Injured at Work? You May Still Have Rights If You Made a Mistake

Many Filipino workers think they cannot ask for help if they made a mistake. In California, workers' compensation generally does not require you to prove that your employer caused the injury. Eligibility still depends on the facts.

Work injuries can include lifting injuries, slips and falls, repetitive strain, exposure, or accidents involving equipment. They happen in healthcare, caregiving, warehouses, construction, hospitality, and many other jobs.

Tell your supervisor or employer as soon as possible and explain when, where, and how the injury happened. Ask for the workers' compensation claim form and keep a copy of anything you submit.

Follow the instructions for treatment and describe every symptom honestly. Workers' compensation may provide medical care and, when applicable, disability or wage-replacement benefits.

• If your claim is delayed, denied, or confusing, ask for qualified guidance. Deadlines can apply.