The California worker’s compensation program does a great job of providing benefits to workers who have been hurt while on the job. However, some workplace injuries can be more confusing than others. And workers need to know if they are covered or not. For example, dog bite victims are typically not sure if they can open a worker’s comp claim, even if the bite happened while at work. And sadly, not knowing if they are covered results in many employees failing to get the medical care they need when bit by a dog at work.
The team at Normandie Law Firm is available 24/7 to answer many vital questions just like this one to help workers understand what is covered by worker’s comp. In addition, we offer a free consultation to discuss your injuries, the worker’s comp claim, and the potential for a lawsuit that could help you recover more for the injuries you sustained., So please get in touch with the Normandie Law Firm as soon as possible to learn more about your rights as a dog bite victim, even when the incident occurred while you were at work.
Why Dog Bites Are Serious Injuries
All dog bites can become severe injuries if an infection occurs. The germs and bacteria in a dog’s mouth and saliva pose no risk to their health but can be deadly to a human. All it takes is one tooth to break the skin’s surface, and you could be facing:
- Strep
- Staph
- Cellulitis
- Bone infection
- Blood infection
Sadly, most of these can be avoided by seeking medical care immediately to have the wound cleaned and treated. But when ignored, the infection can appear in a day or two as redness, swelling, and intense pain at the site of the dog bite injury. So seek medical care for any dog bite and know that you are making a wise choice to avoid a very painful and even life-threatening issue with even a minor dog bite.
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Does Worker’s Comp Cover Dog Bites?
The worker’s compensation program is an insurance that provides workers with several benefits when injured at work. In the case of a dog bite, if you were working when the dog bit you, then you are likely covered by worker’s comp. This program is provided by employers to all employees, and your boss or employer cannot deny you access to the benefits. But if you are concerned that you might not be covered when you need medical treatment for a workplace injury like a dog bite, be sure to get in touch with the Normandie Law Firm immediately for the answers you need 24/7.
Your Worker’s Comp Benefits
First, it is vital to understand that employees never pay for worker’s compensation insurance, even when they make a claim and use the benefits. The program is funded only by employers. And you are free to use the program for any workplace injury. The benefits include:
- All medical expenses related to the workplace injury
- Partial compensation for your lost wages if you cannot work while healing from the injuries
- Partial permanent disability payments if the injuries prevent you from ever returning to your job
- Vocational training if your injuries prevent you from returning to your old job, but you could work in another capacity
The Possibility Of A Second Claim
It is crucial for dog bite victims to know that California is a strict liability state. That means the owner of the dog that bit you is liable for the injuries caused by the dog. So even if you have filed a claim with worker’s comp for your medical bills and partial lost wages, you could seek added compensation from the dog owner. Your case will differ slightly from most dog bite lawsuits because worker’s comp benefits pay for your medical care and possibly some of your lost wages. But you can still file a lawsuit for other losses, including:
- Any lost wages not covered by worker’s comp
- Your legal fees for the lawsuit against the dog owner
- The value of any personal property lost or destroyed during the dog bite, such as a damaged phone, watch, clothing, or other items
The team at Normandie Law Firm is here to assist you in gathering the information needed to file a claim against the dog owner and to open a worker’s comp claim if your employer does not help process your claim.
How Long Do I Have To Make A Claim
Your dog bite worker’s comp claim must be opened within 30 days of the injury. If you wait longer than 30 days, the claim will be denied in most cases. However, it is best to open the claim immediately to ensure that the medical care for your injuries is billed directly to worker’s compensation. This will eliminate much of your stress as the medical bills will not be coming to your home and impacting your personal credit.
The dog bite personal injury lawsuit allows you two years from the date of the injury to file a claim with the court system. But, again, if you wait longer than this time limit, your claim could be denied. The Normandie Law Firm team will explain any exceptions to this rule that apply to you and why you might want to wait to file your claim.
The Value Of A Dog Bite Claim
The value of your worker’s comp benefits will depend on the cost of your medical care and any lost wages included in the compensation. The medical benefits will cover all the care required for the dog bite injuries, while your lost wages are not covered in full. Should you decide to file a lawsuit against the owner of the dog that bit you, the value of the case will be based on the following:
- The lost wages not covered by worker’s comp
- Your legal fees for the lawsuit
- Any lost or damaged personal property
In addition, in some cases, a dollar amount can be included for the pain and suffering you endured due to the dog bite injuries you sustained.
Why Trust Normandie Law Firm With Your Dog Bite Case?
At Normandie Law Firm, we are here to defend the rights of injury victims and ensure they receive the compensation that is owed to them. Our focus is always on meeting the needs of our clients today and in the future. We understand that the injuries you suffered could severely impact your ability to earn a living and your financial future. And we are here to help you protect your rights and financial stability.
When you work with our team, there are never upfront fees or expenses from your pocket. We work for you for free until we successfully get you the full compensation you deserve. So you know that you will never see a bill from us until you have the money you need to pay your bills and our fees. And if we do not win a verdict or settlement in your favor, you owe us nothing. This is the transparent and ethical way to work and the only way that Normandie Law Firm does business. If we do not earn our fees by winning your case, then we do not deserve them. So don’t hesitate to contact Normandie Law Form today to learn more about your right to file a worker’s comp claim for your workplace dog bite injury and possibly a civil lawsuit.
Other Pages on Our Website Related to This Topic
California Worker’s Compensation Laws And Dog Bites In The Workplace
Can A School Be Sued For Dog Bites That Occur On Its Property?
California Doordash Dog Bite Lawyers
