Seek Compassionate Legal Counsel from Our Experienced Workers' Comp Attorneys
From long hours of labor and heavy machinery to livestock and inclement weather, farm workers throughout California experience dangerous working conditions each and every day. Not only can these hazards result in traumatic injuries, but also lead to illnesses which can develop over time.
If you suffered an injury while working on a farm, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages. At Gomez-Garcia Law, Inc., our Bakersfield workers' compensation attorneys can ensure you obtain the compensation necessary to make a full recovery from injury and hold any negligent parties accountable for their harmful actions, if possible. Let us protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process.
Are Farm Workers Entitled to Workers' Compensation in California?
Only California and 13 other states require employers to cover full-time and seasonal farm workers in the event of an accident, injury, and/or illness. Workers compensation benefits cover any medical expenses incurred as a result of the injury and provide wage reimbursement for any missed time from work.
Additionally, state employers must provide their employees with safe and hazard-free work conditions or proper safety gear in order to perform their jobs safely. If an employer fails to do any of these things and an employee suffers an injury, he/she is entitled to workers' compensation benefits.
Common farm accidents include:
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Accidents involving heavy machinery or equipment
- Injuries caused by livestock
- Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as pesticides
- Falls from high elevations
- Explosions or fires
- Heath exhaustion or exposure
- Repetitive stress injuries
Unfortunately, many farm workers do not believe they can obtain workers' compensation benefits. Some think their employers will retaliate or even deport them if they are undocumented, while others anticipate difficulties finding a doctor who will handle their workers' compensation case.
But without workers' compensation benefits, injured farm workers either avoid medical treatment and experience a decline in health or go into debt in order to receive medical care. Having an experienced attorney on your side can ensure you get the medical attention necessary to make a full recovery from injury.
Let Us Protect Your Rights & Health Today
You may be wondering how you are going to pay for legal representation on top of your medical expenses and household bills. That is why our Bakersfield workers' compensation lawyers represent our clients on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not have to pay us any upfront fees until we obtain your entitled compensation. And if we don't win, you still don't have to pay. So what do you have to lose? Do not hesitate to let us fight for you.
Contact us and schedule a free consultation for more information today.