Ontario Workers Compensation Lawyer

Ontario Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Every job is rife with inherent risks of injury or exposure to illnesses and diseases. But regardless of those risks, there is also an expectation that safety will be provided by the leaders of that company. They are expected to aid their employees by providing proper training, protective gear, and properly functioning equipment. They must also maintain a clean and proper work environment.

Unfortunately, these are not always provided at the expected standard. Injuries or sickness often occur due to negligent behavior or repeated behaviors that put undue stress on the body. When an employer neglects the safety of their workers, the impacted employee may be entitled to compensation.

Workplace injuries can happen by accident or negligence. Sometimes, even repeated physical movements and behaviors can cause strain and stress on muscles overtime.

If you or a loved one is injured on the job, contact an attorney who is familiar with workers’ compensation laws. They can provide you with the knowledge and experience to help you recover damages you may be owed. Your case may raise many questions, but at Gonzalez Law Firm, we have the answers.

Obligations of California Employers

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has enacted and enforces certain regulations for health and safety measures. Employers must abide by these rules to protect their employees from injury, illness, and death. Additionally, each employer in their industry is trusted to provide adequate safety measures that are unique to their services. Examples of safety measures include:

• Employee training
• Safety gear
• Emergency protocols
• Procedures for cleaning up
• Preventative maintenance of industry equipment

These basics, along with other safety measures, are the minimum that an employer should put into practice. Failure to do so may result in being held liable. This also enables an injured employee to file a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim.

Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury

It may appear that an injury sustained on the job due to negligence entitles you to file civil litigation against your employer. However, the truth is that workers’ compensation claims and workplace personal injury claims are distinct and must meet specific criteria. In fact, whether there is negligence involved or not, most workplace injury cases will be filed as workers’ compensation. Working with your workers’ compensation attorney, they will advise you on the facts of your case and which path to take based on the level of negligence involved.

Workers’ compensation claims seek to reimburse employees for expenses such as lost wages, medical care, death benefits, and disability. The type of disability depends on the nature of the injury. However, an injured employee may be awarded any of these:

• Temporary
• Temporary partial
• Permanent partial
• Total
• Permanent

These types of claims occur when an employee is injured at work, even though proper safety measures, training, and procedures were followed. You can also file a claim if you have an injury outside of your place of work and your work aggravates that injury.

In a personal injury claim, you are seeking similar compensation. However, the injury must occur due to some form of negligence. Examples include:

• Equipment failure
• Safety failure
• Improper training
• Another employee’s negligence

What to Do If You Are Injured on the Job in Ontario, CA

If you are injured on the job, there are several steps you should take. Taking the right measures will maximize the potential outcome of your compensation claim.

1. Seek medical attention. If you are facing injuries that are considered severe or life-threatening, immediately seek the help of emergency professionals. One of the biggest mistakes you can make if you are suffering from an injury at work is to self-diagnose or delay treatment. Even if your injuries appear minor, have a medical professional examine them. This will not only document your injuries, but it will also check for any necessary care that you may be unaware of.
2. Contact a workers’ comp attorney. After seeking appropriate medical help, you need to speak with an experienced workers’ comp attorney. They can help you identify the next steps to take. You must report your claim to your employer. Your attorney can help you formulate your notice and evaluate any response you receive. This will allow you to understand what to do if your claim is denied.
3. Notify your employer. Your injury needs to be documented with your employer as well as with medical professionals. Your attorney will guide you through the paperwork, witness statements, emails, and other applicable documentation that will help prove your case to your employer. The more indisputable documentation you have, the more likely your claim will be approved.
4. File your paperwork. Once all your paperwork has been given to your employer, your attorney will help file your claim with the Department of Industrial Relations. Once this claim is filed, there will be paperwork that you are required to fill out. This will be sent to you within one to two business days from the date of the claim. Once you return the paperwork, keep a record of whom it was electronically submitted to and the date and time. If you delivered it in person, note the individual with whom you dropped it off.

Contact Our Ontario Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today

Whenever a person finds a job, they do their best to please their employers and earn a living for their families. Whether this job involves working in a factory, an office, or the homes of others, there is a level of safety that employees expect from their employers. Unfortunately, accidents, negligence, and repeated physical movements over time can lead to temporary or permanent injuries in the workplace. When that happens, it is important that you receive the help you need to recover any compensation you are owed.

At the Gonzalez Law Firm, our team of workers’ comp attorneys has extensive knowledge and experience in helping clients receive the compensation they are owed from workplace injuries. We know that each situation is unique, and we make sure to understand the details of your situation to build the best case for you. If you have been injured on the job, get the representation you deserve. Contact our offices today.