If you’ve been injured at work, navigating the California Workers' Compensation system can feel overwhelming. Understanding the types of workplace injuries, the benefits available to you, and how to take action is the first step toward protecting your rights and your future. At Telleria, Telleria & Levy, we have decades of experience advocating for injured workers, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. Let us be your voice. What Qualifies as a Workplace Injury? Under California Workers' Compensation law, an injury is any physical or psychological harm that arises out of and in the course of employment. These injuries fall into three main categories: 1. Specific Injuries Specific injuries occur at a particular time and place. These are typically caused by a single, identifiable event, such as: A fall from a ladder. A car accident while on the job. A machinery-related incident. If you can point to a specific moment when your injury happened, it’s considered a specific injury under the law. 2. Cumulative Trauma (CT) Injuries Cumulative trauma injuries develop over time due to repetitive motion, strain, or exposure. These injuries may not have a single "event" that caused them but are equally compensable under Workers' Compensation laws. Examples include: Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive hand motions. Back or shoulder pain from years of heavy lifting. Hearing loss from long-term exposure to loud machinery. CT injuries often go unnoticed until the damage becomes severe, making it essential to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms arise. 3. Psychological (Psyche) Injuries Work-related stress, harassment, or traumatic events can cause psychological injuries. These are recognized under California Workers' Compensation and may include: Anxiety or depression caused by workplace bullying or harassment. PTSD from witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event at work. Emotional distress resulting from excessive workload or unfair treatment. Psychological injuries can be just as debilitating as physical ones, and filing a claim can provide the support you need to recover. Benefits You May Be Entitled To When you file a Workers' Compensation claim, you unlock a range of benefits designed to support your recovery and financial stability. These include: 1. Temporary Disability (TD) Benefits If your injury prevents you from working temporarily, you may receive TD benefits, which replace a portion of your lost wages. 2. Permanent Disability (PD) Benefits For injuries that result in long-term or permanent impairments, PD benefits provide compensation based on the severity of your disability. 3. Free Medical Treatment Workers' Compensation covers all medical care related to your injury, including doctor visits, medications, surgeries, and rehabilitation, with no out-of-pocket costs to you. 4. Vocational Rehabilitation Voucher If you’re unable to return to your previous job due to your injury, you may be eligible for a Supplemental Job Displacement Voucher to help pay for retraining or education in a new field. Why Choose Telleria, Telleria & Levy? At Telleria, Telleria & Levy, we have successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. Insurance companies, defense attorneys, and judges respect our firm for our relentless advocacy and ability to deliver results. When you work with us, you gain a team of experienced attorneys dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for the benefits you deserve. Let us be your voice in this complex system, ensuring you get the support and compensation you need to move forward. Call Us for a Free Consultation If you’ve been injured at work, don’t navigate the Workers' Compensation system alone. Call us for a free consultation to discuss your case. There are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Let Telleria, Telleria & Levy be your voice. With our proven track record, we’ll advocate aggressively to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. Contact us today to get started.