San Jose Workers' Compensation Blog

Injured workers in California have a lot to think about. That includes the injury or condition from which they suffer, the medical care they need, what will happen with their job, how they will make ends meet and much more. Workers' compensation benefits are in place to help these individuals. However, the law for workers' compensation benefits can often be confusing. The basics are frequently problematic and it is wise to understand what the law says about these issues. That includes medical examinations. Following the law is a critical factor in workers' compensation cases.

When a worker has the right to receive workers' compensation, that worker must have a medical examination when the employer requests it be done. This is conducted at certain intervals and the employer will pay for it. For a medical examination, there will be a certain time and location where it will be held. Factors that are considered will be the employee's convenience, physical condition and capability of attending the examination when it is scheduled.

When California residents suffer a workplace injury, there can be many different outcomes affecting them in a variety of ways. For those who suffer injuries that have a negative impact on their senses - specifically vision and hearing - it can cause drastic changes to their entire existence, personally and professionally. While serious workplace accidents are often categorized as happening in certain riskier industries, they can happen in any kind of a job.

Vision loss might not have been a direct injury to the eyes at all. A head injury can cause people to lose their ability to see. Hearing loss can be caused by an explosion, prolonged exposure to loud noises and a head injury.

California law enforcement officers put themselves in danger every day. It is a part of the job. They understand what they are likely to face when they take the job. Even with that, workplace injuries can come as a surprise and leave officers wondering how to make ends meet and pay medical expenses in the aftermath. Although it is generally expected that those who work in law enforcement, as firefighters or as first responders will get workers' compensation benefits when they are hurt, it is still important to ensure the claim is approved and the maximum benefits are received.

Since law enforcement - especially California Highway Patrol - are required to help with traffic issues and accidents, they will be in danger on the road. Just such a situation led to an officer being injured in a hit-and-run. According to the investigation, the officer was taking debris off the road at approximately 10:30 p.m. A vehicle sped toward him. He stopped the vehicle and when he went to speak to the driver, the driver placed his foot on the gas trying to flee. The officer was hit, as was the police cruiser. The driver fled.

Workers who are doing roadwork or construction on the road in California are in constant danger, even if the area is closed off. Even with precautions, workers can be injured. Falling injuries are common. With any falling accident, there can be serious injuries and even fatalities. Medical expenses, lost wages and other costs may be covered by workers' compensation benefits.

According to recent reports, a worker fell approximately 20 feet into an open manhole as he was preparing the area for construction of a sewer when a vehicle hit his equipment. The male driver was in a Toyota Corolla and was said to be in his 20s. He initially exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. However, other workers in the area informed law enforcement officials where he was. He was caught and arrested. The worker was trapped in the manhole for more than an hour. He was removed with a harness and hospitalized with musculoskeletal injuries. The investigation into the incident is continuing.