What To Do After A Workplace Accident

Most employees in California are covered under the state’s workers’ compensation system, but it can still be extremely confusing for people to file claims and obtain the money they need to pay various medical bills and other costs. The California Department of Industrial Relations states that the first two things that any worker should do when he or she is injured on the job are to report the injury to the employer immediately and to then seek medical attention.
The next step for injured workers is to seek legal representation. The Los Angeles Injury Group represents clients injured in workplace accidents all over Southern California. You can have our Los Angeles personal injury attorney review your case and discuss all of your legal options when you call (310) 954-7248 to receive a free consultation.

Workplace Accident Claim Process in California

After you have reported your injury to your employer and sought medical attention, your employer has one day to give or mail you a Workers’ Compensation Claim Form (DWC 1). The DWC 1 is the form you complete to obtain workers’ compensation benefits, and you should contact a Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) Information & Assistance Office if your employer does not give you this form.

After you complete and sign the employee portion of the form, the employer will complete and sign the employee portion. The employer must either immediately give or mail you a copy of the completed form within one working day after you filed it.

A claims administrator is required to decide within a reasonable time whether to accept or deny a workers’ compensation claim. When a denial letter has not been sent within 90 days of a claim being filed or an injury being reported, the claim is typically considered acceptable. Some victims may also be entitled to disability benefits.

People have many reasons to retain legal counsel in these cases. One primary concern can relate to the opinion of the primary treating physician, and a personal injury lawyer can make sure that all of your rights are protected during medical evaluations.

On top of the workers’ compensation claim process, some injuries are the result of the negligence of third parties. Unlike the prohibition on legal action against employers under the California workers’ compensation system, a negligent third party can be named in a separate lawsuit and may be liable for greater damages than workers’ compensation typically provides.

Find a Workplace Accident Attorney in California

If you sustained serious injuries or your loved one killed in a workplace accident in California, you will want to contact the Los Angeles Injury Group as soon as possible. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you receive a financial award.

Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can fight to help you obtain all of the compensation you need and deserve. Call (310) 954-7248 or contact us online to have our attorney review your case and discuss all of your legal options.