The Law Office of Alice A. Strömbom can guide you through a workers’ compensation claim after a fall injury at work in Sacramento. One of the most common types of injuries happen because of falls–and they can happen anywhere. And because they’re so common, workers’ comp carriers know how to challenge your benefits. Our team can make sure you’re treated fairly. Set up a free consultation today.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
A fall at work can happen so suddenly that it’s hard to even think straight. One minute, you’re walking toward the copier or moving a box, and the next, you’re on the ground and in pain. Even if you know you can file a workers’ comp claim, that’s probably not your first instinct. What you really need in this situation is guidance, and that’s exactly when our team can step in. We’ll help you:
- Understand what your options are
- Get important evidence and information for your claim
- Look at what happened and how it impacts your benefits
- Make sure you’re treated fairly
Just because you’re not required to get a lawyer for a workers’ comp claim in Sacramento doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one. We can make things easier and give you breathing room as you try to get back to work.
What Information Can Help My Workers’ Comp Claim and Benefits After a Fall?
Just because you don’t have to prove fault or negligence with a workers’ comp claim doesn’t mean you’ll just automatically get full benefits when you file a claim after your workplace fall. It’s still going to come down to the information you have that shows what happened and what it left you dealing with:
- Details about what happened. Documenting the accident itself is the first step. Write down the date, time, and location, as well as the conditions that led to the fall. For example, note if the floor was wet, if a ladder was unstable, or if lighting made it difficult to see hazards.
- Medical records. Gather your medical records. Emergency room visits, imaging, surgeries, and physical therapy notes that connect your injuries to the fall are vital.
- Pictures/videos. Take photos or videos of the scene, the hazard, or your injuries, as these can provide visual proof that’s really hard to dispute.
- Damaged gear. Keep any safety gear you were using, such as non-slip shoes or a harness, to show that you followed workplace rules.
- Statements from others. If anybody saw the fall or has fallen themselves, get statements from them, or ask if they’ll talk to our team. This can show that it’s not a one-time accident or issue.
- Internal logs. If you can, get maintenance logs or reports that show whether inspections were skipped or repairs were overdue.
All of these things are going to make your claim stronger. However, you might now have all of it perfectly organized. That’s okay. Our team can support you in getting this information and then putting it to good use.
How Does the Claims Process Work With a Fall Injury?
The fall at work is only the starting point of the workers’ comp process. And while it’s something you don’t want to happen, there is a general roadmap for what happens next. It start with:
- Asking your boss or HR for the claim form.
- Completing the form and submitting it.
- Your company submitting the form to their workers’ comp insurance carrier.
Once the insurance company receives your claim, they will investigate and determine your eligibility. While this part of the process is similar to other types of insurance claims, workers’ comp is different in the types of benefits it gives you access to:
- Medical care directly related to your fall, such as ER visits, X-rays, MRIs, surgeries, or physical therapy.
- Temporary disability payments if you need time off work to recover.
- Permanent disability payments if your fall causes lasting injuries or limits your ability to return to your previous job.
- Job retraining if your injury prevents you from returning to the same position.
Again, these are going to depend on your actual injuries and what evidence you can show. With a fall, there’s always the chance that your injuries and losses are going to be more serious, and workers’ comp benefits can be a huge help in restoring your health and getting back to work.
Get Help After a Fall at Work in Sacramento
A fall at work can be more than painful and the issues that come up with them can last long after you’re back on your feet. The good news is, you don’t have to handle the situation by yourself.
At the Law Office of Alice A. Strömbom, we’ve helped workers across the city—from warehouses and construction sites to offices and retail spaces—get the benefits they need after a fall. If you want to talk through your claim, set up a free consultation today.