Pasadena Factory Worker Accident Lawyer

Those working in factories in Pasadena face significant risks every day. Despite clear laws surrounding workplace safety regulations, factory accidents remain prevalent and a frightening possibility for thousands of California employees. Contacting a Pasadena factory worker accident lawyer if you’ve been injured on the job is vital to making sure you understand your rights.

Barry Law Group provides legal representation for factory workers injured on the job, assisting them in navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation claims.

Understanding Factory Accidents in Pasadena

In California, 439 fatal work injuries occurred in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Working in a factory environment usually involves operating or being around heavy machinery and hazardous materials, which can increase the chances of a workplace injury, permanent disability, or even workplace wrongful death.

Common accidents can include:

• Machinery malfunctions
• Improper use of machinery, usually due to a lack of training
• Improper following of safety protocols, either due to lack of training, pressure to meet work quotas, or forgetfulness
• Hazards or liquids spilled on the work flooring
• Exposure, such as inhaling or skin absorption, to toxic substances
• Repetitive movements during work, which can lead to tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome

California Labor Laws for Workers to Understand

California’s labor laws clearly outline the protections put in place to make sure employees are working in safe environments and being treated fairly under the law. Understanding your rights is necessary during employment, whether injured or otherwise.

Employers are legally required to provide all rest and meal breaks mandated by law. During these breaks, employees must not work. If an employer fails to provide a required break, they must compensate the employee with their regular rate of pay. Not being able to rest, take bathroom breaks, or eat can lead to workplace accidents and long-term health impacts.

California requires that every employer maintain a work environment that is both safe and healthy for employees. This includes having safety protocols set in place and always using protective equipment. In Pasadena in 2024, there were 2,435 employees working at the plants. Among those employees in Pasadena, sixteen experienced a workplace injury or illness in 2024.

The Injury and Illness Protection Program

The Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) requires that California employers have a written IIPP that clearly outlines procedures that identify and correct any current or potential workplace hazards.

The IIPP must include:

• Initial and ongoing health and safety training
• Training for all new hires and any employees who transition to new roles
• Updates when new tools, equipment, or chemicals are introduced

To keep these rules enforced, the employer’s insurance company must review the employer’s IIPP within six months of issuing a policy. All employees are legally entitled to perform their jobs in a workplace free from preventable hazards. While working at factories is considered the most dangerous job and has inherently more risk than other jobs, employers still have to mitigate risks.

Employees should never be exposed to unnecessary danger due to employer negligence or misconduct. State and federal laws provide avenues for workers to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation. The experienced attorneys at Barry Law Group can help you understand your rights and any legal action you can pursue if your rights have been violated.

Workers’ Compensation in California

California employers that have one or more employees must provide workers’ compensation insurance to cover various types of workers’ compensation injuries. This California workers’ compensation law provides medical treatment and partial wage replacement without needing to prove employer negligence. However, this process can be confusing on top of dealing with the emotional and physical pain of injury. Understanding the steps clearly can help your claim process quickly and without delay.

If you’re experiencing a workplace injury in California, you must report the injury within 30 days and give written notice of the injury. Be sure to photograph the injury and accident site, if applicable, as well as any records of medical treatment. Be sure that your doctor notes that you were injured at work.

After reporting the injury to a higher-up, your employer must give you a DWC 1 form within one working day of your report. When you complete the form, return it to your employer. They’ll have twenty-four hours to complete their section on the form and submit it to the workers’ compensation insurer. If your claim is delayed, they’ll have ninety days to make their final decision, but must still provide you with proper medical treatment.

Protections Against Wrongful Termination

California, like most states, is an at-will employment state. However, employers cannot terminate an employee for unlawful reasons like filing a workers’ compensation claim.

It is also illegal to retaliate against an employee who filed a workers’ compensation claim or is receiving benefits. If your employer has demoted you, reduced your hours without justification, given biased performance evaluations, or acted hostile towards you after your workplace injury, it can qualify as retaliation. This also applies if you’ve become disabled after a workplace injury.

Employees who suspect they’ve been wrongfully terminated or retaliated against should contact an attorney to help them pursue legal justice.

FAQs

Q: What Won’t Workers’ Comp Lawyers Tell You?

A: Some workers’ compensation lawyers may not disclose that the workers’ compensation claim process can be lengthy and complex, and that not all claims result in substantial settlements. Additionally, they might not emphasize the importance of timely reporting and thorough documentation. Barry Law Group believes in transparency, informing clients about potential challenges and setting realistic expectations from the outset.

Q: How Much Is the Average Workers’ Comp Settlement in California?

A: The average workers’ compensation settlement in California varies based on injury severity, medical expenses, and lost wages. Barry Law Group evaluates each case individually, striving to secure settlements that reflect the true impact of the injury on the client’s life. Engage our team today so we can help determine how much your case is worth.

Q: Is It Worth It to Hire an Accident Attorney?

A: Hiring an accident attorney is recommended, depending on your unique situation. Some reasons to seek an attorney are if you’re experiencing retaliation after filing your workers’ compensation claim, unfair claim denials, or if your employer concealed a hazard illegally that led to your injury. Barry Law Group understands the complexities of workplace injuries and can help you navigate the local court system in California.

Q: Can I File a Claim Against My Employer for a Workplace Injury in California?

A: California’s workers’ compensation laws make it difficult to file a legal claim against your employers. However, certain situations may warrant a case to be opened, such as if your employer was knowingly negligent, you were assaulted, there was illegal concealment of a hazard, or your employer is illegally uninsured. An experienced lawyer can help.

An Experienced Legal Team That Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a factory accident in Pasadena, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance if you’re experiencing illegal and unfair treatment afterward. Contact Barry Law Group today to ensure your rights are protected and to receive the support you need during this challenging time.