Fowler & Ball Attorneys at LawFowler & Ball Attorneys at Law2026-08-19T01:30:53Zhttps://www.fowlerball.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1300299/2020/05/cropped-512x512-1-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Fowler & Ball Attorneys at Law<![CDATA[The 3 most common workplace injuries]]>https://www.fowlerball.com/?p=468692026-08-19T01:30:53Z2026-08-19T01:30:53Zmore common than others almost anywhere you go.
A workplace injury does not always result from a dramatic construction accident or a dangerous piece of machinery. Employees can be hurt while lifting a box, walking across a wet floor or performing the same physical task repeatedly. Even an ordinary workday can end with an injury that requires medical treatment and time away from the job. Data gathered by the National Safety Council (NSC) indicates that three categories account for a majority of workplace injuries. They include:
1. Contact with objects, equipment, people or animals
This broad category includes workers being struck by falling or propelled objects, caught in powered equipment or compressed between objects. It also includes injuries caused by contact with another person or an animal. As a result, these incidents are not limited to industrial settings. Health care workers, delivery drivers, veterinary employees, retail workers and people in many other occupations may be at risk.
2. Overexertion and repetitive motion injuries
These injuries often occur when employees lift, push, pull, carry or otherwise move objects. A worker may suffer a sudden back or shoulder injury while handling a heavy load. In other cases, the damage develops gradually. Repetitive tasks, prolonged awkward positions and repeated bodily movements can also cause painful conditions. Employees who type, work on assembly lines, stock merchandise or repeatedly bend and reach may develop injuries affecting their hands, wrists, shoulders, knees or backs. These make valid workers' compensation claims, even though there is no singular event that caused the damage.
3. Falls, slips and trips
Falls, slips and trips accounted for 479,480 cases involving days away from work. Some workers fall from ladders, roofs, scaffolding or other elevated surfaces. However, a serious injury can also result from a same-level fall caused by a wet floor, loose cord, uneven walkway or misplaced object. These accidents may cause broken bones, head injuries, back injuries and damage to the knees or shoulders. Older employees and workers whose jobs require them to move quickly may face particularly serious consequences.
Professional legal guidance can help injured employees file a workers’ compensation claim and get the benefits they are due after a workplace injury, regardless of the type. ]]>On Behalf of Fowler & Ball Attorneys at Law<![CDATA[Why injured workers shouldn’t try to ‘walk it off’]]>https://www.fowlerball.com/?p=468662026-08-06T00:14:48Z2026-08-06T00:14:48ZUntreated injuries may worsen
The body's stress response may activate after a workplace accident. The rush of chemicals produced in response to a perceived threat can give people energy and cover up their pain symptoms. Some injuries are internal and may slowly progress over time, such as internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries. Other injuries may be stable but could worsen abruptly due to additional trauma or physical exertion.
Untreated and undiagnosed work injuries can put professionals at risk of becoming permanently incapable of performing key job functions. They may also struggle to connect their injuries to their employment later if they do require medical care and time away from work. Reporting an incident, undergoing medical evaluation and taking appropriate time off to rest are all important steps for professionals hurt on the job.
Filing a workers' compensation claim is often easier when professionals report their injuries and have a diagnosis from a medical professional. Employees who understand the possibility of their symptoms worsening can act to protect themselves against medical conditions that could otherwise end their careers.]]>On Behalf of Fowler & Ball Attorneys at Law<![CDATA[Understanding nonsurgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome]]>https://www.fowlerball.com/?p=468652026-07-25T16:43:52Z2026-07-25T16:43:52Znonsurgical carpal tunnel treatments can improve function and reduce pain without the need for surgery. If the condition is work related, treatment may also be payable via workers' compensation benefits.
Exploring nonsurgical treatment options
The right treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much the condition affects your daily activities. Many people begin with conservative treatments that reduce pressure on the median nerve and support healing.
Wearing a wrist splint is often one of the first recommendations. A splint keeps the wrist in a neutral position, particularly while sleeping, which may reduce numbness, tingling and nighttime discomfort.
Physical therapy may also be recommended. Specific exercises can improve flexibility, strengthen the muscles that support the wrist and encourage better movement patterns. Some people also benefit from occupational therapy, which focuses on changing work habits and improving ergonomics. Adjusting your workstation, keyboard position or repetitive job tasks may reduce strain on the wrist and help prevent symptoms from worsening.
Medication may provide temporary relief for pain and inflammation. Depending on your condition, a health care provider may recommend nonprescription pain relievers or prescribe corticosteroids. In some cases, a corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel may reduce swelling around the median nerve and improve symptoms for a period of time.
Resting the affected hand and limiting activities that aggravate symptoms are also important parts of recovery. Continuing repetitive motions without appropriate treatment may increase pressure on the nerve and make the condition more difficult to manage.
Although many people respond well to nonsurgical carpal tunnel treatments, surgery may be considered if symptoms become severe or do not improve with conservative care.
If your carpal tunnel syndrome developed because of your job duties, you may have rights under workers' compensation law. Seeking legal guidance can help you understand your options for obtaining medical treatment and other benefits while you recover.]]>On Behalf of Fowler & Ball Attorneys at Law<![CDATA[When does workers’ compensation temporary disability pay begin?]]>https://www.fowlerball.com/?p=468642026-07-09T23:52:49Z2026-07-09T23:52:49ZWorkers must miss three days of work at least
There is an expectation that workers can use paid leave or take a brief unpaid absence in cases involving truly minor injuries. However, if an injury is serious enough to leave someone unable to work for the better part of a week, then they may qualify for temporary disability benefits.
The benefits begin after the third day of missed employment. Workers’ compensation provides up to two-thirds of their usual pay, which is subject to a state maximum benefit amount. Workers can qualify for coverage for those first three days if their inability to work lasts 14 days or if a hospital admits them overnight.
Learning the rules that apply to workers' compensation benefits and having support when filing a claim can make a major difference. Injured employees who must miss a substantial amount of work may need help understanding their rights and seeking the coverage they require, and that’s okay.]]>On Behalf of Fowler & Ball Attorneys at Law<![CDATA[How a same-level fall at work can lead to a career change]]>https://www.fowlerball.com/?p=468632026-06-23T22:45:40Z2026-06-23T22:45:40ZHeight isn't necessary for severe injuries
Obviously, falls from significant elevation create the most risk. However, same-level falls are a leading hazard in almost every employment sector. Hundreds of workers die due to slips, trips and falls each year, and many others sustain serious injuries.
Workers in hospitals and lawn maintenance professionals can slip and fall. They may break bones. Fractures can be enough to cause permanent functional limitations for blue-collar professionals.
People who fall can also potentially hit their heads, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Those who sustain TBIs could have symptoms that affect motor function, memory and personality. Even retail workers and white-collar professionals could become unable to continue their current jobs after a same-level fall.
Workers’ compensation can help injured professionals pay for medical treatment they also request disability benefits to replace lost income or supplement reduced future earnings. Reviewing a workplace injury with a workers' compensation attorney can help professionals file benefit planes. Especially when facing permanent medical issues, professionals often need help getting the benefits they need for their optimal recovery, and that’s okay.]]>On Behalf of Fowler & Ball Attorneys at Law<![CDATA[Should you accept a workers’ compensation lump-sum settlement?]]>https://www.fowlerball.com/?p=468622026-06-15T20:32:19Z2026-06-15T20:32:19ZIf you’ve been injured on the job, you may eventually receive a settlement offer from the workers’ compensation insurance company. For many injured workers, the prospect of receiving a lump-sum payment is appealing, as it can relieve some financial strain and help bring closure to a lengthy claim.
But before agreeing to the offer, it’s important to understand how workers’ comp settlement offers work, along with the pros and cons. After all, it’s a significant decision that can affect your future medical needs and financial security.
Stipulation with Request for Award (stips): The insurance company and the injured employee agree on the disability benefits owed. These are generally made through weekly payments. However, future medical care will be covered by the insurance company.
Compromise and Release (C&R): A lump-sum payment closes the entire case, including future medical benefits.
Because a C&R typically ends your right to seek additional benefits for the injury, it’s essential to evaluate the long-term consequences before accepting the offer.The advantages of accepting a lump-sum settlement include:
Immediate access to funds
Greater control over your future
Brings the case to a close
While a lump-sum payment has its advantages, it’s important to understand the risks. One of the biggest concerns in a C&R settlement is not having access to future medical benefits, even if your condition worsens. Furthermore, the settlement offer might not reflect the true value of your claim. Insurance companies aim to control costs, and a lump-sum payment doesn’t always account for future medical expenses, reduced earning capacity or the full impact of a permanent disability.Before accepting a workers’ comp lump-sum settlement, you should have a legal representative review the agreement. They can help ensure that any decision you make supports your long-term well-being and financial stability.
]]>On Behalf of Fowler & Ball Attorneys at Law<![CDATA[The challenges of pursuing permanent partial disability benefits]]>https://www.fowlerball.com/?p=468612026-06-03T11:12:58Z2026-06-03T11:12:58ZDisability claims are complicated
Unlike temporary total disability benefits that depend primarily on a worker’s wages, permanent partial disability is a complex benefit. It is not just a flat rate based on the worker’s prior earning potential. It considers the loss of earning potential or the affected body parts.
Workers may need to undergo an in-depth medical evaluation to document the extent of their functional limitations. They may need help negotiating for either regular payments or a lump-sum settlement.
The worker's impairment rating establishes the severity of their condition, and the process also considers their age and occupation when calculating the benefits they should receive. Optimizing personal permanent partial disability benefits as part of a workers' compensation claim can be much more difficult than requesting temporary total disability benefits while undergoing treatment.
Partnering with a workers' compensation attorney can help injured professionals understand the benefits available to them and pursue the support they deserve. Permanent partial disability claims are often quite complex, making legal representation valuable to those facing a lifetime of reduced earning potential.]]>On Behalf of Fowler & Ball Attorneys at Law<![CDATA[Are car accidents covered by workers’ comp?]]>https://www.fowlerball.com/?p=468602026-05-19T14:39:00Z2026-05-19T14:39:00ZCar accidents certainly can be covered under workers’ comp laws in many cases. For some workers, the risk of being involved in an auto accident is one of the primary dangers of their job. They can often seek workers’ comp benefits to cover medical bills and a portion of their lost wages after a crash.
For instance, many commercial truck drivers or delivery drivers are specifically employed to operate motor vehicles. Because they are performing the duties of their job, they can seek workers’ comp benefits if they are involved in an accident. After all, even if these commercial drivers operate their vehicles as safely as possible, there is always the inherent risk of being injured in an accident caused by another driver.
What if the accident is during a commute?
As a general rule, a driver who is injured during their commute is not going to be able to seek workers’ comp benefits. If they are just going to work or returning from their job at the end of the day, they are not performing the duties of their occupation. They are not on the clock or being paid for their time, so, despite the fact that commuting is necessary for them to work, they do not qualify as employees at that time.In certain situations, there are exceptions to this rule. A worker who is given job-related tasks during their commute may be able to claim workers’ comp benefits, for instance. A worker who has to drive between different job sites may also be able to claim compensation, as this goes beyond their traditional commute.Auto accidents happen every day, so there is a constant risk. Employees who have been injured need to know if they have a right to workers’ compensation benefits and what steps to take.
]]>On Behalf of Fowler & Ball Attorneys at Law<![CDATA[Workers’ compensation supports employees with broken bones]]>https://www.fowlerball.com/?p=468592026-05-02T23:12:37Z2026-05-02T23:12:37ZBenefits can reduce financial strain
Workers with broken bones may require thousands of dollars in medical care. Treatment options range from setting the bone, applying a cast and providing physical therapy for recovery after the bone heals to surgery in more extreme cases. Workers’ compensation can pay for all necessary treatment expenses for an on-the-job fracture.
Professionals may also require disability benefits. Broken bones generally require a minimum of eight weeks to knit, if not substantially longer.
Temporary partial disability benefits can augment the reduced pay of workers restricted to light-duty work functions that limit their pay. Temporary total disability benefits can replace a portion of the worker’s lost wages if they cannot work at all until they recover.
While professionals may be eligible for paid or unpaid leave and might have health insurance to cover treatment costs, filing a workers’ compensation claim can more effectively diminish the setbacks caused by a work injury. Discussing a work injury and available workers' compensation benefits with a lawyer can help injured professionals file a claim for the coverage they deserve.]]>On Behalf of Fowler & Ball Attorneys at Law<![CDATA[Why workers’ comp claims get denied]]>https://www.fowlerball.com/?p=468582026-04-19T15:22:50Z2026-04-19T15:22:50ZIt should be a straightforward process. You were hurt at work, reported it and now your medical care and lost wages should be covered.
Therefore, it’s frustrating and confusing when your claim is denied. It’s not uncommon for claims to be rejected, but oftentimes those reasons can be challenged or corrected. Understanding the reason behind the denial is the first step toward figuring out what to do next.
Medical evidence is essential
One of the most common issues with workers’ comp claims is late reporting. Injured workers are expected to report a workplace injury within 30 days. Waiting too long can raise questions about whether the injury occurred at work. And while thedeadline is 30 days, it’s best if you report your injury immediately, even if it seems minor.Lack of medical evidence is another major factor. If your medical records don’t clearly connect your injury to your job duties, the claim may be denied. Along those same lines, inconsistencies can also lead to claim denial. If what you reported to your employer doesn’t match what’s in your medical records, or if your description of the injury changes over time, the insurer may question your credibility. In some cases, the employer may dispute the claim or argue that the injury happened outside of work.However, a denial doesn’t necessarily mean your case is over. The insurance company may refuse to provide benefits voluntarily, but it doesn’t mean you’ve lost your right to pursue workers’ compensation. You can challenge the decision and present evidence supporting your claim.In fact, medical documentation often becomes the deciding factor. It’s important that the treating physician clearly understands:
How your job duties are performed
When your symptoms started
How has your condition progressed
The stronger the connection between your work and injury, the better your chances of overcoming the denial.Challenging a workers’ comp denial can become complex. A legal representative can help gather medical evidence, prepare your case and represent you before the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. Their assistance can make a meaningful difference in protecting your rights and getting the benefits you’re entitled to.]]>