[07-03-2023] Orange County, CA – Huntington Beach Lifeguard Sustained Serious Spinal Cord Injury While on Duty

A dedicated lifeguard, Elizabeth L., was hospitalized after sustaining a spinal cord injury while on duty in Huntington Beach on Monday morning, July 3, 2023.

According to the Huntington Beach Fire Department, Lovat, a valued member of the lifeguard team, was performing her duties when the incident occurred. The exact details surrounding the incident have not been disclosed.

Following the incident, Lovat was swiftly transported to a local hospital, where she has remained in stable but serious condition as of Thursday. The city expressed its primary focus at this time to support her family throughout her recovery process.

The HBFD Outreach Foundation has established a dedicated donation page. The foundation aims to alleviate the financial burden on the family during this challenging time.

Authorities have confirmed that Lovat was not actively involved in a rescue operation when the incident occurred, as the Orange County Register reported.

To the family’s privacy, the city’s statement concludes that no further information will be released. The community has rallied behind Lovat, offering their support and well-wishes for her recovery.

Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Huntington Beach, Orange County

In California, workers who experience job-related injuries are entitled to compensation under the state’s workers’ compensation law, regardless of fault. They can seek reimbursement for medical costs, lost wages, and disability benefits if the injury was work-related and not due to negligence or misconduct.

With the help of worker’s compensation lawyers, individuals can protect their rights, pursue a fair settlement, or even pursue legal action without the need to prove the employer’s fault.

You can rely on our most reliable Orange County worker’s compensation lawyers at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $750 Million for California clients.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What To Do After Workplace Accident

Experiencing accidents in the workplace can cause significant confusion and distress. However, navigating through this difficult period and protecting your rights and overall well-being is possible by taking appropriate measures.

• Please report the accident immediately to your supervisor or employer. It will ensure an official record of the incident is maintained.
• Record the tragedy. Collect as much information about the accident as is feasible. Take photographs of the scene and the injury, and record witnesses’ names and contact information.
• Consider filing a workers’ compensation claim. If the tragedy occurred on the job, it may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Contact your employer’s human resources department or the state’s workers’ compensation board to file a claim.
• Consider legal action: If you believe your employer was negligent in preventing the accident or providing adequate compensation or support, you may consult our skilled worker’s compensation lawyers in California, specializing in workplace accidents.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Workplace Accident Statistics

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the United States reports over 4,500 work-related injuries and fatalities annually. In November 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that 66.7% of American employees experienced on-the-job injuries, maintaining a consistent trend from the previous year.

Although workers’ compensation claims have declined, workplace fatalities have remained relatively stable, witnessing a 2% increase in 2018, resulting in 5,333 deaths. Falls constituted approximately 40.2% of all accidental fatalities in 2015, contributing to 16% of unintentional deaths.

Primary causes of workplace fatalities include automobile accidents, falls, and acts of violence. Conversely, falls and strains from lifting or carrying heavy objects are the main causes of nonfatal workplace injuries.