How to Protect Your Rights After a Worksite Injury in CA

 Posted on January 13, 2026 in Workers' Compensation

A worksite injury can put your health and income at risk right away. If you are hurt on the job in California, you have rights under the workers’ compensation system, but those rights depend on taking the correct steps early.

As of 2026, California still enforces strict deadlines and reporting rules for work injuries, and missing one can delay or reduce benefits. At the same time, claims are being reviewed more closely. In a 2025 statewide report, the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California reported that medical costs for workers’ compensation claims rose by eight percent in the previous year, leading insurers to scrutinize claims more aggressively.

If you were injured at work, our San Benito County, CA workers' compensation lawyer can help you understand what to do next and how to protect your rights.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Worksite Injury in California?

What you do in the first day or two after an injury can make a difference. Even injuries that seem minor can worsen, especially in physical jobs.

After a worksite injury, it is important to:

• Report the injury to a supervisor as soon as possible.

• Request and complete a workers’ compensation claim form.

• Get medical care and clearly state that the injury is work-related.

• Keep copies of reports, medical records, and work restrictions.

These steps help create a clear record and reduce disputes later.

Do You Have to Report a Work Injury Right Away in California?

California law expects workers to notify their employer soon after a work-related injury. Delays can give the employer or insurance company room to question whether the injury happened at work.

California Labor Code section 5400 addresses notice requirements. While there may be limited exceptions, reporting the injury promptly, usually within 30 days after the injury, is the safest approach.

What Medical Treatment Can You Receive After a Work Injury in California?

Medical care is a core workers’ compensation benefit. You are entitled to treatment that is reasonably needed to help you recover or manage the effects of your injury.

Under California Labor Code section 4600, employers must provide medical treatment related to the work injury. This may include doctor visits, testing, medication, therapy, and follow-up care. Problems often arise when treatment is delayed or denied, which is why accurate medical records are important.

If your employer uses a medical provider network, there may be rules about which doctor you see first. Understanding those rules early can help avoid gaps in care.

Can Your Employer Punish You for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Reporting a work injury and filing a claim are protected rights. California Labor Code section 132a prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for filing workers’ compensation claims. Retaliation can include reduced hours, discipline, or termination. When changes happen soon after an injury report, timing and documentation matter.

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits May Be Available After a Worksite Injury?

Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to support injured workers while they heal or adjust to lasting limitations. The benefits available depend on the injury and how it affects your ability to work.

Possible benefits may include:

• Medical treatment related to the injury

• Temporary disability payments while you cannot work

• Permanent disability benefits for lasting impairment

• Supplemental job displacement benefits if you cannot return to the same job

Each benefit has specific rules, and insurance companies review claims carefully.

Why Do Workers’ Compensation Claims Get Delayed or Disputed?

Many workers expect the process to move smoothly once a claim is filed. In practice, delays often happen when insurers question how the injury occurred, whether work caused it, or whether treatment is necessary.

Insurance companies may also focus on timing issues, such as late reporting or gaps in care. These disputes often turn on details in accident reports, medical notes, and work restrictions.

What Mistakes Can Hurt a Workers’ Compensation Claim in California?

Many workers unintentionally harm their own claims by making small but avoidable mistakes early on. One common mistake is waiting too long to report the injury, especially if the pain seemed manageable at first. Another is downplaying symptoms when speaking with a supervisor or doctor, which can lead to medical records that do not reflect the true impact of the injury. Missing medical appointments or failing to follow treatment plans can also raise questions about whether the injury is serious or work-related.

Some workers also assume they should return to work before they are medically ready, either out of fear or pressure. This can worsen the injury and complicate the claim. Being careful, consistent, and informed from the beginning helps protect both your health and your benefits.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Hollister, CA Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you were injured on the job, Raul Martinez Injury Law Firm can help you understand your rights and how the process works. We have served clients in Gilroy and the surrounding areas for nearly 30 years, and our current team brings more than two decades of combined experience handling workers’ compensation cases. That experience provides practical insight into how claims are reviewed and challenged in California.

Call 408-848-1113 to speak with a San Benito County, CA workers' compensation lawyer at Raul Martinez Injury Law Firm. Hablamos Español.