The workplace can be a dangerous, or even hazardous, place. Whether you work in an office building, a restaurant, or a construction site, there are all sorts of dangers. Accidents can happen. For this reason, all companies in California must have some sort of Workers Compensation insurance to cover injuries. In the event of an accident or injury, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance will take various steps to provide you with financial support while you recuperate. If your benefits are denied, you should contact an attorney immediately. Any injury that is a result of an accident on the job will be covered and you are protected by California Workers Compensation laws. Also, in the event you work with potentially harmful materials, any illness or disease contracted as a result of working with these materials is subject to compensation.

It should be noted, that California Workers Compensation is a no fault system, which covers all injuries on the job, and in most cases even where the employee contributed to the injury.

The first step in the event of an on the job accident is to file a report to your employer. It is imperative that you file, for it will not be done for you. There is generally a short window of time to report the injury; therefore it is best to report it as soon as possible. You should be given a standard Workers Compensation Form which has very basic questions. If your employer refused to give you this work injury form, you should contact an attorney immediately.

Second, it is also important to seek immediate medical attention. If the injury or illness is serious, then getting emergency medical treatment should take precedence over filing the work injury report. As an injured employee, you have the right to seek medical attention for an injury on the job – your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company will be responsible for the medical bills. Do not diagnosis the injury on your own or rate the severity of your injury, seek medical help and have a doctor give you a proper diagnosis and treatment. You should retain all bills, and take note of expenses to ensure that you are not charged for any part of your treatment. Follow every step and treatment the doctor prescribes, otherwise your workers’ compensation claim may be impacted negatively.

The final step is to seek out legal help. A personal injury attorney can help you with your work injury claim and can inform you of the various disability benefits you qualify for based on the doctor’s diagnosis of your injury. Your attorney can discuss the possibility of such options as temporary disability and permanent disability benefits. You may also be eligible for vocational rehabilitation, or a job re-training voucher, in the event you are unable to continue your job duties.

In California, all employees are covered by workers’ compensation, even if your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, you will still be covered through the state. It is best to consult with an experienced attorney to learn about the benefits you will receive in the event of an accident. Do not forget to file a report as soon as the injury occurs. Go in for medical treatment and a doctor’s diagnosis. Call 1-800-801-1569 or visit our Riverside & San Bernardino Workers Compensation resource page for a free consultation or a talk with an experienced California work injury attorney.