illness within 30 days, you could be disqualified from receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can be a valuable asset in helping you file your claim for benefits in California. While the claim filing process may appear straightforward at first, the reality is that many injured workers in California encounter all types of complex issues that they do not know how to resolve on their own. Your attorney can guide you through the claim filing process and help you maximize your benefits.
The Diefer Law Group has extensive experience helping California clients with their workers’ compensation claims. If you have been hurt at work, reach out to our team at your first opportunity to learn how we can assist you with your case.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Most Common Workers’ Compensation Claim?
A: The most common workers’ compensation claim is for repetitive stress injury. While these injuries do not result from acute traumatic accidents, they manifest gradually over time due to the physical tasks an employee performs at their job. For example, typing every day can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, and lifting and carrying heavy objects can cause strain on the back and joints.
Q: How Much Can I Receive in Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
A: The amount you can receive in workers’ compensation benefits generally depends on the overall severity of your injury and whether it has caused any permanent harm. A successful workers’ compensation claim can yield full medical expense coverage and disability benefits during the time you are unable to work. The amount you receive in disability benefits usually hinges on whether you are able to work at all during your recovery.
Q: Does California Workers’ Compensation Pay for Pain and Suffering?
A: No, California workers’ compensation does not pay for pain and suffering. This insurance will cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages following a workplace injury. However, if you are eligible to file a personal injury suit against a third party responsible for causing the injury, success with this case could yield compensation for your pain and suffering.
Q: Can I Be Disqualified From Workers’ Compensation if I Caused My Own Injury?
A: You usually cannot be disqualified from workers’ compensation if you caused your own injury. Workers’ compensation in California functions on a no-fault basis. However, if you caused the injury because you intentionally violated workplace safety regulations or were working under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be disqualified from receiving benefits.
Q: What Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
A: A functional capacity evaluation is a medical exam from a workers’ compensation doctor designed to determine the scope and severity of your injury. Your employer’s insurance company will have you see a local physician they have approved for this assessment. They will assign you a disability rating based on their findings, and this rating will be used to determine how much you can receive in disability benefits.
Ultimately, any workplace injury in California can have serious effects, and workers’ compensation aims to act as a lifeline to injured workers in all industries. If you have been hurt at work and have questions about what you can expect in the workers’ compensation claim filing process, contact the Diefer Law Group today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn how we can help with your case.
