3 Reasons to Report a Workplace Injury Quickly
Oftentimes, the standard advice for workers who have been injured on the job is that they should report their situation as soon as they can. They need to talk to a supervisor or even contact their boss and simply get that report on file. This isn’t a task that you want to delay.
But have you ever wondered why not? Below are three reasons not to put this responsibility off and to make injury reports quickly.
You Need Medical Care
First and foremost, you need to get proper medical care as quickly as possible. Failing to do so can make your symptoms worse or could allow other complications to develop. Never assume that you weren’t injured or that you can just tough it out and stay at work. Report your injury and get the medical care that you need. Getting this care can also strengthen any claim that you eventually choose to file.
It’s Clear You Were Hurt at Work
Another reason to report an injury right away is that it makes it clear to your employer that you were actually on the job when you were hurt. If an employee comes in and says that they suffered a workplace injury the day before, or the week before, the employer may assume that they actually got injured at home and that they are now simply trying to make a fraudulent report to get workers’ comp. This isn’t to say that would be true in all cases, of course, but making a prompt report can simply help to avoid any conflict in this regard.
There Is a Statute of Limitations
Finally, there is a statute of limitations for workers’ comp cases in California. The state has sent that statute of limitations at one year. Other states use longer limits, such as Massachusetts, which sets the limit at four years. But you do need to move relatively quickly in California, because although you technically have one year to file a claim, you will be barred from making that claim if you don’t report your work injury within a matter of days to start this process.
If you’ve been hurt on the job, it can be a confusing situation wherein you need to consider medical care, how to pay your bills and if you’re going to be able to return to work. At the same time, be sure you look into the necessary legal steps to take in order to make sure that you receive any workers’ compensation benefits to which you are rightfully entitled.