Work Injuries in the High Desert: What You Need to Know About Filing for Workers' Compensation

If you were injured on the job in Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Adelanto, Barstow, or another High Desert city, you’re not alone. The High Desert is full of hard-working people in trades, construction, warehouse, logistics, and delivery jobs—exactly the kind of work that puts your body at risk for serious injuries.

Unfortunately, many workers don’t realize what rights they have after a job injury. And even more get pushed around by insurance adjusters, denied care, or pressured not to file a claim. Here's what you need to know.

Common Injuries in the High Desert Workplaces

These towns are filled with industrial yards, warehouses, road work crews, mechanics, and construction projects. That means we see a high number of injuries like:

• Lower back trauma from lifting heavy materials

• Shoulder and elbow injuries from repetitive use or overhead work

• Knee damage from squatting or climbing in uneven terrain

• Ankle sprains or fractures from working around heavy equipment

• Carpal tunnel and wrist issues in packing or repetitive jobs

• Injuries from motor vehicle accidents while driving for work

• Cumulative trauma—injuries that build up slowly over time

We’ve also seen more cases involving workers at Amazon warehouses, local trucking companies, and solar installation projects—especially in Victorville and Apple Valley.

What to Do if You’re Hurt at Work in the High Desert

1. Report the injury right away
   Even if it seems minor. Tell your supervisor and ask for a DWC-1 claim form.

2. Get medical treatment
   You’re entitled to treatment through your employer’s MPN (Medical Provider Network). If they deny care or ignore you, call us.

3. Don’t quit before talking to a lawyer
   Quitting or being laid off can hurt your case if not handled correctly.

4. Call an attorney who knows the area
   Our firm represents injured workers all over the High Desert. We’ve handled cases in Victorville, Barstow, Hesperia, and even small desert towns like Lucerne Valley and Phelan.

Can I Still File if I Don’t Work There Anymore?

Yes. Especially for repetitive injuries, you can still file even if it’s been months—or years—since you last worked. Under California Labor Code §5412, the one-year clock to file doesn’t start until a doctor connects your injury to work and you’ve suffered disability. That happens later than most people think.

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Decide What Your Case is Worth

Insurance adjusters are not on your side. Their job is to limit what you get paid and deny or delay your benefits. If you’re getting the runaround—or if they sent you to a doctor who seems more interested in helping them than helping you—call us.

We’ll help you get a Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) evaluation, challenge denials, and make sure every body part you injured is properly documented. We know how to work within the system to get you paid.

Lee Partners Law: Work Injury Attorneys Serving the High Desert

We’re a California workers’ comp law firm built by former defense attorneys who now fight for injured workers. We handle cases across Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Adelanto, Barstow, Lucerne Valley, Phelan, and the surrounding areas.

You don’t pay anything unless we win your case. We charge a standard 15%–18% fee that comes out of your settlement—not your pocket.

Let us review your claim and protect your rights. The sooner you get us involved, the more we can do.

Call or text us today for a free consultation (310)-295-0822.

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