While workplace accidents can happen at any kind of job in California, they are generally considered to result from items falling, people being hurt during physical jobs and office-related issues, like carpal tunnel. People who are out on the road in one capacity or another are also in their “workplace,” despite that workplace not being in a set location. When there is an accident in that venue, these people also have the right to be compensated for the medical costs, lost wages and more. It is especially important to remember this when the injury occurs to a law enforcement officer or a first responder, as the requirements of the job puts them in jeopardy.
According to a recent report, a law enforcement officer was hospitalized after being involved in an accident with another vehicle while on his motorcycle. The accident happened in the morning at about 9:35 a.m. After the crash, the officer was taken to the hospital where he was first said to be in critical condition. His status improved slightly in the intervening hours, as he was said to be in serious condition. The driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene and is being cooperative with the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and there is no belief that the driver of the vehicle was under the influence.
Anyone who is injured in a workplace accident should remember that there are certain requirements to adhere to when seeking workers’ compensation benefits. This is true regardless of the type of job the person is doing and the circumstances under which the accident occurred. To receive all the benefits available, following the protocol is imperative. When there is a disagreement as to how injured the worker is, when he or she should be able to get back to work and the appropriate level of treatment, it is even more critical to have legal assistance.
The law enforcement officer who was injured and hospitalized could face a long recovery period, the need for surgical procedures and difficulty getting back on the job in his former capacity. With all of these factors in place, he might need workers’ compensation to pay for treatment and make ends meet. Having legal assistance from a law firm that is experienced in helping clients who have suffered workplace injuries can be crucial to getting maximum benefits.
