When you get a work injury, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. The Division of Workers Compensation will monitor your claim to ensure it’s resolved. Nonetheless, to have a stronger claim and, in turn, be compensated, you should report the injury to your employer immediately.
Here are four reasons for doing this:
Establish work as the cause of the injury
Your injury needs to be work-related to be compensated. For this reason, you should report an accident to a senior immediately after it happens. This way, they can examine the scene and your injuries. Additionally, they can get statements from witnesses.
If you are injured but fail to report immediately, your employer may argue that factors outside work may have led to the injury. Besides, conditions may have changed at the accident scene.
Get treatment on time
Once you report your injury, you should get medical attention. The doctor will examine the injury and treat you accordingly. If you take too long to report and get treatment, a minor injury can get worse. Accordingly, you may suffer more pain or get a long-lasting condition that could have been avoided.
To avoid missing the deadline
In California, you are required to report a work injury within 30 days after an accident happens. Failure to do so, you may lose your right to be covered by workers’ compensation.
Start the paperwork earlier
Your employer will fill out a report that they will send to the insurance company to start the process of you receiving the benefits. Thus, the sooner you report, the sooner your expenses should be covered.
If you are injured at work, reporting immediately can protect you. However, it will be best to make informed decisions to get the compensation you deserve.
