If you are hurt while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, it is critical that you report a workplace injury as quickly as possible to ensure that your claim can be processed in a timely manner. Furthermore, reporting your injury as quickly as possible makes it harder for your California employer to successfully challenge a request for compensation.
How badly were you hurt?
Your reporting timeline will largely depend on how severe your injuries are. For instance, if you experience a broken bone, large cut or exposure to toxic chemicals, it may be a good idea to seek medical treatment before talking to your supervisor. Seeking treatment can minimize the risk of potentially losing a limb, acquiring an infection or getting a serious disease. However, if your injuries are relatively minor, it is generally in your best interest to report an accident as soon as it happens.
Your employer must also abide by reporting guidelines
In many cases, OSHA will need to be notified of any workplace accident that causes bodily injury within 24 hours of the incident occurring. Furthermore, an employer representative should report your accident to its workers’ compensation insurance company within 24 hours of receiving your report. You are encouraged to review any statements that are made to an insurance company to ensure that they are accurate.
What type of information should you provide in a claim?
You’ll likely need to provide information such as the date, time and location of the accident. Furthermore, you will likely need to provide the cause of the accident, the names of anyone who witnessed it and the specific nature of your injuries. An attorney may be able to help you fill out a workers’ compensation claim in an adequate fashion.
If you slip on a wet floor, get hit by a falling object or experience any other type of workplace accident, you might want to contact an attorney to help you file for workers’ compensation. Doing so may make it easier to obtain compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
