Workers in Los Angeles Keep Getting Injured
When most people go to work in Los Angeles, they expect to come home safely. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Too often, workers suffer grievous injuries which result in considerable medical expenses, missed wages, and various other damages. When you are no longer earning an income and you are faced with mounting medical bills, the situation can quickly become untenable. This is why it is so important to work with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. These legal professionals can help you explore your options, allowing you to pursue fair, adequate compensation for everything you have been forced to endure. It is best to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident, as the statute of limitations may prevent you from suing if you wait too long.
The truth is that there have been a number of shocking workplace injuries in Los Angeles within the past few years. There are many occupations in Los Angeles that are quite risky – for example, construction workers are especially at risk for industrial accidents, falls, and electrocution. Los Angeles is also home to a booming movie industry, and crewmembers can easily suffer serious injuries while working on set. Stunt performers are especially at risk, although just about anyone can become injured in this high-pressure, fast-paced work environment. Even workers who have relatively “normal” jobs can easily be injured under certain circumstances.
Port Worker Killed
On January 16th of 2022, it was reported that a worker had been killed in an accident at the Port of Long Beach. The individual was apparently struck by a vehicle near a container terminal, although it was not clear what type of vehicle was involved in the incident. Authorities later revealed that an investigation was ongoing.
Department of Water and Power Worker Dies
In November of 2021, it was reported that an employee of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power had passed away after being involved in a workplace accident. The accident occurred in Wilmington, and it involved a cable splicing project and an underground energized circuit. After being electrocuted, the individual was brought up from the underground vault. Although his co-workers attempted to perform CPR, he did not survive. The DWP later announced that they were conducting a full investigation into the matter.
Film Crew Member Suffers Tremendous Fall
In September of 2021, it was reported that a crewmember had suffered a serious injury while shooting in Los Angeles. The incident took place at Sunset Growers Studio, where Netflix was filming a new comedy starring Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg. One of the workers fell a considerable distance from an elevated platform, with some reports stating that he fell up to 80 feet. He was reported to be in critical condition when first responders arrived. Miraculously, paramedics were able to restore his heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure. He was then transported to a nearby hospital where life-saving treatment continued. Netflix refused to comment on the incident.
Worker Dies at Los Angeles Harbor
On February 4th of 2022, it was reported that a worker had died while performing duties at Los Angeles Harbor. The incident took place at Maersk Terminal, within the Port of Los Angeles. The worker was setting up a crane when a large piece of metal slipped from a forklift and struck him. Since the piece of metal weighed more than 4,500 pounds, the impact was fatal. This worker’s normal partner was absent that day, which meant that his boss operated the forklift while he assembled the crane. This task would have usually been completed by his partner, not his boss. It was not immediately clear whether his boss was actually qualified to operate the forklift, and there have been suggestions that they were rushing to complete the job instead of adhering to normal safety precautions. Just days prior, a 64-year-old worker was struck and killed by a crane in the same area.
Third-Party Personal Injury Claims After Workplace Accidents
Normally, workplace accidents are handled through workers’ compensation. However, there are a few circumstances in which personal injury lawsuits may be required instead. For example, if you were injured by a third party while carrying out your duties, you may have the chance to file a personal injury lawsuit instead of a workers’ compensation claim. In other words, if someone other than your direct employer caused your injury, you may have the ability to sue directly.
This is often advantageous for a number of reasons. First of all, you cannot claim pain and suffering in a workers’ compensation claim. There is no way to recover any money for non-economic losses. These non-economic losses include things like loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, depression, disfigurement, and so on. These are all legitimate damages, and they can result in much higher compensation amounts. If you file a claim through workers’ compensation, you will simply be compensated for your financial losses. This gives you enough money to cover lost wages and medical expenses – but not much else.
If you believe that your injury was caused by a negligent third party, you should reach out to a qualified injury attorney in Los Angeles as soon as possible to review your legal options. There may be a possibility for a much larger settlement amount.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the Los Angeles area for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured victims, and we know how to guide you towards an adequate, fair settlement. Book your consultation today to learn more about your legal options. During this initial meeting, we will listen carefully to your unique situation and provide you with targeted, personalized legal advice. There are many ways to recover compensation if you have been involved in a workplace accident, so reach out today and take your first steps toward an effective action plan.
