Construction workers suffer job injuries in 405 accident
Californians do their jobs in a variety of working environments. Many work in offices and face very low risks of injury or death. Others, however, work in industries or fields where they are routinely exposed to several risks. The construction industry is one those. These workers handle machinery and heavy equipment in hazardous environment that present the risk of on-the-job injuries. When they are injured doing their jobs, they can rely on workers’ compensation to help them cover some of the expenses that inevitably follow.
Two Southern California workers will probably be filing worker’s compensation claims after they sustained injuries in a recent construction accident. According to the California Highway Patrol, both men sustained undisclosed injuries when a 130-foot, 30-ton steel beam fell on them at a construction site on the 405 Freeway, near the 605. They were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. California’s workplace safety officials arrived at the scene to investigate the exact cause of the accident.
Workers have the right to file for a workers’ compensation claim whenever they are injured on the job. Common injuries, such as back and neck injuries, can hinder the ability of workers to perform their duties and responsibilities. Recovering from such injuries may take considerable time and require the injured worker to take time off from work to fully recover. This can cause financial hardship for a worker and his or her family. Fortunately, workers’ comp benefits cover the costs of medical treatment and lost wages. The claim should be filed at the time a worker is injured. Failure to file a claim in a timely manner can mean benefits will be denied.
Claims are filed directly with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. For better results, an injured worker should speak with a legal professional to maximize the potential benefits.
Source: Los Angeles Times, “Fallen steel beam closes 405 Freeway at 605; 2 workers injured,” Richie Duchon, June 18, 2014