What to Do If You Experience a Back Injury at Work

 Posted on December 06, 2023 in Denied Claims and Appeals

Getting injured on the job can be scary and confusing. If you have hurt your back at work in California, it is essential to respond correctly to get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. A California lawyer can help you through each step.

Report Your Injury Properly

The first thing you will need to do is report your back injury to your employer. Make sure you follow all proper procedures and notify your supervisor right away. There are usually strict reporting deadlines for work injuries, so do not delay this. Ensure your injury is well-documented with details on what happened, when, where, how it occurred, who witnessed it, and any other pertinent facts about how you were hurt doing your job.

Get Checked Out by a Doctor

If you have not seen a doctor yet, this is one of the most critical steps. Your physician will be able to examine you and your injuries closely. Make sure not to try and downplay your pain. Let them know precisely how you are feeling. Getting medical records of your diagnosis, treatment plan, and injury severity is crucial evidence to support your workers’ compensation claim later. The doctor will assess your condition, recommend treatment options, and determine if you should limit your work duties during recovery or go on leave. Make sure to follow up regularly with your physician for your own health, along with having the documentation.

Consider Your Options Carefully

Do not rush into signing any binding legal agreements or accepting an early settlement offer from your employer’s insurance company without exploring other options. Your lawyer will determine what is genuinely fair given the situation and long-term impacts on your ability to work and quality of life. While an attorney cannot guarantee any compensation, they can let you know when you may have more potential for more. With their help, you can avoid critical mistakes that could harm your case.

Contact a Morgan Hill, CA Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Standing up to fight for your rights is the best path forward after being hurt doing your job. With an experienced Gilroy, CA workers’ compensation lawyer on your side, you can feel confident you will know which step you need to take next. You do not have to go through this alone. Call Cramer + Martinez at 408-848-1113 for a free consultation to see how we can help you. We look forward to speaking with you