If you are hurt at work, the first thing you want to do is seek treatment so you can get back on your feet and continue providing for your family. The last thing you want is to get into an argument with your employer or the insurance company about the validity of your injury and your right to the worker’s compensation benefits you need.
Here are a couple of steps you can use to prove that your injury is, in fact, work-related.
Inform your supervisor about the accident
One of the most important things you need to do immediately following your workplace injury is to file an accident report with your employer, detailing exactly what happened.
In California, you are required to notify your employer – in writing – of your work-related injury within 30 days from the date of the injury. In your injury report, be as specific as you can about how your injury occurred. If you can, explain the circumstances that resulted in your injury and identify any witnesses who may have seen what happened.
Seek treatment immediately for your injuries
If you were not immediately rushed to the emergency room, it is crucial that you seek treatment as soon as possible. During your doctor’s appointment, be sure to explain to your doctor exactly what happened and how you sustained the injury so it can be captured in your medical report.
A workplace injury can throw your life into disarray. If you are injured while working, it is important that you piece together the key evidence necessary to prove that you sustained your injury at work.
