Skip to Content
chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up chevron-right chevron-left arrow-back star phone quote checkbox-checked search wrench info shield play connection mobile coin-dollar spoon-knife ticket pushpin location gift fire feed bubbles home heart calendar price-tag credit-card clock envelop facebook instagram twitter youtube pinterest yelp google reddit linkedin envelope bbb pinterest homeadvisor angies

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

Most employees go into work each day with the assumption that they’ll return home in the same general state of health. But accidents at work happen every day and countless employees in San Jose sustain workplace injuries. Since there is simply no way to predict whether you’ll be hurt at work or when an accident will happen, it’s important to understand the steps you should take after an accident. If you’re ever unclear about your legal rights or you need to file a claim, you can consult a workers’ compensation attorney for guidance.

Notify the Supervisor

It’s important that you notify your supervisor of your workplace injury as soon as possible. Of course, if you’ve sustained traumatic injuries and require emergency attention, your first priority should be to call 911 for an ambulance. However, most employees who are hurt while on the job are able to provide notification to their employer that they have sustained an injury and must leave work to seek medical care.

Get Medical Help

In most cases, employees who are hurt while at work will seek care at an urgent care facility or the emergency room, rather than wait for an appointment with their primary care physician. Even if you have not sustained severe injuries, you should seek medical care in a timely manner. Be sure to inform the medical providers that you sustained the injury while on the job.

File a Claim

After you’ve been discharged from the medical center, your employer should provide you with the necessary paperwork to file a workers’ comp claim. Since there is a possibility that your claim might be denied, it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney who handles employment matters. Your attorney will ensure that the claim is filled out correctly and that any necessary supporting documents are attached.

Follow the Doctor’s Instructions

To avoid jeopardizing your workers’ compensation benefits, you should carefully follow your doctor’s discharge instructions. Go to all follow-up medical appointments, take your medication as prescribed, and ask whether you should have any additional medical tests. Your doctor may need to provide your employer with written notification about your required recovery time away from work or workplace modifications.

Procedures After Workplace Injury in San Jose