[01-30-2023] Lassen County, CA – Employee, Two Inmate Workers Injured in State Prison Workplace Accident

A civilian employee was injured along with two inmates after a hot water pump valve burst at High Desert State Prison in Lassen County on Monday morning, January 30, 2023.

According to the official statement from the State Prison, the workplace accident occurred at about 10:45 a.m. while the employee and two inmates were installing a hot water pump for a dining hall in the facility.

The valve was reportedly shut off while they were working when it burst, wounding the CDCR staff member and the jailed workers. Other staff responded after one of the prisoners was able to call for help.

The staff member and one of the inmates were taken to a nearby hospital outside the facility for treatment. They are both in stable condition. The other inmate worker received treatment at the facility.

No further information was immediately available as further investigation into the workplace accident continued.

Workers’ Compensation Accident Statistics

The Insurance Information Institute compiles data about claims for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation claims were highest for those in the following ten professions in 2019, as reported by the BLS: laborers, commercial truck drivers, nursing aides, stockers and order fillers, retail salespeople, light truck drivers, general maintenance and repair workers, registered nurses, construction workers, and janitors and cleaners.

Fires and explosions, transportation accidents, falls, intentional injuries (including homicides), contact with objects, and exposure to hazardous substances and environments were the leading causes of death and injuries on the job in 2017 and 2018.

What to Do After a Workplace Accident

Seeing a doctor immediately following an accident is a must. Without immediate medical attention, your injuries may worsen. Workers’ comp may try to argue that you are at fault for these “additional injuries” and should therefore pay for their treatment out of your own pocket. Don’t give the insurance company any excuse to deny your claim. A quick trip to the hospital can do wonders for both your physical well-being and your chances of successfully claiming financial compensation for your injuries.

After getting checked out by a doctor, you need to let your boss know what happened. A claim may be denied if the insurer is not notified in a timely manner. Company promises to file a claim are no guarantee they actually will. Keep in mind that if the company’s insurance is at risk, they may not take your side.

Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Lassen County

A worker injured on the job is entitled to benefits under California’s workers’ compensation law. No matter who was at fault, workers’ comp benefits are available if the injury occurred during employment and was not the result of “horseplay” or similar negligence.

Without proving their employer or anyone else was at fault, they can get their money back for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits through this system. In case of a claim, our competent lawyers will advise you through the procedure, protect your interests, and reach a satisfactory resolution (or take your case to court, if necessary).

Our trusted Lassen County Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., have extensive experience and accolades advocating for accident victims. Our clients have been awarded compensation totaling $750 million.

Call (888) 488-1391 now or click the “Do I Have a Case?” on our website to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys.