Getting hurt and losing your job is a big change that can make you feel unsure, anxious, and overwhelmed. This is especially true in California, where the high cost of living and fast-paced way of life can make these feelings stronger. If the injuries are severe enough, it can leave someone wondering what to do if they’ve suffered career-ending injuries in California. There are things you can do to get through this tough time and start anew.
Types of Career-Ending Injuries
Career-ending injuries are serious mental or physical injuries that make it impossible for a person to keep working in their current job. The effects of these kinds of injuries can be very different based on the job and the specific needs of the profession. Here are some common accidents that can end a career:
- Damage to the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can leave people partially or completely paralyzed, which makes it very hard for them to move and do other physical activities. These injuries usually happen in events with a lot of force, like car accidents, falls, or sports injuries.
- Brain injuries. Getting a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can hurt your mental, physical, and social health. TBIs can happen because of falls, car crashes, or violent events. Memory loss, bad judgment, problems with coordination and balance, and changes in behavior are some of the symptoms. These kinds of accidents can ruin careers that need people to be mentally sharp, physically coordinated, and emotionally stable.
- Bad burn injuries. Burns of the third degree or higher can hurt the skin, muscles, and bones in a way that can’t be fixed. Often, these injuries leave large scars, disfigurements, and lost abilities in the areas that were damaged. Jobs that involve a lot of physical appearances with clients or the public, like customer service, modeling, or acting, may be affected the most.
- Missing limbs. It can be very hard for someone to do certain things after losing a limb. Even though prosthetics can help, it may not be possible to keep many jobs, especially ones that need fine motor skills, strength, or mobility. These can include jobs in manufacturing, sports, and construction.
- Trauma to the mind. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other forms of severe psychological suffering can end a career, especially in high-stress jobs. Having symptoms like anxiety, sadness, flashbacks, and unstable emotions can make it hard to do your job in high-stress occupations like emergency services, the military, and any other field.
Steps to Take If You’ve Suffered a Career-Ending Injury
If you have suffered a career-ending injury, there are steps you can take to help secure a better future, even in the face of something as devastating as a serious injury. These include:
- Get medical help right away. After getting hurt, the first and most important thing to do is see a doctor. Make sure you get a full medical report that shows how bad your injuries are and what long-term effects they might have.
- Get informed about the law. Understand your rights surrounding disability benefits, workers’ compensation, and a potential personal injury claim.
- Apply for disability. You may be eligible for permanent disability benefits. Speak with an attorney to see if you qualify.
- Seek legal advice. A lawyer can guide you through the legal system, especially if you’ve been hurt. An attorney can help you get the paperwork you need, talk to the insurance company, and, if necessary, defend your rights in court.
- Look into alternatives for finances and rehabilitation. There are options for vocational retraining, counseling, and therapy. There also may be other ways available that you can make money, such as freelancing or coaching.
- Communicate with your old employer. If you have just discovered that you cannot return to work, communicate with your employer right away. If your injury was due to gross negligence or intentional acts by your employer and you are choosing to file a personal injury claim against them, be sure to contact a lawyer and follow their advice regarding any further communication with your employer.
- Keep all relevant information. In case you decide to file any further claims, including personal injury claims, keep all evidence in a secure place, including communication with your employer, medical records, and details about the injury.
FAQs
Q: How Do You Deal With Career-Ending Injuries?
A: For injuries that end your job, you need to get medical help right away, know your legal rights, and talk to a lawyer about how to file a compensation claim. Get disability benefits, look into job rehabilitation, take a fresh look at your finances, and put your mental health first. Planning for the future by learning new skills and looking for other ways to make money can also help you get through this tough time.
Q: What Injuries Are Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation in California?
A: In California, workers’ compensation does not cover accidents that happen because of self-harm, being drunk, horseplay, or doing fun things while not on the job. Also, injuries that happen while commuting (except in certain situations) or that are caused by fights that aren’t connected to work may not be covered.
Q: How Long Do I Have to Sue for Work-Related Injuries in California?
A: If you were hurt on the job in California, you usually have one year to file a workers’ compensation claim. Most of the time, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim, like a personal injury claim against a third party if they were responsible for your injury.
Q: Can I Sue My Employer for Pain and Suffering in California?
A: In California, most workers’ compensation rules prevent you from filing a claim against your boss for pain and suffering. You might, however, be able to file a claim against a third party for hurting you. Also, if your boss did something particularly egregious or with an intention to hurt you, there may be exceptions. An attorney can let you know if your situation qualifies as such an exception.
Contact Diefer Law Group, P.C., Today
If you have been injured in a work-related accident and are no longer able to return to work, an attorney at Diefer Law Group, P.C., can help. Contact us today to talk with one of our team members.
ES