Los Angeles Factory Worker Accident Lawyer

Those working in factories have a higher risk of injury due to the nature of industrial labor. If you or someone you love has been injured at work, a Los Angeles factory worker accident lawyer from Barry Law Group can provide legal guidance.

Factory injuries often involve serious harm and long-term disability, such as permanent disability, spinal cord injury, or even workplace wrongful death. Those dealing with these life-altering situations deserve proper workers’ compensation and care to cover medical costs and lost wages.

Common Types of Factory Accidents

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that private industry employers had 363,900 nonfatal workplace injuries in California in 2023.

These workplace injuries can result from:

• Heavy machinery malfunctions
• Exposure to hazardous substances
• Slips, trips, and falls on factory floors

Most dangerous jobs in a factory often require the use of heavy machinery, such as forklifts and conveyors. If employees are not properly trained or adhere to safety practices, or if the machinery isn’t properly maintained or safeguarded, severe workers’ compensation injuries can occur. Blunt force trauma, severed limbs, or cuts can happen to anyone at any time.

Repetitive motion injuries, such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel, are also common, particularly in packaging or assembly line roles. Barry Law Group evaluates each incident to determine whether negligence or OSHA violations contributed to the injury.

Hazardous Substances and Long-Term Exposure

Being exposed to chemicals on a daily basis can pose a serious risk to factory employees. Workers may come into contact with solvents, cleaning agents, or other hazardous substances. The California Department of Public Health and Department of Industrial Relations warn that even brief exposure to some industrial chemicals can cause lasting respiratory, skin, or neurological damage. If a factory fails to provide personal protection equipment, it may be held legally culpable.

Crush Injuries and Amputations

Often, workers fall into a routine where factory safety protocols are ignored or rushed through. Often, we think that serious injuries would never actually happen to us in real life. When you’re doing the same routines day after day, it can be easy to let safety fall by the wayside.

According to California’s Department of Industrial Relations, working on factory machinery can be highly dangerous. Crush injuries and amputations are terrifying to think about but are a potential reality for many factory workers. Crush injuries can occur when workers are caught between heavy machinery or are pinned by falling equipment. These injuries can lead to amputation, internal bleeding, or spinal damage.

If an employee is repairing, cleaning, or clearing a machinery jam, using extra caution is vital to their safety. The machinery can start unexpectedly, trapping the employee in the machine. In California, approximately 20 workers die or suffer amputations each year from these types of incidents.

Falls, Trips, and Workplace Hazards

Factory flooring is an often forgotten element in workplace injuries. If the floor is slick with oil or has unmarked hazards lying about, it can result in falls. These accidents can vary in severity, but all falls should be filed under workers’ compensation and can help bolster your case.

How California Handles Workers’ Compensation

California is a no-fault state, meaning that employees don’t need to prove employer negligence to receive workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation provides medical treatment, a percentage of lost wages, and job retraining if necessary. The employer’s insurance provider handles the claim.

In California, the percentage of lost wages is usually two-thirds of your average weekly wage. However, in 2025, the temporary total disability rates in California increased, with the new rates between $252.03 and $1,680.29. For those who suffer lasting injuries, permanent disability benefits may also be available to help compensate for long-term loss of earning capacity.

It’s important to be aware of the steps to take when you get injured at work. It’s easy to become confused when dealing with the stress of your injury, and being aware of California’s laws will make the workers’ compensation claim process easier to deal with.

The Workers’ Compensation Claim Process Step-by-Step

In California, you must report the injury and give written notice of the injury. It’s recommended to take photos of the accident site and the injury as evidence, as well as secure copies of any medical referrals. Be sure to seek any needed medical attention right away, and let the doctor know you were injured at work so they can note it in your records.

Even if you believe your injury to be minor, you should report it. Even minor injuries can become severe. For example, if you start having occasional wrist pain, you should report it, as it can escalate into tendonitis or carpal tunnel.

After reporting the injury, your employer will provide a DWC 1 form for you to fill out. They must provide the form within one workday after you first report the injury. When the form is completed, return it to your employer. They’ll have twenty-four hours to complete their section on the form and submit it to their insurer. The insurer must respond within fourteen days and will usually respond in one of these ways:

FAQs

Q: How Much Do Workers’ Comp Lawyers Charge in Los Angeles, California?

A: In Los Angeles, California, most lawyers charge a contingency fee. The exact amount depends on what you and your lawyer agree to. It’s important to remember that you don’t pay these fees upfront; they’ll come out of the money you receive from your case. You should speak with your attorney upfront about their fees.

Q: Can I File a Claim Against My Employer for an Injury on the Job in California?

A: In most cases, California’s workers’ compensation laws prevent employees from filing a legal claim against their employer. However, if certain conditions are met, an employee may be able to pursue legal justice.

If your employer was negligent, you were assaulted, there was concealment of a hazard, or your employer is illegally uninsured, you may be able to open a case. Barry Law Group can provide legal guidance to workers on available legal options outside of workers’ compensation when applicable.

Q: Can I File a Claim Against My Workers’ Comp Lawyer?

A: If your attorney acts negligently, fails to meet deadlines, or mishandles your case, a claim for legal malpractice may be an option for you. You’ll need to gather evidence that your lawyer’s action caused harm to your case. These cases are handled in civil court and are separate from workers’ compensation.

Q: How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge in California?

A: In California, accident attorneys usually operate on a contingency fee basis instead of an hourly rate. This means that their payment is an agreed-upon percentage of any money awarded to you once the case is closed. The specific amount can vary depending on the complexity of the case and other factors. Barry Law Group helps clients understand attorney costs and is transparent about our pricing after a thorough consultation.

Engage Our Legal Team Today

If you or someone you love has been injured while working in a Los Angeles factory, immediate legal assistance can make a huge difference. Barry Law Group provides experienced representation to help injured workers recover the compensation they need. Contact us today.