Accident Occurs When Utility Workers Repair Electricity
Two utility workers were injured in Nevada County on January 6 when they fell around 50 feet while repairing electrical lines near Rollins Lake Road. The location where the men were working is near You Bet Road near the Rollins reservoir north of Colfax. Cal Fire Nevada-Yuba-Placer firefighters arrived at the scene and transported both utility workers to Sutter Roseville Hospital.
Accident Involving Utility Workers Under Review
No information has been released on the condition of the utility workers. It is unknown which utility company the men work for at this time because many contractors and crews performing repairs on the electrical lines are from out of town.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is available to most employees who are injured on the job and is state-mandated. It covers deaths that happen on the job as well as work-related injuries and illnesses by paying compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and disability.
Worker Rights in California
Employees have the following rights:
- Workers can file a compensation claim free of retaliation. This includes being fired from their job or being placed in a lower-paying position.
- If the workers’ compensation claim is denied, the worker can appeal that decision.
- A worker can file a lawsuit against a third party involved in the claim.
- In very few instances, a claim can be filed against the employer. They are:
- An employer’s willful act caused the injury.
- Workers’ compensation is not offered at the time of the injury.
- A product made by the company an employee works for caused the injury, but the worker was not on the job when it happened.
- An employee is injured by something involved in their job that the employer conceals from them.
What Happens When an Employer Does Not Provide Safety Equipment
Under occupational safety and health standards, an employer must provide a safe working environment for their employees. If this is not done, the employer can be held accountable, and in some instances, fines can be levied. If a dangerous situation exists, the employee has the right to file a complaint with OSHA. However, many employees are afraid to do this for fear they will be fired. While we understand the worker’s need to take care of their family, the employer is restricted from retaliating against an employee because of this. If retaliation happens, the worker has the right to file a whistleblower complaint within 30 days of the retaliation.
How an Attorney Can Help
While some workers’ compensation cases are simple and an attorney is not needed, others can be complicated. In the instances listed below, a workers’ comp lawyer’s insight may be invaluable:
- The independent medical examiner lowers your rating: On occasion, your doctor assigns a disability rating the insurer challenges. To resolve this, the worker is sent to an IMF who may lower it. When this happens, an experienced lawyer can help ensure you are provided with the proper rating.
- Improper treatment: Some workers do not receive the proper treatment. A workers’ comp lawyer will intervene on your behalf.
- Preexisting conditions: Sometimes, the insurer will claim that preexisting conditions are responsible for your illness/injury. A lawyer will not let them get away with this and bring in an expert to dispute this argument.
- Not getting training for a new job: If the injured worker cannot physically do the work they did prior to the accident, they should receive training for a new job.
- Hearings: Hearings are common in a workers’ compensation case, and your lawyer will accompany you to any hearing.
- Appeals: If your claim is denied, a workers’ comp attorney will help with your appeal and accompany you when it is heard.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Grass Valley, CA
I’m Ed Smith, and I am a Grass Valley personal injury lawyer. When a worker has been injured while on the job, they are entitled to apply for workers’ compensation. You can seek our free and friendly advice by calling (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400, or go online and schedule a free in-person or virtual case review.
You can learn more about my firm using the links below:
I’ve helped numerous residents of Grass Valley and the surrounding area obtain the compensation they deserve with car accidents, traumatic injuries, and wrongful deaths.
I am proud to belong to the following organizations:
Photo attribution: Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
:cd llo [751]