What Should I Do After an Injury?

Oakland Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Provide Support After an Injury on the Job

Valuable Advice on How to Obtain Workers’ Compensation Benefits

When seeking compensation for any type of injury, getting help from a skilled lawyer is important to your success. If you’ve suffered an injury or illness in the course of your job, you may be wondering how to initiate a claim for Workers’ Compensation benefits.

In California, there are specific steps you must take to obtain benefits through your employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance. If your injury or condition has rendered you unable to work, it is even more important to file correctly the first time so you begin receiving benefits as quickly as possible.

Located in Oakland, the Law Offices of John E. Hill, P.C., features experienced attorneys who help injured workers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area understand the requirements of the California Workers’ Compensation system. We guide clients through every step of the claims process.

What Should You Do After an Injury?

When you’re injured at work, you and your employer have responsibilities regarding filing a Workers’ Compensation claim. Filing your application accurately and on time can help you avoid a delay or denial of benefits.

The following tips can help you proceed after you suffer an occupational injury:

• Contact your supervisor or employer as soon as possible after an accident or when you become aware that you’ve contracted or developed a work-related condition or illness. Notice of your injury allows your employer to respond to your claim. Proper notification is an important step toward receiving coverage for medical care and other Workers’ Compensation benefits. If you fail to provide notice within 30 days, you could lose your right to obtain benefits.
• After giving notice of your injury to your employer, you must submit a claim form. Your employer should provide you with a form within one working day of your initial notification. You can also download the form from the California Department of Industrial Relations. Fill out and sign the employee section of the form and return it to your employer. Keep a copy of your completed form and record the date you transmitted it to your supervisor or employer. If you mail your completed form, send it by certified mail so you will have proof of the date you submitted your claim.
• You are entitled to medical care while your claim is being processed. Within one day of filing the claim form, your employer must authorize medical treatment. Within approximately 14 days, you should receive a letter from the insurance company for your employer concerning your claim. If you do not hear from the insurance company for 90 days, your claim is usually considered approved — but you or your lawyer should follow up.

At the Law Offices of John E. Hill, our attorneys can help you file correctly and follow your Workers’ Compensation claim from outset through appeal, if necessary. With many years of experience helping injured workers in the San Francisco Bay Area, we know how to help you obtain the maximum benefits to which you are entitled.

Call Us for Help When Filing Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

California Workers’ Compensation benefits can be crucial when you cannot work or do the work you did before your illness or injury. The attorneys at the Law Offices of John E. Hill, P.C. act on your behalf to obtain the benefits you need and deserve. Call (510) 588-1000 today or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation to discuss your injury. We offer flexible office hours, and most of our staff members are fluent in Spanish.