Local 770 Membership Advisory
How to Best Protect Yourself Before a Workplace Injury Occurs.

Getting injured on the job can prove to be a medical care nightmare. In addition to management's pressure tactics to file for State Disability instead of properly filing a Worker's Compensation claim, many who do file for Worker's Compensation benefits and accept medical care under the employers' program are faced with unacceptable, lengthy delays of their medical care or are pitted against doctors rushing them back to work.

The Worker's Compensation reform bill that was passed by the California State Legislature (04/16/04) will heavily impact injured workers.

To minimize potential problems, personal anxieties and for your own best protection, your Union strongly recommends that every member designate her or his own physician as their primary medical care provider for injuries sustained on the job.

This can be achieved by filling out a Pre-select Physician Form and submitting it to management prior to sustaining a workplace injury. The necessary steps to gain this protection are:


           1. Consult with your Doctor to confirm that he or she will treat you for workplace injuries.

           2. Print a copy of our Pre-select Physician Form from our web site or contact your Business Representative.

           3. Fill out the form and make a copy for your own records.

           4. Submit the original form to management.

This added protection will remain available to many California workers only until May 2007. Therefore, it is very important for every member to avail themselves of it immediately.