San Francisco Work Injury Lawyers
We’ll review what happened and tell you what options may be available.
Or, get LIVE help now — call our free 24-hour accident hotline at (888) 488-1391
San Francisco Work Injury Lawyers Protecting Your Interests With Integrity
San Francisco work injury lawyers help you understand your rights after a workplace accident and explain what options may be available under California law. If you were hurt on the job, you may be facing medical bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about what to do next.
You don’t go to work expecting to get injured. Yet, workplace accidents occur every day in San Francisco, sometimes due to unsafe conditions, overlooked hazards, or employer negligence. When safety risks are not addressed, you may suffer serious harm that affects your health, income, and daily life.
Certain jobs carry higher risks. Construction sites, industrial facilities, and physically demanding workplaces can lead to back, neck, shoulder, or head injuries. These injuries often require ongoing care, such as rehabilitation or chiropractic treatment, adding financial pressure during recovery.
If you get injured at work, it’s normal to feel unsure about your next steps. You might even be looking for free accident lawyer advice. Consulting with a skilled work injury lawyer can help you understand workers’ compensation benefits and determine whether a separate third-party liability claim may also be applicable.
At Arash Law, we offer free initial consultations to guide you through your options and explain the process in a step-by-step manner. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free case review.
What Can Our San Francisco Work Injury Lawyers Do?
Dealing with a work injury claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover at the same time. Our San Francisco work injury lawyers can guide you through the legal process and explain how the state law applies to your situation.
Our team of personal injury attorneys can assist with the following:
- Pursuing Workers’ Compensation — Workers’ compensation provides benefits for job-related injuries, including medical care, lost wages, and rehabilitation. However, the process involves strict deadlines and detailed paperwork. We help you understand your rights. We also manage filing deadlines for your paperwork.
- Evaluating Your Claim & Benefits Eligibility — Not all work injuries are handled the same way. We review how the accident occurred, your job duties, and your medical treatment to determine what benefits may apply. We can assess whether your injury qualifies for temporary or permanent disability benefits under California workers’ compensation rules.
- Developing a Litigation Strategy — Some claims involve disputes, denied benefits, or challenges from insurers or employers. When this occurs, we prepare a case-specific strategy. We gather evidence, consult medical professionals, and prepare for hearings or appeals to address contested issues.
- Handling Third-Party Claims — Some workplace injuries involve parties other than your employer, such as contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers. We can determine whether a third-party claim applies and explain how it differs from workers’ compensation.
- Negotiating With Insurers — Insurance companies may dispute claims or limit benefits. A lawyer can communicate with insurers on your behalf, address disputes, and work toward a resolution based on your case details. If a settlement is not possible, we assess whether further legal action is warranted.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Why You Should Consider Hiring Our San Francisco Work Injury Attorneys
Seeking compensation for a workplace injury can be a complex and confusing process. If you require legal guidance, consider consulting with the attorneys at Arash Law. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider working with our San Francisco accident lawyers for your work injury case:
- Case Evaluation — You can discuss the specifics of your case with us in confidence. Our attorneys can assess whether you have a valid claim. We offer free, no-obligation initial consultations.
- Accessibility and Communication — We keep you informed throughout your case and explain legal terms in plain language. If you have questions, our team is available to respond and provide updates as your case progresses.
- Access to Industry Experts — We collaborate with medical providers, accident reconstructionists, and other professionals as needed to thoroughly evaluate injuries and accurately document the circumstances of an accident.
- Client-Focused Representation — Our attorneys take time to understand how your injury has affected your health, work, and daily life, then tailor the legal approach to your specific circumstances.
- Language Support — We understand the value of clear communication throughout your case. Our team can accommodate meetings in other languages if you prefer not to communicate in English.
- Contingency Fee Policy — You may be wondering, “Do lawyers only get paid if they win?” It depends on the payment structure. Arash Law operates on a contingency fee basis. Our attorneys only collect legal fees if we recover compensation through a settlement or award. We will explain all fees and potential costs before you hire us.
Time Limit To File An Injury Claim
Workers’ compensation and personal injury claims have time limits set by California law. These legal deadlines are otherwise known as the statutes of limitations.
Legal deadlines can vary depending on the type of claim you file:
Workers’ Compensation — You have one year to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, you have to first report your workplace injury 30 days after the incident. Missing this deadline could result in the loss of your right to workers’ compensation benefits. If you discover your injury later, the court may extend the time limit for your claim.
Your employer is required to provide a workers’ compensation claim form (DWC-1) after you notify them of your injury. Completing and submitting this document promptly can help prevent delays in the claims process.
- Personal Injury — Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit. If you fail to meet this deadline, you’ll typically lose the legal right to pursue a case. It’s important to note that certain exceptions may affect the statute of limitations. For example, the deadline for cases involving a minor may pause until the victim turns 18.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Injury Claims
After an accident, you may be asking yourself, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” While you can handle a claim on your own, an attorney can help you avoid mistakes in the long run. To learn more about what the process involves and how an attorney can help, read on for a list of common questions about work injuries.
If you need specific guidance on your situation, contact Arash Law. Our San Francisco work injury lawyers can help clarify your rights and answer any legal questions you may have about your case.
When Can I Sue For A Work Injury?
You can sue for a work injury only in limited situations, because most job-related injuries are handled through workers’ compensation. A lawsuit may be an option when your case falls outside the standard workers’ compensation system, such as in the following situations:
- Injuries Caused by Third-Parties — Someone apart from your employer may be responsible for your injury. You may be able to sue for damages from the third party in such cases.
- Defective Product-Related Injuries — Defective or malfunctioning products may cause injuries. If so, manufacturers and other parties in the supply chain may be responsible. Product liability claims differ from workers’ comp and may need a separate strategy.
When Employers Intentionally Harm Workers — California law generally protects employers who carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers injured on the job cannot sue their employers. In exchange, you don’t need to prove fault to get benefits.
However, you can file a lawsuit for intentional misconduct. Employers lose the aforementioned legal protection if they purposefully hurt you or fail to address risks they knew would cause harm.
- Improper or Missing Workers’ Compensation Insurance — Suppose your employer failed to purchase workers’ comp insurance. They may be held financially responsible for your losses. Additionally, you could potentially sue them if:
- They incorrectly classified you as an independent contractor rather than an employee.
- Took some other action to avoid paying for workers’ comp insurance.
What Are My Rights If I Sustain Injuries At Work?
If you are injured at work in California, you have specific rights to protect your health and income. One of your primary rights is to seek workers’ compensation benefits, which may cover necessary medical treatment, a portion of lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. These benefits are generally available regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
In some situations, you may have additional rights beyond workers’ compensation. If a third party caused your injury or your employer failed to carry the required workers’ compensation insurance, you may be able to pursue a separate legal claim. You also have the right to seek legal guidance to help you understand your options, meet deadlines, and protect your interests throughout the claims process.
When Can I Sue My Employer For A Work-Related Injury?
In California, injured employees generally cannot sue their employers for work-related injuries when the employer carries workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation is designed to be the exclusive remedy in most cases, even when an employer’s negligence contributed to the injury.
However, you can file a lawsuit against your employer for the following reasons:
- Intentional injury caused by battery or assault.
- Injuries that happen when employers improperly modify machinery.
- Refusal to provide protective gear despite a higher chance of harm.
- Refusal of workers’ compensation in bad faith.
- Lack of insurance provided by the employer.
To file a lawsuit, you must prove that your employer’s misconduct directly caused your injury. Additionally, you may need to file a civil lawsuit against the individual who injured you.
How Much Does A Work Injury Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a work injury lawyer depends on how the law firm structures payment. In many cases, work accident attorneys handle claims on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay upfront, and they are paid only if compensation is recovered through a settlement or award. During your consultation, one of our work injury attorneys serving San Francisco will explain all terms and any potential case-related costs so you understand how payment works in your specific situation.
Free Consultation
Common Reasons Workers Get Hurt On The Job
In California, some workers can suffer injuries due to the inherent risks posed by their jobs. San Francisco’s diverse economy exposes workers to many different job-related risks. Construction injuries can happen at SOMA development sites, restaurant workers may get hurt in Mission District kitchens, tech employees may develop repetitive strain injuries, and transportation workers face hazards along the Embarcadero waterfront.
Some common types of work accidents include:
- Slip-and-fall accidents.
- Falls from heights.
- Transportation-related accidents.
- Work-related motor vehicle accidents
- Forklift & heavy equipment accidents.
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Electrocution accidents.
- Machinery-related incidents.
- Construction site accidents.
- Fires and explosions.
Types Of Claims Available In A Work Injury Case
If you sustain an injury at work, the type of claim you can pursue depends on how the accident occurred and who was responsible. Most work-related injuries are handled through workers’ compensation, but some situations may allow for additional claims outside that system. Our work injury lawyers can help you determine which options may apply to your case.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
Workers’ compensation is the primary system used to handle job-related injuries in California. In most cases, it serves as the exclusive remedy when an employer carries workers’ compensation insurance. You generally cannot sue your employer for a work-related injury, even if the employer was negligent.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so you do not need to prove that anyone caused the accident. Benefits may include:
- Medical treatment related to your work injury.
- Partial wage replacement while you recover.
- Rehabilitation services.
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits.
Personal Injury Claims
A personal injury claim is separate from workers’ compensation and applies only in specific situations, such as when someone other than your employer caused the accident. Unlike a workers’ comp claim, this type of claim requires proof of fault and may allow recovery of damages that are not otherwise available.
If this claim applies, you may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses for the treatment of sustained work-related injuries, such as:
- Shoulder injuries
- Head, neck, or back injuries
- Cuts, scrapes, or other wounds
- Wrist, arm, or hand injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Burns
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
How To Establish Liability In A Work Injury Case
Establishing liability is essential in a work injury case. Unlike workers’ compensation, which does not require proof of fault, this claim requires you to show that another party’s actions caused your injury.
- Identify the Duty of Care — You must first show that the responsible party owed you a duty of care. This often applies to third parties, such as contractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, or drivers, who must act reasonably to avoid causing harm.
- Show a Breach of Duty — You must demonstrate that the party failed to meet that duty. Examples include failing to maintain equipment, ignoring known hazards, violating safety rules, or operating machinery or vehicles carelessly.
- Prove Causation — You must then connect the breach directly to your injury. That means showing that the unsafe action or condition caused the accident and resulting harm, rather than an unrelated factor.
- Demonstrate Damages — You must show that the injury caused measurable losses. These may include medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, or other financial impacts linked to the accident.
You can support liability with evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, photographs, surveillance footage, and expert opinions. Since liability rules vary depending on who caused the injury and where it occurred, work accident claims require careful evaluation under California law.
What To Do If You Get Hurt At Work
When an injury occurs at work, you can take specific steps to protect your rights. These actions can be helpful if you decide to file a claim in the future. The following are some precautions to consider:
- Seek Medical Attention — Get medical care as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions take time to develop. Early treatment creates medical records that can support your potential claim.
- Report the Injury to Your Employer — Tell your employer about the accident and your injuries as soon as you can. In California, workplace injuries generally must be reported within 30 days. Delaying notice may affect your ability to pursue benefits.
- Collect and Preserve Evidence — Gather evidence if you are physically capable of doing so. Photos and videos of the collision, injuries, and property damage can be helpful to your case.
- Avoid Returning to Work Too Soon — You may feel capable of continuing your shift, but returning to work immediately can worsen an injury that is not yet obvious. Continuing to work may also complicate a future claim if your condition worsens.
- Limit Statements About Responsibility — Avoid making statements that may seem like an admission of fault. To do so, don’t give a recorded statement to anyone or sign any paperwork. Consider speaking with a personal injury attorney before accomplishing these or similar tasks.
- Contact a San Francisco Work Injury Lawyer — An early conversation with an attorney can help you explore your legal options. They can explain the claims process, communicate with insurers, and determine whether additional legal action may be necessary if disputes arise.
(No guarantee of outcome. Results displayed were dependent on unique facts of that case, and different facts will bring different results.)
Work Injury Statistics
According to California’s Department of Industrial Relations, there was a sustained increase in occupational deaths in the following years:
- 2019 — 451
- 2020 — 463
- 2021 — 462
- 2022 — 503
According to the 2023 National Safety Council Report, preventable work deaths decreased despite a 1.7% rise in hours worked. The country’s preventable injury death rate also dropped to 3.0 per 100,000 workers, which is 6% lower than 3.2 in 2022.
Employers in the private sector also reported 363,900 nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries in California in 2023. This number marks a decline from the 419,300 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report served as the basis for this data. Unfortunately, that does not mean that workplace accidents are now less impactful than before.
Injuries that required medical consultation due to work amounted to 4.07 million in 2023. Regardless of severity, many of these injuries required medical attention and treatment that disrupted the income and quality of life of workplace accident victims. A San Francisco work injury attorney can explain what benefits may apply, determine whether a third-party claim is possible, and guide you through the process of seeking available compensation.
Consult A San Francisco Work Injury Lawyer Today
A work-related accident can disrupt your health, income, and daily life. Whether your injury occurred on a job site, on the road, or while performing work duties off-site, understanding your legal options can make a difference. San Francisco work injury attorneys at Arash Law can help you explore potential claims arising from workplace incidents.
Some work injuries involve motor vehicle accidents that happen while you are doing your job. In such cases, our car accident lawyers can assist workers who sustain an injury in work-related crashes involving trucks, 18-wheelers, Uber or Lyft vehicles, motorcycles, or delivery trucks. Our attorneys also represent workers injured in slip-and-fall accidents, dog bites, and other situations where a third party’s actions may have contributed to the injury.
We take the time to review how the accident occurred, identify potentially responsible parties, and explain the legal options available to you based on your specific situation. If you were injured while working and are unsure where to turn, a conversation with an attorney can help clarify your next steps.
For a free initial consultation, call (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
