If you are injured while working, you should report the case to your employer to receive workers’ compensation benefits. But how soon should you report the accident?
This guide discusses this matter:
Immediately after the accident
If you are involved in an accident at work, you should notify your employer or supervisor immediately. This way, they can see your injuries and the accident scene before anything changes.
As soon as you learn about an injury
Some injuries or illnesses develop gradually. It may take time to notice you are injured or to link your symptoms/injury to your work activities. Therefore, as soon as you discover these elements, you should notify your employer.
According to your employer’s deadline
Workplaces have internal deadlines for reporting accidents, with some having as strict as a few hours. Ensure you are informed about your employer’s deadline and observe it. If possible, you should report your injury before leaving the premises.
According to state rules
In California, employees are required to report work-related injuries within 30 days. If one fails to do so, they may be ineligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Why does timing matter?
Timing is crucial when it comes to workers’ compensation. The sooner you report an injury, the easier it can be to connect it to your job. Your employer’s insurance company may be ready to argue that factors outside your work led to your injuries to avoid compensating you.
Further, the workers’ compensation claim process can be complicated. And each involved party is expected to work within timelines. Reporting earlier can make your case more manageable.
If you are injured at work, you should get legal help to know the steps to take to avoid costly mistakes.
