After a workplace accident, your injuries could prohibit you from returning to work. As a result, you could miss out on needed wages and become responsible for expensive medical bills related to the accident.
The workers’ compensation system, according to the State of California Department of Industrial Relations, provides medical treatment, wage replacement and work retraining benefits to injured workers. To ensure you qualify for these benefits, avoid the following mistakes when you file a claim for workers’ compensation.
Failing to report your injury officially
Once you sustain injuries at work, you should tell your employer about the accident and let him or her know you need to see a doctor. In addition to informally notifying your employer, you should also provide official notice of what happened in writing.
Procrastinating the claims process
Do not wait to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer may take on the majority of this responsibility, so make sure he or she provides you with regular updates about your claim.
Ignoring your physician’s guidance
Your physician will likely recommend treatments, medications and therapies to help you recover from your injury. Follow this guidance closely so that you receive the full extent of workers’ compensation benefits needed to help you get back to work.
Even if you report your injury correctly and quickly following the workplace accident, there is still a chance your claim to workers’ compensation benefits could get denied. If this occurs, take steps to protect your interests and appeal this decision.