I have a physically demanding job and injured my back lifting heavy equipment. Can I get compensated for expenses of my injury?

It is very important that the first thing you do is report your injury to your supervisor as soon as possible. Under California guidelines, if you fail to report the injury within 30 days, it will effect your ability to file a worker’s compensation claim and may result in you being unable to receive benefits.

If you inform your supervisor or claims administrator about your need for medical attention, they must provide you with medical assistance in regards to that injury according to law. Under California employment injury law, your treatment schedule is permitted to include a total of 24 chiropractic visits, 24 physical therapy visits, and 24 occupational therapy visits, unless additional visits are authorized by the claim administrator/.

The company must pay for the employment related injury treatment. You are not required under California law to pay for the treatment given if it is deemed work-related. If your company refuses to pay, or refuses to allow you to see a doctor after repeated notice to them, you should nevertheless see a doctor and contact a personal injury attorney with experience in employment injuries to ensure your health is maintained, and your legal rights are vindicated.