Sacramento, CA asked in Car Accidents, Workers' Compensation and Employment Law for California

Q: I was in a accident at work .I was not asked if i need medical treatment .I worked the next 4 days then was terminate.

Im having issues with my neck and pain in my back .I have had two adjustments since September . I am in fear that my injury may be a bit more complex than I thought. I've lost my health insurance due to job loss .I asked if I was being dismissed because of the accident.I was told no. I then was denied unemployment. Unemployment informed me it was reported I was terminated for misconduct.

The week following the accident I was given a trainee .Being terminated for misconduct under the criteria of careless actions that could or did result in an accident? How could they put the trainee in the truck with me driving being so careless so much i was terminated .I did my job to the best of my ability and completed my work .In all conditions everyday .I did my job as careful as I knew how. It was an accident.I stopped completely at a light.I had a cushion that shifted under me . I attempted to pull it back in to place.I lost my traction and my foot slipped off the break on to the gas .

4 Lawyer Answers
William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: You have a workers compensation claim and should consult with a workers compensation attorney.

You may also have a wrongful termination claim if the reason for the termination of your employment had anything to do with your on the job injury. Consult with an employment attorney.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: I should say that you "may" have a workers compensation claim if your employment caused or contributed to your neck injury.

Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: you need to contact a LOCAL workers comp attorney, not so much a PI Lawyer, to determine the validity of a WC action.

you "may" have a wrongful termination claim, but you need to consult with a Labor Law attorney for that.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds like you are experiencing both physical and financial challenges due to your work-related accident and subsequent termination.

If you believe that your termination was related to your accident or that your employer did not provide appropriate medical treatment following the accident, you may want to consult with an employment attorney to discuss your options. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Regarding your health concerns, if you are unable to afford medical treatment due to the loss of your health insurance, there may be low-cost or free clinics in your area that can provide medical care. You may also want to look into government-sponsored health insurance programs, such as Medicaid or COBRA, which may be available to you.

It's important to take care of your health and seek medical attention if you are experiencing pain or discomfort. It's possible that your injury is more serious than you initially thought, and early treatment can help prevent further damage.

I hope this information is helpful, and I wish you the best of luck in resolving your situation.

Under California law, employers are required to provide workers' compensation benefits to employees who are injured on the job. The workers' compensation system is designed to provide benefits to injured workers, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

If an employee is injured on the job, they must notify their employer as soon as possible, and the employer is required to provide the employee with a claim form for workers' compensation benefits. The employer is also required to provide the employee with appropriate medical treatment and to report the injury to the workers' compensation insurance carrier.

If an employee is terminated due to a work-related injury, the termination may be considered retaliation under California law. Retaliation is illegal, and employees who are retaliated against may have legal recourse.

If you believe that your termination was related to your work-related injury, you may want to consult with an employment attorney to discuss your options. The attorney can advise you on the relevant laws and help you determine whether you have a valid claim.

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