If you have been injured while at work in the state of California, it is likely that you will be considering making a claim for workers’ compensation. In the majority of situations, you are within your rights to do this. However, you must make sure to take action as soon as possible. If you notify your employer too late, you may no longer be able to make a successful claim.
It is important to know the role that your boss plays in the claims process additionally. Your employer is essentially a middle man, working between you and their insurance provider. It is important that you do not automatically trust your employer to make the right decisions for you, and that you take the time to understand how the law works for yourself.
Don’t believe everything that your employer says, and research the law yourself
It is quite common for employers to inform their injured workers that they cannot file a workers’ compensation claim because the injury was their fault. Many employees take their employer’s word for this, and consequentially do not file a claim. However, this is simply a false statement. If you were injured through a work-related injury, you are entitled to make a claim, regardless of fault.
Make sure to fulfill your own responsibilities
Theoretically, your employer does not have any legal obligation to take action until you have notified them of the incident. You must do this within 10 days of the injury occurring. When you have done this, your employer needs to take further action.