California Personal Injury Attorneys

Workplace Injury Attorney in California

Injured Californians who are hurt on the job may have rights beyond workers’ compensation.

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  • Free Consultations
  • Available 24/7
  • Serving All of California

What Is a Workplace Injury Case?

Most California employees who are hurt on the job are covered by the state’s workers’ compensation system, a no-fault program governed by the California Labor Code. Workers’ compensation can provide medical treatment and wage-replacement benefits regardless of who caused the injury. However, it is not always the only avenue available to an injured worker.

When a third party is responsible

If someone other than your employer — such as a negligent subcontractor, a property owner, a driver who hit you while you were working, or the maker of defective equipment — contributed to your injury, you may have a separate third-party personal injury claim. Unlike workers’ compensation, a third-party claim can seek damages for pain and suffering and the full extent of your losses under Civil Code section 3333. These claims are common on construction sites and in delivery, warehouse, and transportation work across California.

Coordinating your rights

Workers’ compensation and third-party claims can interact in important ways, including the employer’s potential right to be reimbursed from a third-party recovery. An attorney can help coordinate both so you do not leave benefits on the table. The two-year deadline under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 generally applies to third-party injury claims, while workers’ compensation has its own separate filing requirements.

How we help injured workers

Our firm investigates how the injury occurred, identifies every responsible party, and pursues the compensation available under California law. We help injured workers throughout the state, including Los Angeles, San Jose, Fresno, and Long Beach.

Golden State Injury Lawyers offers a free, confidential consultation, with no fee unless we recover for you on a third-party claim. This information is general and not legal advice; consult an attorney about your specific situation, including any workers’ compensation matters.

Common Causes

What Causes These Cases

Falls from heights and ladders
Heavy machinery and equipment
Construction-site hazards
Defective tools or products
Negligent third-party contractors
Vehicle accidents while working
Exposure to harmful substances
Repetitive stress and overexertion

After an Injury

What to Do After a Workplace Injury

  1. 01

    Get Medical Attention

    Your health comes first. See a doctor promptly even if you feel fine — some injuries are not obvious right away, and prompt records also help document your claim.

  2. 02

    Report the Incident

    Notify the appropriate party — call law enforcement, or tell the property owner, manager, or employer — and make sure a written report is created.

  3. 03

    Document Everything

    If you can, photograph the scene, your injuries, and anything that contributed to the workplace injury. Collect names and contact details for any witnesses.

  4. 04

    Keep Your Records

    Save medical bills, proof of lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. Keep a simple journal of how your injuries affect your daily life.

  5. 05

    Talk to an Attorney First

    Before giving a recorded statement or accepting any offer from an insurance company, speak with an attorney. The consultation is free.

Know Your Rights

California Laws You Should Know

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury under Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1. If a government entity is involved, you may have as little as six months to file a claim under the California Government Claims Act. Because deadlines vary, it is best to speak with an attorney promptly.

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, established in Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975). You may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Under California Civil Code section 1714, everyone is generally responsible for harm caused by their failure to use reasonable care. Establishing that another party breached this duty is a key part of most injury claims.

California Civil Code section 3333 sets the measure of damages for most non-contract claims — the amount that will compensate for all the detriment caused, whether or not it could have been anticipated. This can include economic and non-economic losses. Compensation amounts vary based on the specific facts of your case.

Compensation

Damages You May Recover

Economic Damages

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages and lost earning capacity
  • Rehabilitation and therapy costs
  • Out-of-pocket and travel expenses
  • Property damage
  • In-home assistance or future care

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement and scarring
  • Loss of consortium or companionship
  • Inconvenience and disruption

Compensation amounts vary based on the specific facts of your case.

Case Results

Workplace Injury Case Results

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique.

$475K Workplace Injury

Third-party recovery for a worker injured by defective equipment.

Our Team

Meet Your Legal Team

Experienced California personal injury attorneys dedicated to your recovery.

Shannon Ramos

Founder & Attorney at Law

Shannon Ramos is a California-licensed attorney practicing family law since 2013. Loyal, detail-driven, and known in the courtroom as “El Toro,” she brings relentless preparation and trial skill to every case.

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Elena Marquez

Senior Trial Partner

Elena leads the firm’s trial practice, focusing on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases throughout California.

SBN 245118

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Daniel Cho

Senior Trial Attorney

Daniel represents clients in serious motor vehicle and trucking cases, with an emphasis on thorough case preparation.

SBN 268904

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California law may limit the time you have to file a claim. Act now — there is no cost and no obligation to speak with our team.

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