Oakland Accident Attorneys - Bay Area Accident Law Attorneys Based in Oakland

	What Should You Do If You Have Been Injured At Work? A. Report the Injury Immediately following an injury on the job, the accident should be reported to someone in a position of authority such as the leadman, foreman, supervisor, etc. Failure or delay in reporting the injury may result in a denial of workers’ compensation benefits. A late-reported claim may delay benefits until the insurance company has had an opportunity to investigate the matter. Within one working day of knowledge of the injury, the employer shall provide a claim form to the employee who is then required to file it with the employer. The form, known as a "DWC-1 form", must include information on administrative assistance available and on procedures to commence proceedings. Note that this is a change from the previous rule. The employee now must fill out a specific claim form when injured. Therefore, a verbal report of injury is no longer all that must be done. The employee should also report the accident to her/his union shop steward or business agent so that she/he may be advised of any steps necessary under the collective bargaining agreement to protect her/his rights and benefits. B. Request Medical Care If the accident is reported and medical treatment requested, the employer will either tell the injured employee which doctor to see or advise her/him to see her/his own doctor. In either event, the workers’ compensation insurance company is obligated to pay medical expenses that are reasonable, necessary and related to the injury in question.