Ontario Workplace Injury Lawyer
An accident at work in Ontario can lead to significant difficulties, from painful personal injuries and unexpected medical costs to lost wages. At Rose, Klein & Marias LLP, we represent workers throughout California in personal injury claims and workers’ compensation claims in Ontario. As your attorneys, we can help you pursue justice and a fair payout for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free case consultation with a local workplace injury attorney.
Why Choose Our Workplace Injury Lawyers?
- Our law firm has been representing injured workers in Ontario and throughout California since 1936. We have decades of experience in personal injury law.
- We have secured outstanding results for our clients, with millions of dollars collected in settlements and jury verdicts. This includes an $11.3 million workers’ compensation settlement.
- We always put our clients first. Our testimonials demonstrate our commitment to client success and satisfaction. Your lawyer will take the time to personalize your legal strategy.
- Our Ontario lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will only be charged a fee for our services if we secure compensation for your losses.
How a Workplace Injury Attorney in Ontario Can Help You
An experienced workplace accident attorney in Ontario can play a crucial role in helping an injured worker navigate the legal system. Unlike an insurance company or employer – which may want to take advantage of you to protect itself from liability – your lawyer will want to protect your best interests.
You can trust a specialized personal injury attorney in Ontario to evaluate the circumstances of your injury, explain your legal options for making a recovery, gather necessary evidence and records to build your claim, take over settlement negotiations with an insurance provider, appeal a denied workers’ compensation claim, and take other steps to maximize your financial, physical and emotional recoveries.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury
If you get injured at work, it’s important to know what steps to take to protect yourself. Should you file an insurance claim, the company will assess what you did in the aftermath of the accident to determine your eligibility for compensation.
Here’s what to do:
- Seek immediate medical care. Do not delay in seeing a doctor, as this could give an insurer a reason to reject your claim.
- Notify your employer. Tell your boss about the accident and injury as soon as possible, but at least within 30 days if you wish to qualify for workers’ compensation.
- File a workers’ comp claim, if applicable. Inform your employer that you wish to file. The employer is required to provide you with Claim Form DWC-1 to initiate your claim.
- Document everything. Protect yourself by keeping careful records. This includes copies of an incident report, Form DWC-1, your medical records, communications with your employer, employment documents and letters from insurance companies.
- Contact a workplace injury lawyer. Before accepting a workers’ compensation settlement, consult with an attorney for tailored legal advice.
Once you say yes to a workers’ comp settlement, you can no longer bring a personal injury claim against your employer for negligence. This is why it’s crucial to speak to an attorney first before making any final decisions about your case.
Common Types of Work Accidents in Ontario, California
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 363,900 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in California in 2023. In 2022, the most recent year data is available, 504 workers lost their lives in fatal work accidents in California.
Common types of harmful workplace accidents in Ontario include:
- Slip or trip and fall accidents
- Auto accidents
- Falls from scaffolds or ladders
- Construction site accidents
- Structural collapses
- Struck by falling objects or debris
- Electrocutions
- Exposure to hazardous substances or materials
- Machinery or equipment accidents
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Exhaustion, heat stroke and overexertion
- Fires or explosions
- Violence in the workplace
Many workplace accidents reported in Ontario involve preventable acts of negligence, meaning the failure to exercise proper care. Employers have a legal responsibility to maintain safe work environments. Failing to properly train employees or keep a work premises free of hazards can increase the odds of an accident.
Types of Workplace Injuries
An accident at work can lead to many serious injuries, including injuries that require emergency care and surgeries. The type of injury suffered by a worker can depend on the circumstances surrounding the event and the elements involved.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue damage
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Joint injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Concussions
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Burn injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
Injuries can range from catastrophic damage caused by a traumatic accident to soft-tissue injuries that occur over time due to repetitive motions. With any type of workplace injury or illness, the worker may be eligible for financial compensation for related costs.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Personal Injury Claim
An injured worker in Ontario has two main outlets for receiving financial compensation: a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury case. The right route for you depends on the situation. All employers in California are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to provide financial benefits to injured workers.
If you sustained an injury within the course and scope of your employment in Ontario, a workers’ comp settlement could pay you for all related medical costs, in addition to two-thirds of your lost wages if you had to take off work to recuperate. You can qualify for workers’ compensation benefits without having to provide proof of fault or negligence.
However, if there is evidence that your employer or another party caused your work injury, a personal injury claim may be the better option. This type of case can lead to a larger payout, such as 100 percent of your lost wages and pain and suffering damages. You may need an attorney to help you with either type of claim to achieve a fair case result.
Contact Us for a Free Workplace Injury Case Review in Ontario
As a worker in Ontario, you expect your employer to provide a reasonably safe work environment. If this is not the case and you suffer serious consequences as a result, we believe you deserve justice. The lawyers at Rose, Klein & Marias LLP can help you understand and protect your legal rights. We can ensure you receive proper financial compensation for a work-related injury or the death of a loved one in Ontario. Contact us online or call (800) 362-7427 to discuss your rights during a free, no-obligation case consultation.