Learn what steps to take in order to get compensation after a work injury
No matter what kind of work you do, it is possible to suffer an injury at work. For example, office workers can suffer repetitive motion injuries, construction workers can fall off of scaffolding or get injured by heavy equipment, and factory workers can be hurt in machining accidents or develop illnesses due to chemical exposure.
Almost all employees in California are covered by workers’ compensation insurance, meaning you should be able to get medical care and other benefits if you have been hurt at work. Many companies have their own procedures to follow after workplace accidents. If your company has a procedure, be sure to follow it. If not, here are some of the most important steps in the process to be sure you complete.
See a Doctor
If you have been hurt in an accident at work, the need to see a doctor may be quite obvious. But if you have slowly developed a repetitive motion injury or an occupational disease, you may not be sure that your symptoms are linked to your work. Seeing a doctor is the best way to find out. Your doctor will be able to diagnose your condition and provide the documentation you need to report it to your employer. Your employer—or their workers’ compensation insurance company—may then require you to see a different doctor that they have chosen.
Report Your Injury
You must inform your employer as soon as you realize you have suffered a work-related injury. When you report your injury, be sure to advise your employer whether or not your doctor has cleared you to return to work. In some cases, failing to give this notice can ruin your claim and prevent you from securing benefits.
Gather Evidence
A certain amount of documentation is necessary to get workers’ compensation benefits. You will need to prove that your injuries resulted from work activities. This can be accomplished with photos or videos of the scene of a workplace accident, as well as with testimony from coworkers and other witnesses. However, the most important evidence will come from your medical records.
Complete Your Workers’ Comp Paperwork
Your employer should connect you with the resources necessary to make a claim with their workers’ compensation insurance provider. You will need to fill out all the paperwork carefully and completely in order to receive appropriate benefits, which may include medical care, temporary or permanent disability payments, and possibly vocational retraining.
Need Help?
By hiring a workers’ compensation attorney from The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, you can rest assured that your claim will be handled properly and professionally, giving you the best possible chance of receiving maximum benefits. To learn more about working with us, call 800-333-0000 now for a free initial consultation.
