In the State of California, there are more than 150,000 elevators, with freight elevators making up a large portion of that number. Depending on the building type and size, there may be more than one at a location. The use of freight elevators varies, again mostly dependent on the kind of building as well as the need and purpose of the freight elevator. They are typically used to move large items from the dock to a specific floor. They can also be used to move materials used in remodels at hotels and commercial tenant buildings, where the landlord can offer a custom-designed floor plan for law firms and other businesses.
Delivery companies like UPS and FedEx might use them to deliver large parcels, and companies that depend on office supplies being delivered by the pallet will utilize them as well. Even hotels often have freight elevators for tasks such as collecting and redistributing laundry items like towels and bedding. If you have been involved in an accident involving a freight elevator, please make time to contact the Normandie Law Firm. We want to share some critical information about worker’s compensation and personal injury lawsuits with you.
No matter what your job is, if you find yourself using a freight elevator every day for work and you get injured at work on one, we want you to know that Normandie Law Firm is prepared to assist you with your worker’s compensation claim. Our team can take your call at any time. Our mission is to give you access to the legal information you need when you suffer a work injury. It is equally important to review all your options if the building and elevator aren’t owned by your employer. When you contact Normandie Law Firm, we will be ready to answer all of your questions. If this call doesn’t provide the answers you are looking for, we will schedule a free initial consultation with a freight elevator accident injury worker’s comp attorney as soon as you have time to meet with us.
Our goal in that first meeting is to ask you to share all of the facts about your injury and how it happened, including the parts that lead up to the accident, your injury details and diagnosis, as well as any other information you believe has bearing on your claim and case. We will focus on that information and explain to you how the worker’s compensation program in the State of California works to provide benefits for injured employees. Worker’s comp can get the medical bills paid and your lost income covered if you miss work because of the injury. One very critical factor about worker’s compensation we want you to know now is that you have a limited amount of time to get a claim filed with worker’s compensation in the State of California.
Our Recent Verdicts and Settlements
$2.5 Million
$1.1 Million
$1.5 Million
$600,000
$525,000
$734,851
The Time Limits When Filing A Worker’s Compensation Claim
In the State of California, the time limit for opening a claim with the worker’s compensation insurance program is 30 days. That time period begins on the date of the accident. Sometimes the injured employee’s company will contact worker’s’ compensation to get a claim opened on behalf of their employees shortly after the incident. If your employer doesn’t get a claim opened, this is something you will need to do to begin the process.
If you need help in opening the claim, or your employer attempts to stop you from using the workers’ comp system and its benefits, do not wait a moment longer to call Normandie Law Firm to help you open your claim before that 30 day deadline arrives. If you wait longer than 30 days, your claim will be denied. This is a rule that is strictly enforced. You may find it helpful to know that you are entitled to file a worker’s compensation claim if you get fired or resign from the company, as long as the claim is still opened within the 30 day time limit.
What Are Some Common Injuries And Workplace Hazards?
Most job roles have common injuries that are caused by hazards you see and the role you perform, as well as the environment you work in each day. The actual dangers and risks an employee might see on a daily basis may be different, but are still a big part of the equation in determining what injuries are common. Being an employee in any job will also have some risks that are unrelated to the company’s business, the hazards associated with the industry, or even the role itself. The different injuries and dangers that Normandie Law Firm often sees include slip or trip and falls, resulting in head and neck injuries, and things like injuries from auto accidents. The most common injuries and hazards are:
- Broken or fractured bones in limbs from falling
- Sprains that cause damage to the connective tissue of joints or complete joint dislocations from crush injuries due to faulty doors
- Back and neck injuries, including muscle strains or pinched nerves, from sudden or abrupt stops in the elevator
- Head injuries that range from a severe concussion to skull fractures from an elevator that is not leveled and stops at the right spot in the shaft
Other hazards can happen, and they have nothing at all to do with the job.
- Equipment that may injure you due to a lack of maintenance or the failure of safety devices
- Environmental issues like fire, flooding, and building collapse or similar
- Being exposed to chemicals can cause irritation or burns
- Exposure to prolonged loud noises over long periods of time
If you have been injured while you are working, Normandie Law Firm always recommends that you ask for a complete medical exam as part of you getting treatment. The injuries you might need to be diagnosed immediately and treated so you can return to work safely. It is not uncommon for someone who is injured to experience being in shock. You may not notice other injuries or believe they are all related to one another. It can be challenging to link injuries that are not diagnosed during your first treatment to that accident. Please do not wait to get treated if you have been hurt at work.
How Do I Know If My Kind Of Injury Will Be Covered Under Worker’s Compensation?
Injuries that happen to an employee at work will usually be covered under the worker’s compensation program. There is no type of harm that is disqualifying. A claim denial can occur if an investigation indicates the accident happened because the employee is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if the injury isn’t related to actual work. Each company is required by law to purchase the worker’s comp insurance program and to pay the costs in order to provide the coverage for all employees. The insurance can be used any time an employee is hurt on the job.
What Are The Benefits Offered By The Worker’s Compensation Program In California?
Each employee who is covered by worker’s comp insurance may receive injury benefits that include:
- A total of $1 million in medical care coverage that covers both hospital and doctor’s bills, as well as any other associated medical treatment costs
- Any employee who cannot return to work until they have recovered from their injuries may receive up to 66% of their regular weekly income
- If an employee suffers from long-term limitations or disability because of a workplace injury, the program offers temporary and long-term disability payments
- If an employee has injuries that will stop them from returning to work at their previous job, they will be eligible for free vocational training in a different career
Many medical care providers work directly with the worker’s comp program for billing. This is something that you can inquire about when you talk to the hospital or the doctor’s office about bills and treatment options. Please do not hesitate to call our team at Normandie Law Firm to learn more about the complete list of benefits and how they can help you.
Can I Sue My Company For My Accident And Injuries?
The short answer is no, not under normal circumstances. Based on the rules around worker’s comp, you are not allowed to sue your company for being injured at work. Worker’s compensation is what is termed an exclusive remedy for workplace injuries. What it means is that an employee cannot file a personal injury lawsuit against their employer for the same injuries. The company’s liability for causing your injuries is something you can review with your freight elevator accident injury worker’s comp attorney if you believe there is a chance that they committed gross negligence.
California law defines gross negligence as willful misconduct or a reckless disregard for the safety of others. If you are injured and have questions about lawsuits and liability, Normandie Law Firm will help you find the answers and be ready to represent you.
Can I File A Personal Injury Lawsuit Against The Property Owner Where I was Hurt?
A personal injury lawsuit can be filed against the responsible party if you are injured on their property or in an elevator that they own and maintain. You may also be able to sue a third party if they were responsible for the equipment on which you were injured. The basic rule of thumb is that you cannot sue anyone else for something you have been reimbursed for. An example would be medical bills that have been fully covered by worker’s compensation. Below is a short list that includes, but is not limited to:
- The remaining income percentage that was lost
- Loss of personal property, including equipment, tools, or clothing
- Pain and suffering due to stress and trauma
The potential for a personal injury lawsuit can be discussed during the initial meeting with your freight elevator accident injury worker’s comp attorney.
Client Upfront Expenses With Normandie Law Firm
When you hire a Normandie Law Firm freight elevator accident injury worker’s comp attorney, you will never be charged any upfront legal fees. We only get paid after you win your claim or lawsuit. If we fail to win your case, you don’t owe Normandie Law Firm anything. This is how strongly we believe we can help you if you have been injured. Please get in touch with Normandie Law Firm about any questions or concerns you have as you navigate the worker’s compensation insurance program. We are ready to help you with your claim and will be happy to represent you in a personal injury lawsuit.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
Heatstroke Worker’s Compensation Lawyer
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Worker’s Compensation Lawyer
Average Value Of Welding Accident Worker’s Compensation Claim
