What is the Process of Reporting a Work Injury To My Employer?

November 28, 2023 Posted In Work-related injury

After a work-related injury, it is critical to take certain steps to protect your health and right to workers’ compensation benefits. Here is the process for reporting your accident to your employer. 

Seek Medical Attention

Call 911 if you are severely injured. Emergency services will arrive and transport you to the hospital. If not, seek medical care as soon as you notify your employer or supervisor about the injury. They may require a manager to drive you there. Alert the front desk and physician that the injury is work-related. Keep records of all medical appointments, treatments, and prescriptions.

Notifying Your Employer

Tell your employer as soon as possible after your injury occurs. Delays in reporting may jeopardize your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Provide a detailed account of how the injury occurred, the nature of your injuries, and any immediate medical attention sought. This information is vital for your employer to initiate the workers’ compensation claim process. 

Many employers in California have specific incident report forms for work-related injuries. Ensure that you complete this form thoroughly. If there is no specific form, document the incident in writing, give a copy, or email it to your employer, and retain a copy for your records.

Completing the Workers’ Compensation Claim Form

Once you report a work-related injury, your employer is obligated to provide you with a workers’ compensation claim form (DWC-1) within one working day. Fill out the form promptly and include all details about the nature of your injury, how it occurred, and any other relevant information. After completing your section, your employer will fill out their portion of the form and submit it to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.

Upon receiving your completed DWC-1 form, the workers’ compensation insurance carrier will investigate your claim. If your claim is accepted, you may be eligible for benefits such as medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation if needed.

Returning to Work

Throughout the process of recovering from a work-related injury, keep your employer informed about your medical progress and ability to return to work. If your injury requires adjustments to your job duties or workplace conditions, work with your employer to request reasonable accommodations. This may include modified work hours, ergonomic adjustments, or temporary changes to your responsibilities.

Speak To a Lawyer

If there are challenges in the workers’ compensation process or your claim is denied, consult an experienced San Bernardino work injury lawyer. They possess a deep understanding of the complex workers’ compensation system and can guide you through the process of filing and pursuing a claim. They can help gather crucial evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, to strengthen the case. If disputes arise or if the claim is denied, a workers’ comp lawyer is equipped to navigate appeals and hearings, presenting a compelling case to secure the deserved benefits. They will alleviate your stress and significantly increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.