Oakland Tech Workers’ Comp Lawyer

Oakland Tech Workers’ Comp Attorney

Some workplace injuries happen from catastrophic accidents, but others can occur over time. This is especially true for workers in the tech industry. Nonetheless, the financial costs, pain, and suffering can completely disrupt your life. If you have recently sustained an injury in a tech work environment, an Oakland tech workers’ comp lawyer at Wiesner English, P.C., can secure your rightful benefits.

Many people may not think of a tech workplace as hazardous, but sitting at a computer or typing for hours every day can take a toll on the body. It is also possible to suffer mental damages in a tech work environment. An experienced workplace injury attorney can document your claim and evaluate your losses to reach a fair settlement.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 317,700 openings projected each year. With that said, one can expect the number of workplace injuries in the field to also increase.

How Wiesner English, P.C., Can Help

As a top-rated workers’ comp law firm, Wiesner English, P.C., has extensive experience in a variety of workplace injury cases from different industries. With attorneys who focus their practice almost exclusively on workplace injury, we have helped workers submit claims with complexities ranging from uncontested to catastrophic injuries.

In addition to securing all the benefits you are entitled to, our workplace injury attorneys can navigate the complex legal process and handle paperwork. We can also communicate with the insurance company, represent you in hearings, and fight claim denials on your behalf. We can take the legal stress off you while you focus on healing.

What Is Tech Workers’ Compensation?

Tech workers’ compensation is the employer insurance that protects tech industry employees who sustain an injury or become ill due to their job. In California, the law mandates workers’ compensation insurance to provide a safety net, with benefits such as medical expenses and lost wages. As technology advances, so can workplace injuries in virtual environments.

California’s tech sector is robust. As the biggest economic contributor to the industry out of 50 states, California also graduated 23,000 tech students in 2022. This means you are definitely not alone if you have sustained a workplace injury on the job. Like all types of workplace injuries, tech job injuries can negatively impact all aspects of your life.

Common Tech Workplace Injuries

Many types of accidents can occur at any workplace and require a workers’ compensation claim. In the tech industry, an office setting is generally standard for employees. This field of work does not usually involve common equipment failure risks, but it can still lead to injuries eligible for workers’ comp. Tech workers’ comp examples include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome. As the most common type of tech-related injury, this repetitive strain injury happens when you spend most of your day repeating the same motions over and over.
• Sitting disease. This medical condition is an umbrella term for the many health problems that can result from prolonged sitting. Risks can include cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and even death.
• Tenosynovitis. Another type of repetitive strain injury that can impact tech workers is tenosynovitis. Often affecting the wrists and causing pain, this condition leads to inflammation of the synovium and tendons.
• Hearing loss. When tech workers wear earbuds, it can also cause injury, often leading to permanent hearing loss. If your job requires you to wear a headset, it can be safer to wear over-the-ear headphones.
• Muscle pain and headaches. Stress is not just mental; it can also be very physical in the form of muscle tension and pain sensitivity. Long work hours can lead to a lack of sleep, and too much screen time can cause headaches.

Although the presence of workplace computers has made life easier in many ways, some health-related downsides can leave you in pain. Even if your work environment may be less hazardous than zoo maintenance or a construction site, you are still entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for any type of work-related injury.

Tech Workers’ Comp Process in Oakland, CA

If you sustain a tech workplace injury, the process generally involves:

• Notifying your employer
• Seeking medical attention
• Filing a claim
• Providing documentation for the claim

When you contact an Oakland tech workers’ comp lawyer at Wiesner English, P.C., we can manage your claim at the Oakland Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) office at 1515 Clay Street, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612.

Why Should I Hire a Tech Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Oakland, CA?

Trying to navigate a tech workers’ compensation claim on your own can be daunting. The legal process can be confusing, and there is a lot of paperwork that you need to get right. When you hire a tech workplace injury lawyer in Oakland, CA, they can use their legal knowledge to navigate the law and increase your chances of a higher settlement, securing you all your entitled benefits.

FAQs About Oakland, CA Tech Workers’ Comp Laws

How Much Do Workers’ Comp Lawyers Charge in CA?

The cost of an Oakland tech workers’ comp attorney in California can vary, depending on the complexity of your case; however, most operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay if the claim is successful. An attorney’s experience and the settlement amount can also influence how much a law firm charges.

What Is the Five-Year Rule for Workers’ Comp in California?

According to California tech workers’ comp laws, there are several meanings to the “Five-Year Rule.” The first refers to how long an employer must keep your claim files. It is also the timeframe during which the workers’ compensation insurance pays a worker’s temporary disability benefits, and it is the period during which you can reopen a case if your condition worsens.

What Is the Average Workers’ Comp Payout in California?

In California, workers’ comp payouts can vary greatly, depending on the details of your case, with some being tens of thousands of dollars and others being hundreds of thousands. When you hire a tech workers’ comp lawyer, they can review your case, evaluate the full extent of your damages, and work hard to maximize your payout.

How Much Can You File a Claim for in a Workers’ Comp Case?

Because workplace injury claims go through the state’s workers’ compensation system instead of the personal injury claims process, you usually cannot file a civil claim against your employer. According to the law, workers’ compensation insurance serves to protect both you and your employer; however, you can still obtain substantial benefits through workers’ comp.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

The tech industry can offer rewarding career opportunities, but it does not come without risks of workplace injuries. This is especially true for senior developers and other tech employees who have been working for a long period of time. Contact our Oakland tech workers’ comp lawyers at Wiesner English, P.C., to schedule your initial free consultation today.