Reporting a Workplace Injury in California
If injured at work, the injured party may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation. Here’s how to report a workplace injury in California.
Workplace injuries should be reported to employers as soon as they occur. It is important for an injured party to promptly fill out a claim form after being injured at work in California.
What happens if I get injured at work?
The California workers’ compensation system covers workplace injuries in the state. This system is similar to insurance programs in principle. Employers are obligated to pay into worker’s compensation. Thus, if an employee gets hurt while working, the workers’ compensation can cover payment for lost wages or various medical treatments. Consulting a lawyer at Her Lawyer can be helpful in determining whether a workplace injury counts as a valid claim. Further, a helpful lawyer can ensure the case is filed correctly and in a timely manner.
Related: What to Do if Injured at Work in California
How can I report a workplace injury?
After experiencing a workplace injury, the injured party should immediately receive medical treatment. If the insurance company associated with the employment has a medical provider network, the injured party may have to go to a doctor in that network. That being said, the injured party can and should go to any appropriate medical center if an emergency occurs. When receiving medical treatment, it is important to let the physician know the injury occurred at work, and afterward, the party should report the injury to his or her employer with a written notice. This is because notices that are not given to employers within 30 days of the injury occurring may revoke the hurt party from rights to workers’ compensation benefits.
How can I fill out a claim form after being injured at work?
When filling out a claim form after being injured at work, the injured party should first complete the “employee” section of the said form. This must be given to the employer immediately and once returned to the injured party, should be signed, dated, and copied just in case. After doing so, the claim form needs to be given to the employer again. This can be done via mail or in person. If the injured party decides to mail the claim form, he or she must use certified mail that features a return receipt. This is important to ensure that there is a record of when the form was mailed and received.
Failing to return the form to an employer after it is completed can result in an injured party being unable to receive benefits. Therefore, an employer should make sure to fill out the “employer” portion of the claim and then forward the fully filled out form to the insurance company. The injured party should request a copy of the completed claim form to keep in his or her records. After this, the insurance company needs to mail a letter to the injured party that includes the status of the claim – this typically lasts 14 days. If the letter is not received in 14 days, the injured party should contact the insurance company to find out if the claim was accepted.
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If you or a loved one have any more questions about how to report a workplace injury in California, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorneys for your unique legal matter. Get your free consultation with one of our Work Injury Attorneys in California today!