Workplace accidents are not something we think about often. We expect our workplace to be safe. However, incidents do happen. This is the idea behind employers being required to carry workers’ compensation.

If you are injured while on the job, time matters! You must know what to do after a workplace accident in Glendale and how to proceed with your claim. Otherwise, you may miss out on some benefits to which you are entitled. Our workers’ compensation attorneys could help you take the necessary steps following a workplace injury to ensure your rights are protected.

What Causes Workplace Accidents?

Every job, even office work, can pose risks. Most incidents that happen at the workplace could qualify as a workers’ compensation claim. Common causes of workplace injuries include, but are not limited to:

  • Unsafe work environment or conditions
  • Slips and falls due to wet floors and other slick surfaces
  • Industrial accidents, which may involve burns and other injuries
  • Commercial vehicle accidents or an accident that happens in a work-related vehicle
  • Machinery accidents, whether through malfunction, misuse, or improper maintenance
  • Construction accidents, including falling from ladders, hearing loss from loud equipment, or other instances

Remember, workers’ compensation claims may be made regardless of fault in California. This means that even if you fail to do something safely, your Glendale employer is still responsible for ensuring your safety; however, it falls on you to start the claims process after a workplace accident.

Steps To Take After a Workplace Accident

Following a workplace accident in Glendale, the situation can become chaotic, making it challenging for someone to determine the appropriate course of action. Our steps will simplify the process, so you know how to handle it.

Step One: Ensure Everyone is Safe

If possible, moving yourself or others to safety to avoid further injury is the most important thing.

Step Two: Seek Medical Attention

Once everyone is safe, you should seek medical attention, even if you do not feel the injury is severe. You should inform the physician that you sustained a work-related injury. They will document their findings and your claim.

As part of this, if your doctor gives recommendations on your care, you should follow them completely. Your benefits may depend on your full cooperation.

Step 3: Report the Incident to Your Supervisor

With all workers’ compensation claims, you must file a report. If you wish to file a claim, you must report the incident within a certain timeframe. They will provide you with a claim form within one day of the incident report. You should return it to them as soon as possible, filled out with as much detail as possible. It is essential to take the time to document the details of your incident, including the date, time, witnesses, and what happened.

Step Four: Gather Your Evidence

This is especially important if there was a cause for the accident, such as malfunctions of poorly maintained equipment or hazardous areas. Photographs, videos, witness statements, and other things can be included in the evidence you keep.

Step Five: Understand Your Right to Compensation Benefits

In all workplace injury claims, the injured employee has the right to receive treatment, disability (temporary or permanent), and appeal a denied claim. If you have any questions regarding your rights or feel that you are not being given the help you deserve, speaking with a workers’ comp lawyer is the best thing you can do to protect yourself.

You must maintain contact with your treating physician, employer, and claims administrator through the process. Everyone involved needs to understand your condition, work restrictions, and any special instructions your doctor may provide to accommodate your injury.

Hire a Glendale Lawyer From Glauber Berenson Vego After a Workplace Accident

Workers’ compensation claims can be challenging. We urge you to fully understand your rights and responsibilities before proceeding with legal action. If you need answers to any questions, we are here to help, no matter how insignificant the questions may seem to you.

Because we have seen it all, we feel that no question is bad. It is unasked questions that can hurt. One of the main reasons we offer free consultations for workers’ compensation cases is to help you know exactly what to do after a workplace accident in Glendale. Contact us today to take advantage of our knowledge regarding workers’ compensation claims in California.

What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Glendale

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