It is already difficult dealing with a work injury, it can only make it that much more nerve-wracking reporting it to your supervisor. There are so many things that may cross your mind, such as “I don’t want this to affect my work hours and I don’t want this to affect my job security.” The first and most important piece of information to note is that it is illegal for your employer to retaliate and fire you for submitting a workers’ compensation claim. Secondly, your employer should be able to help accommodate your work restrictions to facilitate your transition to work and if they are not able to reasonably accommodate your needs due to injury, you can easily apply for disability. Here is more on transitioning back to work after a work injury.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s talk about reporting your work injury to your supervisor.
How Do I Start?
As soon as you are injured to the point that you cannot perform your job duties, your first task is to talk to your supervisor or co-worker about your injury. Once management finds out about your injury they are required to file “a complete report of every occupational injury or illness to each employee which results in lost time beyond the date of injury or illness of which requires medical treatment beyond first aid”. This information is coming straight from the California Workers’ Compensation Institute. It is important that every injury gets reported while still employed to strengthen your case with your employer. IF you have further questions or concerns give us a call 888-514-5112 or schedule a callback for an appointment for a free consultation.