Does it Matter Who Was At Fault for My California Workplace Injury?

At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our Whittier workers’ compensation attorneys know there is a lot of confusion when it comes to pursuing and receiving benefits after suffering a workplace injury.

California workers are often unsure whether their employer’s workers’ compensation covers their injuries, especially if they receive an initial denial for their claim.

The reality is, even the safest workplaces experience employee injuries. That is why California employers are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance, even if they have only one employee. What is more, California’s no-fault workers’ compensation law was passed by the State Legislature to provide prompt, automatic benefits to workers injured on the job — regardless of the employer’s direct involvement in the incident or injury.

Simply put, you do not have to prove your employer or another employee’s negligence caused your injuries to pursue workers’ compensation in California.

However, that does not mean your benefits will be immediately approved by the insurance company. If you were hurt at work, and are facing resistance from the insurance company, contact our Los Angeles County workers’ compensation attorneys for help today.

How Does a California Employee Prove a Work-Related Injury?

California employees must prove several factors are true when filing a workers’ compensation claim.

They include:

• You were at work when the injury occurred.
• You were engaged in work-related activities when the injury occurred.
• You suffered an actual, medically verifiable injury.

When you can show that your employment is the main reason you were exposed to your injury, you do not have to prove negligence was a factor.

What Evidence Do I Need to Prove My Injury Is Work-Related?

The very first step to prove you suffered a work-related injury in California is immediately reporting to your manager or supervisor that the injury occurred, and ensuring the incident is documented in an official report.

Other common forms of evidence that can help confirm your injuries were work-related include, but are not limited to:

• Records showing you were clocked in when the accident occurred.
• Photographs of your injuries and the scene of the accident.
• Witness reports.
• Medical records supporting your injuries after seeking professional medical care.

Even with evidence, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage may still undervalue or deny your claim. We can help you pursue the benefits you are entitled to by law, even if your claim has already been denied.

Contact our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys in Whittier, California at Hanning & Sacchetto today by calling (562) 698-6446 to schedule a free consultation today. please contact our Whittier personal injury attorneys for more legal help.