Have You Been Injured At Your Workplace?

For almost 50 years, Berger & Michelena has fought on behalf of injured workers who have been unjustly denied their right to workers’ compensation benefits. Our attorneys have represented injured workers from all walks of life and across class and racial boundaries. The one factor uniting all of our clients is an injury at work that has been ignored or neglected by the very people who are supposed to be helping our clients to heal: insurance companies, employers and medical professionals.

To schedule your free consultation with an experienced workplace attorney, call us, Berger & Michelena: 800-488-4813.

Types Of Workers’ Compensation Injuries

Berger & Michelena has experience with a vast array of work-related injuries involving all parts of the human body:

• Back: Back injuries are one of the most common workplace injuries.
• Neck: Some neck injuries are so severe, they lead to paralysis.
• Spine: Injuries to the spine are often life-changing.
• Shoulders and arms: Even in the relative safety of an office environment, injuries to the shoulders and arms can occur, especially when the injury is due to repetitive motion.
• Hand: Severely injuring a hand can stop a career; for example, it can prohibit a concert pianist from playing the piano
• Lifting injuries: Lifting heavy boxes at work can cause injuries.
• Knee: A simple twist in the wrong direction is sometimes all it takes to injure a knee.
• Brain: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when there is a severe blow to the brain.
• Bulging and herniated disks: Bulging and herniated disks can cause a lifetime of pain.
• Amputations: This is when an injury is so severe that a body part – like a leg – has to be removed, or “amputated.”
• Hearing injury: Although there are regulations governing the maximum level of noise in a workplace, hearing injuries still do occur.
• Burn injury: Burn injuries have many causes, including chemical, electrical and fire.
• Broken bones: These injuries can take months to heal properly, if they do at all.
• Psychiatric injuries: Although psychiatric injuries are not as visible as a wound on the body, this wound of the mind is no less severe.

Our attorneys also have a commanding knowledge of the more difficult workers’ compensation injuries that other firms may find too expensive or too difficult to take on. Some of these difficult claims include workplace-related: worry and stress, lack of sleep, hernias, brain injuries, sexual dysfunction and paralysis.

Work Injuries Affect Everyone

People from all walks of life get injured on the job, and the firm has advised many, including health care workers, bus drivers, food service employees, lawyers, doctors and even judges.

No matter what your work-related injury, whether it’s a back injury or paralysis, and no matter what your occupation, the lawyers at Berger & Michelena will know how to counsel you on your case. Their deep experience allows them to provide you with a lean and efficient case that maximizes the likelihood of success while minimizing your expenses.

FAQs About Workplace Injuries In California

These are ones we hear often from our clients:

Which industries have high work accident rates?

In California, these industries are known for having some of the highest workplace accident rates in the state:

• Construction: Construction often involves heavy machinery, working at high heights and hazardous materials. Because of this, workers have a higher risk of falls, equipment-related injuries and exposure to harmful substances.
• Agriculture: Agriculture workers can face risks from operating machinery, exposure to pesticides, and repetitive motion injuries.
• Manufacturing: Manufacturing often involves working with heavy machinery and repetitive tasks. This can increase the likelihood of injuries from equipment failures or repetitive strain.
• Transportation and warehousing: Workers in this industry can face risks from vehicle accidents, lifting heavy loads and working in fast-paced environments.
• Health care and social assistance: Health care workers can face a higher risk of serious injuries from lifting patients, exposure to infectious diseases and workplace violence.
• Hospitality and food services: Workers in this industry often see higher accident rates due to slips, trips and falls, as well as cuts and burns from kitchen equipment.

If you are a worker in any of these industries and suffer an injury, we are here to provide you with the advocacy, guidance and representation you need to seek benefits.

What are the most common work injuries in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, workers can face a number of injuries, depending on the industry they work in. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Sprains and strains: These injuries can result from lifting heavy objects, repetitive motion or overexertion. They can be common in industries like construction, warehousing and health care.
2. Fractures: Falls from heights, slips, trips and falls, or accidents involving machinery can lead to fractures, particularly in construction and manufacturing settings.
3. Cuts and lacerations: Food service, manufacturing and construction workers may suffer cuts or lacerations from handling sharp tools or machinery.
4. Back injuries: These can often be caused by lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions or prolonged sitting. Back injuries can be prevalent across various sectors, including health care and office environments.
5. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs): These can be common in both office settings and manufacturing. RSIs, like carpal tunnel syndrome, result from repetitive motions and prolonged use of computers or machinery.
6. Burns: Food service, manufacturing, construction or electrical workers may experience burns from hot surfaces, chemicals or electrical sources.
7. Inhalation injuries: Exposure to harmful substances or chemicals can result in respiratory problems, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Los Angeles is home to a number of industries and work environments where people can suffer these injuries. If you have any questions about your situation, please do not hesitate to reach out.

How can a workers’ comp attorney help with the process?

A workers’ comp attorney can be instrumental in helping individuals navigate the process of seeking benefits. For example, they can:

• Provide experienced legal guidance to help you understand your rights and seek benefits
• Assist in filing your workers’ compensation claim
• Protect you against employer retaliation and negotiate with insurance companies to pursue fair settlements
• Fight for the coverage you need to afford medical treatment and time away from work to recover from your injury
• Represent you in hearings or court proceedings if disputes escalate
• Appeal your case if your coverage is delayed or denied

Our goal is to ease the burden on you as you recover from your injury. Let us do the hard stuff for you.

Contact A Los Angeles Workplace Injury Attorney

For a discreet and confidential discussion concerning your work-related injury, call our California law firm at 800-488-4813 to schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer from our office. You can also contact us online to make an appointment.