If you’ve been injured at work in California, knowing what steps to take can protect your health, your job, and your legal rights. California labor law provides strong protections for injured employees, but mistakes early on can delay or reduce the benefits you may be entitled to receive. Below is a clear guide on what to do after a workplace injury.
Your first priority after a workplace injury should be getting medical care. If the injury is serious, seek emergency treatment immediately. For non-emergency injuries, notify your employer as soon as possible and ask where to go for treatment. Prompt treatment not only protects your health but also helps establish that your injury is work-related.
Under California workers’ compensation law, employees must report work-related injuries promptly—ideally within 30 days. Report the injury to your supervisor or human resources department and include details about when, where, and how it occurred. Delayed reporting may lead to disputes or denial of benefits.
After reporting your injury, your employer should provide you with a DWC-1 workers’ compensation claim form. Completing and submitting this form officially starts your claim. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to benefits such as medical care, temporary disability payments, permanent disability benefits, or job displacement benefits if you cannot return to your prior position.
California law strictly prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for reporting a workplace injury or filing a workers’ compensation claim. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, reduced hours, or other negative treatment. If you believe your employer is retaliating against you, you may have additional legal claims beyond workers’ compensation.
Attend all medical appointments and carefully follow your doctor’s work restrictions. Keep copies of medical reports, claim forms, emails, and any communication with your employer or the insurance company. Proper documentation is essential if disputes arise over your injury, benefits, or return-to-work status.
Workplace injuries can result in ongoing medical needs and financial uncertainty. Understanding the steps to take after a work-related injury can help employees access appropriate medical care, maintain income stability, and navigate the workers’ compensation process. Acting promptly, keeping thorough records, and staying informed about workplace rights can play an important role in managing both recovery and any related employment issues.