Documenting your work injury is an essential step in protecting yourself if you need to pursue a legal claim. By keeping track of details like where the accident took place, how it happened, and who witnessed it, you create a record that may be incredibly valuable later on. Whether you’re filing for workers’ compensation or exploring other legal options, accurate information can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Reach out to a workplace injury attorney in Los Angeles for help.
Important Steps to Take After Your Injury
Below are some of the most important steps you can take after being injured at work.
Report the Injury Immediately
In California, you typically have 30 days to notify your employer of a workplace injury, although it’s wise to do it as soon as it happens. Make sure this is done in writing.
Except as provided by sections 5402 and 5403, no claim to recover compensation under this division shall be maintained unless within thirty days after the occurrence of the injury which is claimed to have caused the disability or death, there is served upon the employer notice in writing, signed by the person injured or someone in his behalf, or in case of the death of the person injured, by a dependent or someone in the dependent’s behalf.
Prompt reporting ensures that your injury is officially logged in the company’s records or incident report. It also helps show that the accident and any related health issues are genuinely tied to your job.
Seek Medical Attention and Keep Records
Even if your injury seems minor, seeing a doctor as soon as possible can lay the groundwork for any claim you decide to make. Medical records, test results, and treatment plans act as proof for how severe and work-related your issue is.
Take Photos of the Injury and the Scene
Photographs can be a powerful way to show exactly what happened. Take pictures of any visible injuries you have and the area where you got hurt. If there were hazardous conditions – a broken railing or spilled liquid – take photos of that, too.
Gather Witness Statements and Contact Information
If any coworkers or bystanders saw the accident take place, ask for their contact information. Their version of events might match yours and help confirm you were injured on the job.
Keep a Journal of Your Symptoms and Recovery
Each day, write down how you feel physically and mentally. List any symptoms, changes in your condition, or limitations you notice at work or in everyday tasks. This record can show how the injury has affected your daily life.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Sometimes, no matter how well you gather evidence, navigating the legal side alone can be stressful. A Los Angeles personal injury attorney can review the details, help collect additional evidence, and guide you through your claim. This professional support can help you focus on healing while making sure your documentation is solid.
Understand Your Rights and Workers’ Compensation
Most routine workplace injuries fall under the workers’ comp system. This means you don’t have to prove anyone was at fault to collect benefits. The trade-off is that compensation can be limited, covering medical bills and a portion of your lost wages but not emotional damages.
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When You Might File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If a third party, like an equipment manufacturer or a property owner, was responsible for your injury, you could have grounds to file a lawsuit outside of workers’ comp. For example, if faulty machinery from another company injured your hand or if a contractor on site acted recklessly, you may have a third-party lawsuit. While it takes more effort to prove someone else was negligent, a successful lawsuit can help you recover a broader range of damages than what workers’ compensation offers.
The best way to determine what type of claim you can file is to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.