Every day thousands of people are injured at work and many have to take off time to receive treatment and fully recover. This means money is not being earned to cover daily living expenses. Fortunately in most states there are provisions for workers who find themselves in this sort of situation whatever your occupation and whatever you earn you may still be eligible for workers’ compensation. If you are a member of the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) you will find that you will be fully supported when it comes to filing a claim for workers’ comp. You will need to ensure your lost wages are covered as well as the value of your medical expenses since the accident and right up to the time you no longer require medical treatment. Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) The labor union, the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW), represents radio, television, film and news media writers. It was founded in 1954 from 5 different organizations and now has 20,000 members. Its predecessor, the Screen Writers Guild (SWG), was founded in 1921 by 10 Hollywood screenwriters who were protesting about wage decreases which were about to be implemented by some of the most important film studios. David Young is the executive director of the Guild, while Tony Segall is the general counsel. Young drew fame when he took on the role as chief negotiator in the 2007 contract negotiations which included a100-day strike. Workplace Injuries Suffered by WGAW Members Members of the WGAW are just as likely to be part of an accident as in many other workplace environments and the sorts of injuries that commonly take place include: Slips, trips and falls on hazards such as wet, greasy surfaces which cause back and head injuries depending whether the victim falls backwards or forwards. Collision with vehicles that are ferrying material around the studio getting ready for the next production. This sort of accident can cause serious injuries like a fracture, a traumatic brain injuries and a spinal injury. Electrocution due to the closeness to electrical equipment set up in a studio or film set. What to Do If You Have Been Hurt On the Job If you have been injured in a film studio while at work there is a procedure you should follow in order to make sure you get the workers’ comp. you are entitled to receive. You must get treated for your injuries first Tell your supervisor or if that’s not possible get a relative or work colleague to file your accident report on your behalf. Keep some reliable witnesses in mind who you know will write a testimony regarding the accident that will favor your situation. Ask for a medical report which identifies your injuries, and the kind of treatment you are currently receiving and the likely treatment up to some point in the future. Call a workers’ comp. attorney. Why You Need an Attorney You are faced with a hard job of ensuring you receive the workers’ comp. that compensates you fully for the cost of treating the injury. You will need to include in any claim the nature of the injuries including their severity. How much you have so far paid for medical treatment. Also you will need to provide a reasonable assessment of loss of wages since the accident and a reasonable estimate of the time you will need to fully recover and return to work. By hiring the right PI attorney, you can expect to receive the correct amount and you will not need to personal negotiate with the insurer. Additional Resources Workers' Compensation in California Why Should I Get a Workers’ Compensation Attorney? *Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against your employer, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
