First, make certain that you are out of harm’s way. Then, if possible, make sure that others get to safety as well. Once that has been done, the next step is to report the injury to your employer. Tell your immediate supervisor as quickly as possible. It’s natural to want to wait on this, but it is in your best interest to tell your supervisor right away.
The same holds true if your injury was one that developed over time. As soon as you believe that you have been injured through work, report it to your employer.
The truth is that, in California, “if your employer does not learn about your injury within 30 days and this prevents your employer from fully investigating the injury and how you were injured, you could lose your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits,” according to the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Obviously, that’s the last thing we want to have to happen. Tell your employer and then go to receive emergency care if necessary. It’s entirely possible that your employer will tell you where to go for treatment. Regardless of whether it’s emergency care, your healthcare provider, or a healthcare provider recommended by your employer, tell them that your injury is related to your job.
The next step after this is to fill out a claim form. A workers’ compensation attorney can help with that or you can file it yourself. If your claim is denied, a worker’s compensation attorney may be able to help.