A workplace injury has the potential to put a halt to your life and your income. Luckily you can enjoy peace of mind through your company’s workers’ compensation benefits, but it is important to avoid certain pitfalls that can emerge when filing a claim.

The worst case scenario is that your workers’ compensation claim meets with denial. You always have the option to fight a claim denial, but it is best to follow the right steps from the outset to strengthen your claim.

The California Department of Industrial Relations recommends reporting a workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident. Your circumstances might demand that you seek immediate medical attention first, but be sure to report the injury at the earliest opportunity.

Your health is your highest priority, so seeking medical attention might precede reporting the injury to your employer depending on severity. Regardless, it is always crucial to consult with a physician before filing a workers’ compensation claim so you understand the full extent of your injury and the expenses that you need your benefits to cover. If you are an undocumented worker , don’t hesitate to reach out to a skilled attorney to discuss your undocumented workers comp rights and ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

Document the accident to the best of your ability, collect relevant testimony from coworkers and keep all pertinent medical records close at hand. These serve as evidence that you should include with your claim to reinforce the validity of your circumstances.

Receiving compensation when you sustain an injury at work should be a given. When your livelihood is on the line, though, it is best to not take any chances and instead take all possible precautions to secure the outcome you deserve.