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When most people think of workplace injuries, they picture construction sites or warehouse floors—not cubicles and computer monitors. But the truth is, office jobs carry their own set of risks, and injuries in office environments are more common than many realize.
From repetitive stress and poor ergonomics to slip-and-fall accidents in break rooms, office injuries can be just as disruptive and painful as those that occur in more physically demanding roles. And while they might seem minor at first, untreated office injuries can lead to chronic conditions, time off work, and long-term medical care.
The good news? California workers’ compensation law protects all employees, including those in office settings. If you're an office worker in the San Fernando Valley—whether in Van Nuys, Burbank, Encino, or nearby areas—and you've been hurt on the job, you have the right to file a claim for medical care, wage replacement, and other benefits.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we represent injured workers across the San Fernando Valley. Our team is here to help you navigate the legal process, so you can focus on healing, not fighting insurance companies.
These injuries develop gradually from repetitive movements like typing, clicking a mouse, or using office tools without proper ergonomic support.
Examples include:
Office buildings may look safe, but hazards like wet floors, loose electrical cords, or uneven carpet can quickly cause serious injuries.
Common fall areas include:
Poor posture, non-ergonomic chairs, and heavy lifting without assistance can cause significant strain on the spine and neck. These injuries are often seen in:
Extended screen time under harsh lighting can lead to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome.
Symptoms include:
Stress-related injuries are increasingly recognized in California’s workers’ comp system. Office workers may suffer from:
Under California Labor Code, all employees are eligible for workers’ compensation coverage, regardless of job type, title, or location. Whether you work at a desk, in a mailroom, or remotely, you are legally protected—as long as the injury is work-related and not caused by personal misconduct (like fighting or being under the influence at work).
If your injury is accepted as work-related, California’s workers’ compensation system provides a range of benefits designed to support your recovery and financial stability:
Under California law, you must notify your employer of your injury within 30 days of knowing it was caused by your work. This deadline is critical—missing it could result in a denied claim.
Even if the injury didn’t happen in a single moment (such as a repetitive stress injury), you’re required to report it as soon as you believe your job duties contributed to it.
Tip: Always give notice in writing—an email, a text message, or completing a formal incident report creates a paper trail that protects your claim.
Once your injury is reported, your employer is required to authorize medical treatment. They may refer you to a doctor within their Medical Provider Network (MPN)—a group of pre-approved providers.
You have the right to:
Strong documentation can make or break your claim. Here’s what to collect:
After you report your injury, your employer should provide you with a DWC-1 Claim Form—this is the official start of your workers’ comp case.
Your employer must then complete their portion and forward it to their workers’ comp insurance provider. Once submitted, you should begin receiving updates and authorizations related to your medical care and benefits.
While most workplace injuries are handled through California’s workers’ compensation system, there are some situations where you may be entitled to additional compensation through a personal injury claim. This happens when someone other than your employer is responsible for creating or contributing to the dangerous condition that led to your injury.
This type of claim is called third-party liability, and it often comes into play in office settings where multiple companies, property owners, or vendors share responsibility for the space.
Some common examples include:
Unlike workers’ comp, which covers medical expenses and lost wages but does not compensate for pain or emotional distress, a third-party personal injury claim allows for a broader range of damages, such as:
Just because you work in an office doesn’t mean your injury should be taken lightly. Whether it's carpal tunnel from repetitive typing, a fall in the breakroom, or emotional stress from a toxic work environment, these are real injuries with real consequences—and under California law, you have the right to seek help.
Office workers throughout the San Fernando Valley, including Van Nuys, Burbank, and surrounding areas, are fully protected under the state’s workers’ compensation system. In many cases, you may also be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim if someone other than your employer caused your injury.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we help injured employees get the medical care, lost wage support, and compensation they deserve. Whether your injury happened gradually or in a single moment, our team is here to guide you every step of the way—with compassion, experience, and a focus on real results.
📍 Workers’ Comp Office – Van Nuys
16555 Sherman Way, Suite B2
Van Nuys, CA 91406
📍 Personal Injury Office – Burbank
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Phone: (818) 428-1080 or (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
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