Having a bad fall and not being able to work as a result can be a very stressful experience that leaves you wondering what to do. If you can't go to work after a vehicle accident injuries in California, these steps will guide you through managing your recovery and legal rights. Here are some steps you should take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation:
1. Notify your company by contacting them as soon as possible. Contact the manager /supervisor that same day to let them know about missing in work the first time. Tell him that you were an injured person, present facts about the injury, and tell him how long you may stay away from work. An effective advice would be to contact the doctor's office for a doctor's note.
2. Get individual knowledge of your legal rights under FMLA requirements. As per The Family Medical Leave Act, employers must grant leave for up to 12 weeks to employees who are eligible without the need for payment when they are going through a serious medical complication. Find out from your HR if you meet the FMLA qualifications for job-secured leave.
3. Move for a time off due to workers' injuries. If you fell into any work-related injuries, you may seek workers’ compensation, which includes covering medical expenses and disability payments that may be performed. First, you must report about your workplace injury to your employer and then obtain any insurance related forms.
4. Resort to sick leave or some kind of disability insurance. If you are a beneficiary of sick leave or short term disability, use them as a transitory measure to replace your temporary income while you are recovering. Contact your Human Resources office to get specific details on the different alternatives that are provided.
5. Seek medical treatment. Make sure that you take the initiative to schedule an appointment with your physician to address the injury. Make sure you strictly follow all the medical advice, try to make yours appointments if they are necessary, and complete all prescribed treatment plans so you can heal faster. Find a physician who is ready to let you off work and show him the note.
6. Speak to your employer. In the stage of your recovery when you are clear to return, let your manager know the day you anticipate to return and whether there are any restrictions to your work assignment. Informing the team members about the situation ensures that they know what to expect so that they can adjust their plan to suit the situation when you are out.
Being off from your duty might be the problem, if you are injured. Certainly, stick with the following advice and you will be able to cruise through the next steps as well as protect your cause of action. Give a priority to your health so that you can heal well to be able to work when you prepared for that.