Palm Springs Law Blog

Why Power of Attorney Is Essential If You Work in a Dangerous Job

A serious fall on the job. A car accident during a delivery route. A wildfire response that turns dangerous in seconds. For thousands of California workers in high-risk industries, these aren’t far-fetched scenarios — they’re real possibilities. And when something unexpected happens, not having the proper legal documents in place can leave families scrambling.

Without a power of attorney or health care directive, loved ones may not be able to make medical decisions, access bank accounts, or handle urgent matters. That kind of uncertainty adds stress during an already overwhelming time. If your work puts you at risk, preparing now can make all the difference later.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that lets someone you trust act on your behalf if you’re unable to make decisions for yourself. There are different types, but the two most common — and most relevant for workers in high-risk jobs — are:

• Financial Power of Attorney: This allows someone to manage your finances, pay your bills, access accounts, or run your business if you’re incapacitated.

• Advance Health Care Directive (sometimes called a medical power of attorney): This lets someone make medical decisions for you, communicate with doctors, and ensure your wishes are followed in a health crisis.

Both types of documents are recognized and widely used in California. Together, they form a safety net that activates only when needed.

Dangerous Jobs Come with Real Risk

If you work in a physically demanding or hazardous profession, you face daily risks that can’t be ignored. This includes:

• Construction workers

• Firefighters and first responders

• Agricultural and farm workers

• Commercial drivers and delivery workers

• Law enforcement officers

• Manufacturing and warehouse workers

California has one of the largest and most diverse workforces in the country. From farming in the Central Valley to firefighting in the Sierra Nevada, many Californians put their safety on the line to earn a living. If you're one of them, having a power of attorney isn't just a legal form — it's a plan that can make a real difference in a crisis.

What Happens If You Don’t Have One?

If you’re suddenly injured or hospitalized without a power of attorney in place, your loved ones may face serious challenges:

• Medical delays: Doctors may not accept decisions from your partner, friend, or adult child if they’re not legally authorized.

• Financial disruption: No one can access your accounts, manage your mortgage or rent, or keep your business running without proper documents.

• Court involvement: Your family may have to go through the California probate court to request a conservatorship — a slow and expensive process.

This often happens during an already stressful time, adding emotional and financial strain to an already difficult situation.

The Benefits of Planning Ahead

Setting up a power of attorney gives you control, even when you’re not in a position to speak for yourself. It offers:

• Immediate help when emergencies strike

• Clear direction for your loved ones

• Financial and medical stability

• Avoidance of legal delays and court involvement

• Peace of mind knowing someone you trust is in charge

This is especially important if you live with a partner but are not married, or if you have children who rely on your income. These documents can help prevent confusion, conflict, and costly legal battles.

How to Set It Up in California

Creating a power of attorney doesn’t take long, and you don’t need to wait until something goes wrong. Here’s how to get started:

• Choose someone you trust completely — a spouse, sibling, adult child, or close friend

• Work with an attorney to draft a valid California power of attorney and advance health care directive

• Be sure your documents are signed properly and witnessed or notarized where required

• Keep copies in a safe but accessible place, and give one to your agent

These documents can also be updated over time as your needs or relationships change.

You Don’t Have to Be “Old” to Plan

Some people think estate planning is only for retirees. But for workers in dangerous jobs, the need is immediate. Accidents don’t wait for the right moment — and once they happen, it may be too late to put legal authority in place.

If you rely on your paycheck to support your family, or you work in a high-risk environment, it’s worth taking a few hours now to protect everything you’ve built.