WHAT TO DO AFTER A WORK RELATED INJURY

The general and safe response is that all injuries should be handled the same way, however, that methodology may not be practical in the course of your work day. Any injury that causes you to believe that you need the care of a doctor should be reported immediately.

The person(s) that is considered your immediate supervisor is the person or persons you should first notify of your injury. In as clear and precise manner as possible, report to your supervisor exactly how the injury happened, noting the time and place where the event occurred. If the injury is serious enough for medical attention, request and insist that they send or take you to their emergency center for care.

Your employer must give you a DWC-1 claim form within one (1) day of knowing that you were injured. Filling out the claim form opens up your workers’ compensation claim. State law also lays out benefits beyond the basics that you may qualify for once you file the claim form with your employer.

If your employer does not give you the DWC-1 claim form, ask your employer for the form or call the claims administrator to get it. The claims administrator is a person or entity handling your employer’s claims. The name, address and phone number of this person should be posted at your work place in the same area where other work place information, such as where the minimum wage is posted. You can also get the form from the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) web site at www.dwc.ca.gov. In the left navigation pane, under I Want To, click on Find a Form.

Heiting & Irwin has over 100 years combined experience assisting injured persons. Our Workers’ Compensation department is supervised by Richard H. Irwin, Esq., a California State Bar Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation. If you or someone you know has been injured, it is important to consult with an experienced, knowledgeable attorney in a timely fashion. To schedule a free consultation, please call our office at (951) 682-6400.