I WAS INJURED AT WORK. What now?
What are workers' compensation benefits: California workers' compensation benefits are designed to provide you with the medical treatment you need to recover from your work-related injury or illness, partially replace the wages you lose while you are recovering, and ultimately help you return to work. It is a no-fault system, which means that no one has to be negligent or at fault for your injury for you to receive these benefits. In most cases, the mere fact you were injured at work is sufficient to claim workers' compensation benefits. This includes instances of acute and cumulative trauma, the later which is caused by repetitive use injuries that occur over time. However, because it is a no-fault system, workers’ compensation benefits do not include damages for pain and suffering or punitive damages.
Every state in the U.S. has a different workers' compensation benefit system. California is generally more generous in its benefits options. Therefore, if you are an injured worker who is a resident of California or is not but got injured in California, it is worth considering filing a claim in California.
Reporting your injury: If you've been injured at work, report the injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible. Make sure your supervisor is also notified of your injury. If your injury or illness developed gradually (i.e., through cumulative trauma), report it as soon as you learn or believe it was caused by your job.
Reporting promptly helps avoid problems and delays in receiving benefits, including medical care. If you don’t report your injury within 30 days of knowing you have a work-related injury, you could lose your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits altogether.
Get medical treatment: If you have a medical emergency situation, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away. Tell the medical staff that your injury or illness is job-related. If you can safely do so, contact your employer for further instructions.
If you don’t need emergency treatment, make sure you get first aid and see a doctor if necessary.
What’s next?
Once you report a claim, your employer is required to provide you with a claim form along with continuing medical care.
Click here to learn how to file a claim.
Every state in the U.S. has a different workers' compensation benefit system. California is generally more generous in its benefits options. Therefore, if you are an injured worker who is a resident of California or is not but got injured in California, it is worth considering filing a claim in California.
Reporting your injury: If you've been injured at work, report the injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible. Make sure your supervisor is also notified of your injury. If your injury or illness developed gradually (i.e., through cumulative trauma), report it as soon as you learn or believe it was caused by your job.
Reporting promptly helps avoid problems and delays in receiving benefits, including medical care. If you don’t report your injury within 30 days of knowing you have a work-related injury, you could lose your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits altogether.
Get medical treatment: If you have a medical emergency situation, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away. Tell the medical staff that your injury or illness is job-related. If you can safely do so, contact your employer for further instructions.
If you don’t need emergency treatment, make sure you get first aid and see a doctor if necessary.
What’s next?
Once you report a claim, your employer is required to provide you with a claim form along with continuing medical care.
Click here to learn how to file a claim.