.png)
Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in California—and one of the most overlooked. Whether you’re working on a construction site, in a warehouse, at a hospital, or in an office, a fall can result in serious injuries that may leave you unable to work, struggling with medical bills, and unsure of what to do next. Unfortunately, many of these incidents are preventable and often stem from unsafe working conditions, poor training, or failure to provide proper safety equipment.
In Pasadena, where a wide range of industries operate—from healthcare and education to building trades and hospitality—workers are at risk every day for slip-and-fall, trip-and-fall, or falls from height injuries. If you’ve experienced a fall on the job, it’s critical to understand that you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under California law. These benefits can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, and more.
But navigating the workers’ comp process on your own can be confusing and frustrating—especially when your claim is delayed, denied, or undervalued. That’s why knowing your rights and getting legal support early on is so important. Understanding how to file a claim, what evidence to gather, and whether additional compensation may be available through a third-party lawsuit can make a huge difference in your recovery.
Your safety comes first. Always get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible, even if you feel "fine" in the moment. Some injuries—like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue damage—may not show symptoms right away but can worsen quickly.
Prompt medical care also provides critical documentation linking your injuries to the fall, which is vital in a workers’ comp claim.
Under California law, you must report your workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident. Failing to report in time could jeopardize your right to receive benefits.
Be sure to:
If you're physically able, take a few minutes to gather evidence at the scene, or ask a co-worker to help. This includes:
This documentation can help support your claim, especially if liability is disputed.
After your initial visit, it’s crucial to follow all prescribed treatment plans, including:
Skipping care or failing to follow doctors’ orders could lead to delays, denials, or reduced benefits from the workers’ comp insurance provider.
If your injuries are serious, if your claim is delayed or denied, or if you're being pressured to return to work too soon, it's time to speak with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer. An attorney can:
If you’ve suffered a fall on the job in Pasadena, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits—regardless of who caused the accident. California’s workers’ compensation system is designed to help injured workers recover quickly and fairly, without needing to prove fault.
Workers’ compensation benefits can provide essential financial and medical support while you recover. If your fall results in injury, you may be eligible for:
All reasonable and necessary medical care related to your injury should be covered, including:
If your injury prevents you from working:
You may be entitled to receive a portion of your lost income during your recovery period, helping you stay afloat while you're unable to work.
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous position, you may qualify for a voucher that helps pay for:
One of the most important aspects of California workers’ comp is that it’s a no-fault system. You don’t need to prove that your employer caused the accident—only that it happened during the course of your job. This makes it easier for injured workers to access benefits without a drawn-out legal fight.
It’s illegal for an employer to fire, demote, or retaliate against you for filing a workers’ comp claim. If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly after reporting your injury, an attorney can help you fight back and enforce your rights under California labor law.
You must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the fall. After that, you generally have one year from the date of your injury (or from when you first became aware of it) to file a formal workers’ compensation claim.
Delaying your claim can result in the loss of benefits, so it’s important to act quickly and consult an attorney if you’re unsure about your timeline.
In many workplace fall accidents, your employer may not be the only party responsible. When someone other than your employer or a co-worker contributes to your injury, you may have the right to file a separate personal injury claim—in addition to your workers’ compensation benefits.
These are known as third-party liability claims, and they can significantly increase the compensation available to you.
Here are a few situations where a third party might be at fault for a fall on the job:
If you’re working at a construction site in Pasadena and a fall is caused by another company’s employee or unsafe work practices, that contractor or subcontractor could be held liable. For example:
If your fall was caused by defective or dangerous equipment, such as a faulty ladder, broken harness, or unstable scaffolding, the manufacturer or supplier of that equipment may be responsible under product liability law.
If you were working on someone else’s property and slipped due to a hazard like a broken step, loose railing, or poorly maintained surface, you may have a claim against the property owner or a third-party maintenance company responsible for site upkeep.
This is common for workers like:
Workers’ compensation benefits are limited to medical expenses, wage replacement, and disability benefits—but they do not include pain and suffering or full lost wages.
However, if a third party was negligent, you can file a separate personal injury lawsuit to recover:
If you’ve suffered a fall while on the job in Pasadena, you may be dealing with pain, stress, and uncertainty about what comes next. The good news is: you have rights, and California law is on your side. Whether your case involves a straightforward workers’ compensation claim or a more complex situation involving third-party liability, you don’t have to go through it alone.
At the Law Offices of Tim D. Wright, we’re committed to helping injured workers like you understand your options, secure your benefits, and recover the compensation you deserve. With extensive experience in both workers’ compensation and personal injury law, we know how to hold employers, insurers, and negligent third parties accountable.
📍 Van Nuys Office:
16555 Sherman Way, Suite B2
Van Nuys, CA 91406
📍 Burbank Office:
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
📱 Follow us for updates, resources, and client stories:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
