What Should I Do After A Workplace Injury?

No one plans for an accident. Unfortunately, not knowing what steps to take after a serious on-the-job injury can greatly harm your health and financial stability.

At the Law Offices of Anthony Choe, we advocate for California’s injured workers and help them secure the full workers’ compensation benefits they need. If you are suffering from a workplace illness or injury, take immediate action. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove your claim. Below, we created a checklist of steps to take after an on-the-job accident to give your workers’ compensation claim the best chance for success.

Every situation is different. If you want more information about what you should do in your specific situation, call our Los Angeles office at 213-788-4448. We can discuss your options during a free initial case consultation. You can also contact us online.

Workplace Accident Checklist

Take the following actions after a workplace accident to protect your overall health and well-being.

Medical Care

• Seek medical care. If your employer does not send you to a doctor, seek medical care soon after the accident. Tell the medical provider about all possible injuries. Injuries can worsen in the weeks and months after your initial accident. You need all injuries (mild and severe) officially documented for your workers’ compensation claim.
• Double check your discharge papers. Your medical provider should give you discharge papers that document your injuries. Make sure that all discussed injuries are listed on there. You will need them officially documented for your workers’ compensation claim. If anything was left off, ask the doctor to update the document before you leave their office.

Employer Interactions

• Report the injury to your employer. Immediately notify your employer of the injury. They should provide you a workers’ compensation claim form within one workday of first being notified about your illness or injury.
• Document all communication with your employer. Write down who you notified about your injury, when you notified them and how you reported it. It is best to have everything documented in writing. If you speak with your employer, follow up with an email recap of the discussion so it is officially documented.

Collect Additional Evidence

• Gather photo evidence. Take photos of any visible injuries, where the injury happened, documents related to your case, communications with your employer and any signed papers. Take your time. Make sure every photo is clear and that writing on the documents is legible.
• Document the date of your injury. It is easy to forget the exact date and time of your accident. Record this information and keep an ongoing log of your changing health/recovery.
• Speak with witnesses. Contact all co-workers who witnessed your accident. Write down their names, job titles and contact information.
• Compile an injury folder. Keep all claim information in a folder or binder. This can include medical papers, witness reports, photos and exchanges with your employer.
• Speak with an attorney. The workers’ compensation system is complex. You may need to partner with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney like Anthony Choe to secure the benefits you need. Call 213-788-4448 today.