What to Do After an On-the-Job Injury
Suffering an injury at work can be a frightening and stressful experience. Whether it’s a sudden accident or a repetitive strain that develops over time, a workplace injury can disrupt your life, affect your ability to earn a living, and leave you with a mountain of medical bills. If you’ve been injured on the job in California, it’s essential to act quickly and correctly to protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation through the workers’ compensation system.
At Invictus Law, P.C., we help injured workers throughout Southern California get the care and benefits they need and deserve. Here’s what you need to know—and what you should do—after an on-the-job injury. If you’ve been hurt on the job in Orange County or the Inland Empire, contact our office for advice from a skilled and experienced California workers’ compensation specialist.
Report the Injury Immediately
The first and most important step after a workplace injury is to report it to your employer as soon as possible. In California, you are required to notify your employer within 30 days of the incident, but it’s best to report the injury right away. Waiting too long can cause delays or even lead to the denial of your workers’ compensation claim.
Whether the injury occurred in a single event—like a fall, equipment malfunction, or vehicle accident—or developed over time due to repetitive motions or exposure to harmful substances, make sure your employer is informed. If the injury is serious, ask a coworker or supervisor to help you report it while you seek medical care.
Get Medical Attention
Your health should always be your top priority. After reporting the injury, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If it’s an emergency, you can go to any doctor or emergency room. For non-emergency care, your employer may direct you to a specific medical provider within their workers’ compensation medical network.
When you are in the doctor’s office or hospital, be honest and thorough when describing how the injury occurred and the symptoms you’re experiencing. Medical documentation will play a crucial role in your workers’ compensation case, so make sure your provider records everything accurately. Follow all treatment instructions and attend all scheduled appointments—this demonstrates your commitment to recovery and helps support your claim.
Document Everything
Keeping detailed records after an injury is critical. Maintain a personal file that includes copies of any incident reports you submitted, written communications with your employer or insurance company, medical records, bills, and receipts. If there were witnesses to the incident, write down their names and contact information. If you’re physically able, take photos of the accident scene or any hazards that contributed to your injury.
Also, start a journal to track your symptoms, pain levels, missed workdays, and how the injury is affecting your daily life. These notes can provide powerful evidence if your claim is disputed or if you need to seek additional benefits.
Complete the Claim Form (DWC-1)
To start the formal workers’ compensation process in California, your employer must provide you with a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form (DWC-1). Fill out the employee section of the form and return it to your employer as soon as possible. This form is the official notice of your claim and kicks off the process of evaluating your eligibility for benefits.
Once your employer receives the completed DWC-1, they must forward it to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. You should receive a copy of the form for your records, along with information about your rights, available benefits, and how to proceed with medical treatment.
Know Your Rights and Benefits
California’s workers’ compensation system provides several key benefits to injured employees. These may include medical treatment for your injury, temporary disability benefits if you’re unable to work while recovering, permanent disability benefits if your injury results in lasting impairment, and vocational rehabilitation or retraining if you can’t return to your previous job.
It’s important to understand that workers’ compensation is a no-fault system—meaning you don’t have to prove your employer did anything wrong to receive benefits. However, that doesn’t mean the process is always smooth. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim, delay payments, or deny coverage entirely.
This is where having an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can make all the difference.
Call a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer If You Encounter Problems
You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a workers’ compensation claim in California. However, if your claim is denied, your benefits are delayed, or the insurance company is pressuring you to settle for less than you believe your claim is worth, legal help can be invaluable.
You should also seek legal representation if your injury is serious or permanent, if you have a pre-existing condition the insurer is trying to blame, or if your employer is retaliating against you for filing a claim.
At Invictus Law, P.C., our attorneys are dedicated to representing injured workers—never insurance companies. We know the tactics insurers use to deny or reduce claims, and we fight hard to make sure our clients receive the full benefits they’re entitled to under California law.
Don’t Wait to Protect Your Rights – Call Invictus Law Today
The time following a workplace injury is stressful enough without having to worry about dealing with confusing and complex legal rules. Take the right steps early on to set yourself up for the best result: report the injury, get medical care, file your claim, and seek legal help when needed.
If you’ve been injured on the job and have questions about your rights or your workers’ compensation claim, Invictus Law, P.C. is here to help. We serve clients throughout Orange County and the Inland Empire from our offices in Orange and Ontario. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you move forward with confidence.
