Work Injury Lawyers By Your Side When You Need It Most

Injuries and the devastating, life-changing events that cause them are never easy to deal with. When these situations occur as a result of someone's negligence, the repercussions often overwhelm victims. Medical bills, loss of employment, and a mountain of legal issues can leave Los Angeles victims feeling like there is nothing they can do to get their lives back on track.

At Greenberg And Ruby Injury Attorneys, APC, Los Angeles clients receive a level of representation that cannot be matched. Firm owner, Attorney Emily Ruby, has personally secured more than $30,000,000 in compensation over the last 10 years alone. As a woman-owned law firm, Greenberg and Ruby is committed to providing every single client, regardless of their background or gender, the best possible experience from start to finish.

They understand the profound pain, loss, and confusion that a sudden work injury or death causes, and they have the experience, knowledge, and history of success to help each of their Los Angeles clients with their unique challenges.

Whether your injury claim goes to trial or is settled outside of court, Greenberg And Ruby Injury Attorneys, APC does whatever it takes to win. As Los Angeles injury lawyers who are admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court, the California Supreme Court, the United States Ninth Circuit Court, all State and Federal courts in California, and the State of Florida, it's no wonder they are the firm Los Angeles injury victims (and attorneys) trust to handle the toughest injury cases.

Under California law, workers who are injured on the job typically cannot sue their employers. However, employees who sustain injuries or illnesses on the job can pursue a workers' compensation claim. While this is known as the "exclusive remedy rule," there are a few significant exceptions to this rule.

For example, if you are a worker who has suffered an injury or illness as a result of the employer's intentional misconduct, you may be able to hold your employer accountable. An example is if your employer knew of a specific dangerous condition in the worksite, but failed to provide you with safeguards or warnings about the hazards, then, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer. For instance, if your employer knew about the dangers that asbestos in the workplace posed to workers, but did not remove the hazard or caution employees about it, that may be grounds for a lawsuit.

Another exception to this exclusive remedy rule is known as the "punch-press exception." This law was passed to allow workers to sue employers who removed punch press guards designed to protect employees. Employers removed them with the view of speeding up manufacturing, but put their workers in harm's way. In fact, removal of these safety mechanisms resulted in catastrophic work injuries such as limb amputations.

Other than these exceptions, an employee who is injured on the job can only file a workers' compensation claim against his or her employer. The workers' compensation system in California exists to help ensure that injured workers are able to receive money to pay medical expenses and to compensate for a portion of lost wages if the employee is unable to work due to his or her injuries and/or disabilities. Under the workers' compensation system, employees are not required to prove fault on the part of their employer or anyone else in order to receive benefits.

Third-Party Work Accident Cases

It is a sad fact that workers' compensation benefits alone in California do not sufficiently cover all injuries, damages and losses workers suffer. This is often the case when workers sustain severe or catastrophic injuries, or worse, when they are killed on the job. Families, in such cases, are often dealing with the loss of a primary wage earner or breadwinner.

In some situations, injured workers may be able to pursue both a workers' compensation claim as well as what is known as a "third party lawsuit" or personal injury case against a party other than the employer. These are often cases where an individual or entity other than the employer causes your work-related accident and resulting injuries. A third-party lawsuit could result in significantly more compensation for injured workers compared to seeking workers' comp benefits alone. Your work injury lawyer can help you pursue a third-party case in addition to your workers' compensation claim.

Third parties are individuals or entities that have caused or contributed to your workplace accident. For example, if you were injured by a defective piece of machinery or a tool that had a manufacturing or design defect, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit against the product manufacturer seeking compensation for your injuries and losses in addition to filing a workers' compensation claim through your employer.

There may be complex lien and right of reimbursement issues that involve several parties in the pursuit of such claims. However, when you have a skilled, knowledgeable and resourceful work injury lawyer on you side, these types of challenges can be resolved to your advantage. This is why it is crucial that you select an experienced Los Angeles work injury lawyer to handle your third-party claim.

Notifying Your Employer

If you have been injured on the job, it is imperative that you notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible. It is important that you put the details of your work-related injury in writing, and secure a copy of this report for your own records. You should also file a workers' compensation claim as soon as possible. When you report the injury promptly and file a workers' comp claim in a timely manner, you not only protect your rights, but also help ensure that your benefits start quickly. This could be extremely valuable to help pay your medical costs and cope with wage loss as you recuperate. With all injury claims, there are deadlines and filing requirement that must be met in order to receive compensation.

Common Types of California Workplace Accidents Our Attorneys Handle

Any workplace can pose dangerous conditions for employees. For example, a slick roof could cause a worker installing solar panels to slip and fall. Such accidents could result in severe injuries including head trauma or broken bones. A defective scaffold could collapse and result in serious injuries. When workers are exposed to power lines, they could suffer electrical injuries or fatal electrocutions.

Here are some of the most common causes of workplace injuries, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

Falls: According to OSHA, in 2020, there were 351 fatal falls to a lower level out of 1,008 construction fatalities. Slip-and-fall accidents in any workplace could occur as a result of slick floors, uncovered holes, defective stairways, faulty scaffolds or lack of fall protection. These are preventable injuries and deaths.

Contact with objects and equipment: These incidents, also known as "struck-by" accidents, are one of the leading causes of construction site fatalities. OSHA estimates that approximately 75% of struck-by fatalities involve heavy equipment such as trucks or cranes. Workers are often struck by vehicles, falling or flying objects and masonry walls in a worksite.

Exposure to toxic or harmful substances: When workers are exposed to chemicals and other dangerous substances in the workplace, they are at risk of suffering major injuries. Long-term toxic exposure could result in serious illnesses such as cancers. Under California law, workers have two years from the date of discovery (of an injury or illness) to file a claim.

Fires and explosions: Workers in the gas and oil industry as well as those in construction are at most risk of fires and explosions. Flammable liquids, gases and chemicals or even equipment could cause a fire or explosion. These types of accidents often result in catastrophic burn injuries, smoke inhalation, disfigurement, disabilities or even death.

Regardless of how your workplace injury occurred, it is important that you seek the counsel of an experienced work injury or personal injury attorney. In addition to workers' compensation benefits, your lawyer may be able to help you file a third-party claim whereby you may be able to file a lawsuit against a party other than your employer. This could result in significantly more compensation for your losses. Examples of third parties include a contractor, co-worker, product manufacturer or negligent driver. If you have suffered an injury on the job, call Greenberg And Ruby Injury Attorneys, APC at (888) 502-2256 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.