For some workers, their daily jobs may put them at risk for injury or even much worse. Many rely on their employers to do the right thing and cover their expenses if they are the victim of a work injury. For one California worker, his work injury was severe enough to require being airlifted to a medical center for treatment. In most situations like this, workers’ compensation benefits become appropriate.
According to news reports, the worker was digging a ditch. He was reportedly surrounded by cement and dirt that subsequently collapsed and pinned him down inside the ditch. Reports do not indicate whether appropriate safety measures were put in place to protect the man’s safety while digging.
According to rescue personnel at the scene, the man was in a great deal of pain. A fire department helicopter had to land at the scene and airlift the injured worker out. He was treated at UCLA Medical Center for his injuries. The extent of his injuries was not reported at them time.
Anytime someone suffers from a work injury that results in needing to be airlifted from the scene, one may reasonably assume there may be lost work time and wages or high medical bills at the very least. California companies typically have measures in place, such as workers’ compensation benefits, to protect their workers in the event of work-related medical bills or to cover lost wages. However, some people may find themselves in a position where they need to pursue legal action against their employer to ensure payment of those bills or fair compensation when they have suffered a severe or debilitating work injury that may alter their ability to ever do their job again.
Source: agourahills.patch.com, “Injured Worker Airlifted to UCLA,” Susan Pascal, March 11, 2013