Your first 8 steps after a work injury

A simple, general checklist to protect your health and your claim.

Get medical attention right away.
Your health comes first, and prompt care also creates a record that documents the injury from day one.

Report the injury to your employer in writing.
Notify your supervisor as soon as possible, in writing, so there's a dated record that you reported it.

Write down exactly what happened.
Note the date, time, what you were doing, how the injury occurred, and the names of any witnesses while it's fresh.

Ask for the claim form and file it.
Request the official workers' comp claim form, complete it, file it, and keep a copy of everything you submit.

Follow your treatment plan.
Attend every appointment and follow your doctor's instructions — gaps in care can be used to question your injury.

Keep records of your losses.
Track missed work, out-of-pocket expenses, and travel or mileage to and from appointments.

Be careful with the insurance company.
You generally don't have to give a recorded statement before getting advice. Be polite, but cautious about what you sign or say.

Talk to a workers' comp attorney.
Get advice before accepting any settlement — once you sign, it's usually very hard to reopen your claim.

Talk to a workers' comp attorney — free

Not sure if you're doing the right things, or whether an offer is fair? Send your details and a workers' comp attorney will review your situation — free, with no obligation.

Why your first steps matter so much

A workers' compensation claim is built on documentation. The clearer the record that your injury happened at work, was reported promptly, and was treated consistently, the harder it is for an insurer to dispute. Most claims that run into trouble do so not because the injury wasn't real, but because of avoidable gaps — a late report, a missed appointment, or a recorded statement given before the worker understood their rights.

Two principles drive almost everything on the checklist above:

Document everything, early

Memories fade and details get disputed. Reporting in writing, keeping copies, and logging your appointments and expenses turns your account into a paper trail that speaks for itself.

Get advice before you commit

You don't have to navigate the insurance process alone, and you don't have to accept the first number you're offered. A short conversation with an attorney before signing anything can prevent costly, permanent mistakes. Deadlines to report and to file vary by state, so it's wise to act quickly.

Frequently asked questions

As soon as possible — ideally the same day. Every state sets its own deadline to notify your employer and to file a claim, and waiting can jeopardize your benefits. Reporting promptly and in writing is the safest approach.

In many situations you are not required to give a recorded statement before getting advice. Insurers may use these statements to minimize a claim, so it's reasonable to speak with an attorney first.

It depends on your state. Some states let you pick your treating physician, while others require you to use an employer- or insurer-approved provider, at least initially. Either way, get prompt care and follow the treatment plan.

Not before getting advice. Settlements are usually final, so once you sign it's very hard to reopen the claim — even if your condition worsens. Have an attorney review any offer before you accept it.

What to Do After a Work Injury