How Do I Report A Work Injury And File A Claim?

Upon receiving an injury at work, your next step should be reporting the injury to your superiors. In most states, there is a time frame within which you have to let your superiors know of your injury, condition or sickness that you have developed as a result of a work-related injury.

Statistically speaking, only half of the injured individuals end up receiving workers compensation, as the majority of them are in fear of losing their jobs. Don’t make the same mistake; as soon as you develop a condition or receive an injury, speak with your superiors and file a workers compensation claim.

Here is what you have to do.

Give Notice

In California, you have 30 days from the moment of the injury to speak with your superiors and let them know of your injury. Other states may have different rules, and in order to be sure, you should check with your attorney about the regulations. If you don’t have an attorney, it is highly recommended that you speak with one of the best workers compensation attorneys in San Francisco at Allegiance Law.

Usually, your employer may require you to submit a written notice, one that should include the following:

  • Your name
  • Your contact information
  • The time and date of the injury
  • Where and how the accident happened
  • What symptoms you were and are experiencing
  • How you injured yourself
  • The name of any witnesses that were present at the scene at the time of the accident

Filling a Workers Compensation Form

The most common question we get is how do I file a workers compensation claim? In California, it is a bit easier than in other states; typically, you would have to file a workers compensation form with the state’s workers compensation agency. Some states allow you to file it online, at the agency’s website.

However, once you notify your superiors in California, most employers will notify the worker's compensation agency and file the claim on your behalf. Again, you should check whether or not they will do it or if you should do it, just to be sure. If they accept to do it, you are free from any obligation and should focus on your recovery until you get a response from the worker's compensation agency.

Note: If you miss the deadline and report the injury after the initial 30 days, you won’t be eligible to receive anything. Be sure to let contact your superiors as quickly as you can following the injury, and if you are unable to due to your condition, send someone (usually a family member) to do it on your behalf.

Workplace Injury Attorneys in San Francisco will gladly help you with it. Simply give us a call any day during business hours and schedule your free initial consultation. Learn everything you need to know about workers compensation and how to increase your odds of obtaining all the benefits that you deserve. Don’t hesitate to seek professional legal help.

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