The Occupational Safety and Health Administration works hard to ensure that employees are kept safe while on the job in California and across the country. Despite the regulations it has in place, workplace accidents still occur, leaving many employees and their families wondering how they will cope with the financial implications of their workplace injuries. To protect workers, states require employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees.
The most important task following an accident is to seek appropriate medical treatment. After doing so, the injured worker’s next step is to notify his or her supervisor about the accident. It is necessary to do this as quickly as possible in order to ensure that all deadlines are met and also that the details of an accident are still fresh in the mind of the injured worker.
The supervisor will likely supply a worker’s comp form after notification, but if not, the victim can seek one from California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation. Once the form is completed, it will be reviewed by the insurance company and determined whether the request for compensation will be approved. Even if denied, a worker has the option of appealing the decision.
For many people in California going through the stress of a workplace injury, the workers’ compensation process is often an additional burden in a time in which the focus should be on recovery. As a result, many people seek the advice of an attorney with experience with the process. A fair settlement can help ensure that an injured worker receives the treatment he or she needs in addition to providing for lost wages.
Source: FindLaw, “The Workers’ Compensation Claim Process“, July 27, 2016