Step-by-Step Guide to Injuries in the California Workplace

If you are an employee in California and you have been injured in the workplace, it’s important
to understand your rights and take action to protect them. The Fair Employment and Housing
Act (FEHA) and the California Labor Code provide specific provisions related to workplace
injuries and disabilities, and it’s important to understand these provisions to ensure that you
are treated fairly and that your rights are protected. In this blog post, we’ll outline the step-by-
step process for understanding and navigating your rights and protections as an injured
employee in the California workplace.

Step 1: Know your rights under FEHA and the California Labor Code.

The first step in understanding and navigating your rights as an injured employee in the
California workplace is to know your rights under FEHA and the California Labor Code. FEHA
prohibits discrimination against employees with disabilities, including those who have been
injured in the workplace, and the California Labor Code requires employers to provide workers’
compensation benefits to employees who are injured on the job. Specifically, under FEHA, it is
unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an employee because of a disability or injury,
and under the California Labor Code, an employer must provide workers’ compensation
benefits to employees who are injured on the job.

Step 2: Report your injury to your employer.

If you are an employee in California and you have been injured in the workplace, it’s important
to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. You should let your employer know
about the injury, how it occurred, and any symptoms or treatment you may be experiencing.
You should also document the injury and any related medical treatment in writing.
Step 3: Seek medical attention.
If you have been injured in the workplace, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as
possible. This may include seeking treatment from a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or
nurse, or receiving first aid from a trained medical professional. You should also follow any
medical treatment or rehabilitation recommendations that are provided to you.

Step 4: File a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

If you have been injured in the workplace and you are seeking workers’ compensation benefits,
it’s important to file a claim as soon as possible. You can file a claim with the California Division
of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), which is responsible for administering the state’s workers’
compensation system. To file a claim, you will need to complete a workers’ compensation claim

form and submit it to the DWC. You may also wish to consult with an attorney who specializes
in workers’ compensation law.

Step 5: Seek legal advice.

If you have any questions or concerns about your rights as an injured employee in the California
workplace, or if you believe that your rights have been violated, it’s important to seek legal
advice. An experienced employment attorney can review the specific circumstances of your
case and advise you on your rights and options under FEHA and the California Labor Code. They
can also help you navigate any potential legal issues or challenges that may arise during the
workers’ compensation process.
If you are an employee in California and you have been injured in the workplace, it’s important
to understand your rights and take action to protect them. By knowing your rights under FEHA
and the California Labor Code, reporting your injury to your employer, seeking medical
attention, filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, and seeking legal advice if
necessary, you can ensure that you are treated fairly and that your rights are protected in the
California workplace. Don’t hesitate to seek legal help if you have any questions or concerns
about being injured in the California workplace.