Yes. The first 72 hours after a work injury in California can heavily influence your medical care, your credibility, and the amount of workers’ comp benefits you may receive. In many cases, people don’t “lose” later, they lose early, when an injury is minimized, not documented, or never clearly reported.
Why this matters (and why it’s so easy to get wrong)
Most people don’t plan for a work injury. You’re just trying to get through the shift, get home, and keep life moving. So, when something happens, the instinct is human:
“It’s not that bad.”
“I’ll be fine tomorrow.”
“I can’t miss work, who pays the bills?”
“I don’t want to cause problems.”
But workers’ comp doesn’t run on instincts. It runs on documentation, timelines, and what gets written down first, especially at your first medical visit. And that can feel unfair, because you’re dealing with pain, stress, and uncertainty all at once.
Who this applies to
This is for you if you were injured at work in California and:
You haven’t reported it yet (or you told someone verbally but nothing happened).
You reported it, but your employer didn’t send you to a doctor.
You went to a clinic/ER but you’re worried you “said the wrong thing.”
You’re paid in cash or “under the table” and feel unsure about your rights.
You’re overwhelmed and trying to figure it out alone.
The “72-Hour Protection Rule” (what to do right now)
If you remember nothing else, remember this: protect yourself early because fixing mistakes later is harder.
1) Report the injury immediately (and do it in writing)
Tell a supervisor or HR as soon as possible, then follow up with a text or email like:
“Following up to document that I was injured at work today and I need medical care.”
Why? Because writing creates a timestamp. If something gets questioned later, that paper trail matters.
2) Document symptoms accurately (don’t edit yourself)
Write down:
What happened
Date/time/location
Witness names
Symptoms (even if they seem “small”)
And here’s the big one: list every body part that feels affected, not just the main one. Shoulder pain can include arm, elbow, hand, and neck. If you leave it out early, insurance may argue it’s “not part of the injury” later.
3) Get medical care even if your employer delays
If your employer doesn’t provide care, go to urgent care or the ER and clearly say:
“This happened at work.”
Don’t wait just because the system is moving slow. Pain doesn’t wait.
4) Treat the first doctor visit like it matters (because it does)
What you say in the first visit can shape the rest of the claim. Be honest and specific.
Try not to casually say things like:
“It’s not that bad.”
“I’m feeling better.”
“I’ve had this before.”
Those phrases can be misunderstood or used to minimize your injury, delay treatment, or raise “pre-existing condition” arguments, especially if it’s written in medical notes.
5) Keep copies of everything
Do not forget to save:
Emails/texts to your employer
Photos of the scene or visible injuries
Any forms you fill out
If there’s a DWC-1 claim form involved, fill it out carefully: date of injury, how it happened, and all affected body parts.
6) Be careful with recorded statements and social media
Insurance companies may request statements early. Don’t guess, don’t “tough it out” on the phone, and be cautious about posts that contradict your injury (even as jokes). It can create confusion later.
Common mistakes we see (that can cost people benefits)
Waiting days or weeks because “it’ll go away”
Only reporting verbally (no written proof)
Leaving out body parts that hurt
Minimizing pain to look “strong”
Saying “I’ve had this before” without context
Assuming a denial means “the end”
Believing you have no rights because you’re paid cash
What if you’re paid “under the table”?
A lot of workers get intimidated into silence. Some employers pressure people to say the injury happened at home. But in many situations, work is work, and being paid in cash does not automatically erase your right to medical care or a claim.
If you’re being threatened or pressured, that’s a serious red flag. Don’t carry that alone.
When to call a workers’ comp lawyer
This isn’t about scare tactics. It’s about knowing when you need support.
Consider calling if:
Your employer won’t give you a DWC-1 form or won’t send you to a doctor
Your claim is delayed, denied, or ignored
You’re worried your first doctor visit didn’t reflect what you actually feel
You’re being pressured to “keep it quiet”
You have multiple body parts involved or symptoms are getting worse
You’re overwhelmed and don’t know what to do next
If you were injured at work in California, don’t let the first 72 hours decide your case without you.
Visit pacificworkers.com or call 800-606-6999 for a free consultation. We can help you understand what to do next, what to document, and how to protect your medical care and benefits from the start.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
1) What should I do first after a work injury in California?
Report it immediately, then put it in writing (text/email). Next, get medical care and document symptoms.
2) What if my employer refuses to send me to a doctor?
You can still seek care (urgent care/ER) and state it was work-related. Don’t let the delay stop you from getting treated.
3) Why are the first 72 hours after a work injury so important?
Because early documentation and the first medical notes often shape credibility, treatment, and how the insurance company handles the claim.
4) Can one sentence at the doctor’s office hurt my case?
It can. Phrases like “it’s not that bad” or “I’m fine” may get written down and used to justify less treatment or fewer benefits.
5) What if I forgot to mention a body part that hurts?
It may still be fixable, but it’s harder. That’s why it’s best to list all affected body parts as early as possible.
6) Do I have rights if I’m paid cash or “under the table”?
In many cases, yes. Don’t assume you have no options, get guidance before you stay silent.
7) Should I post about my injury on social media?
Be cautious. Posts can be misunderstood or taken out of context and used to question your injury.
About the Author
Bilal Kassem President and Co-founder
Bilal Kassem is the co-founder of Pacific Workers and a nominee for Applicant Attorney of the Year. With a deep-rooted passion for helping injured workers, Bilal leads with empathy and empowers his team to deliver world-class service from the very first interaction.
With years of hands-on experience handling California workers’ compensation cases, Bilal has seen firsthand how early reporting, accurate medical documentation, and the first 72 hours after an injury can shape the outcome of a claim. His work focuses on protecting injured workers from common early mistakes that insurance companies often use to delay, deny, or reduce benefits.
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not legal advice. Every case is different.