Tell your boss or supervisor about your injury as soon as possible. In California, you generally have 30 days to report — but the sooner the better. If you wait too long, the insurance company can use that delay against you. Even if it feels minor, report it. Some injuries get worse over time.

After you report your injury, your employer is required by law to give you a DWC-1 form. This is your official workers’ compensation claim form. Fill it out completely and keep a copy for yourself. This form officially opens your workers’ comp claim and protects your rights under California Labor Code §5400.

You have the right to medical care for your injury. Your employer’s insurance company will likely direct you to a doctor in their Medical Provider Network (MPN). Go get treated — don’t wait. Your health comes first, and your medical records are also key evidence in your case.

As soon as you can, write down exactly what happened — where you were, what you were doing, what caused the injury, and who saw it. Take photos of any equipment, your work area, or your visible injuries. These notes and photos can be very important later if the insurance company tries to dispute your claim.

Did anyone see what happened? Ask your coworkers for their names and phone numbers. Witnesses can be powerful support for your claim. Don’t assume your employer will keep track of this — do it yourself.

Go to all your doctor appointments. Follow the treatment plan. Take your medications as directed. If you skip appointments or ignore your doctor’s advice, the insurance company may argue that you are not as hurt as you say — or that you made your injury worse. Document every appointment, every referral, and every prescription.

You do not have to face this alone — and you should not try to. A workers’ comp attorney costs you nothing upfront. We only get paid if you win. An experienced attorney makes sure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to: medical care, temporary disability payments, permanent disability, and more. Call us today for a free consultation.

If you delay reporting your injury, the insurance company will question whether it really happened at work. California law gives you 30 days, but report immediately. Every day you wait gives the insurance company more ammunition to deny your claim.

The insurance adjuster may call you and ask to record your statement. They sound friendly — but they are not on your side. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your benefits. Do not give a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first. This is one of the most common ways injured workers accidentally hurt their own cases.

The insurance company may send you papers to sign. Some of those documents could limit your rights — or even settle your case for far less than you deserve. Never sign anything without having an attorney review it first. Once you sign, it can be very difficult to undo.

California has some of the strongest workers’ compensation laws in the country. Under Labor Code §3600, if you are injured at work, you are entitled to benefits — regardless of who was at fault. You cannot be fired for filing a workers’ comp claim (Labor Code §132a). And you are entitled to free medical care for your injury, temporary disability payments if you cannot work, and permanent disability benefits if your injury has lasting effects.