If one of your employees suffers an injury at work, make sure their injury is treated as soon as possible. It’s important to take prompt and proper steps to protect your health, your rights and your job. Did a third party cause your accident while you were on the job? If so, you could have a personal injury case and may be entitled to additional compensation for your work-related accident.
Here’s what to do:
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
If it’s an emergency: Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
If it’s not an emergency: Report the injury to your supervisor and ask about approved medical providers (especially important for workers’ compensation).
2. Report the Accident to Your Employer
Notify your supervisor or HR as soon as possible, preferably in writing.
Most states and countries have deadlines (sometimes within 24–30 days) to report a workplace injury for workers’ compensation.
You may be hesitant to report your accident to your supervisor but you need to report the incident as soon as possible. This way, you can file for workers’ comp and get assistance faster. Even if you have a third-party liability case, reporting the accident promptly is crucial.
The statutes of limitation to file a worker’s comp claim and third-party suit can vary by state, so you risk getting your claim denied if you wait too long to file.
Many employers require that you report a work accident within 30 days. However, you aren’t doing yourself or your employer any favors by waiting. Your employer has to file the claim so you can receive workers’ compensation for your injury. So the sooner you report the accident, the better.
3. Document Everything
Write down when, where and how the accident happened.
Take photos of the scene, your injuries or any unsafe conditions.
Collect names and contact info of any witnesses.
Be sure to request a copy of your workers’ compensation claim from your employer, so you have it for your records.
4. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Your employer should give you the forms.
Fill them out promptly—in many places, you can’t sue your employer for job-related injuries, but workers’ comp can cover medical costs, lost wages, rehab, etc.
5. Follow Doctor’s Orders
Attend all appointments.
Follow treatment plans.
Keep receipts and notes related to your care.
6. Keep Copies of Everything
Accident report, medical records, communications with employer, and claim forms.
7. Consider Legal Advice (Optional but Often Helpful)
Filing a claim for a work-related accident can get overwhelming. If your case is simple and not complex, you may be able to handle the case on your own. However, you risk losing out on benefits that may be owed to you if you don’t seek out an experienced attorney.
Especially if:
Your claim is denied.
You’re being pressured not to report.
You’re being retaliated against.
Your injuries are severe or long-term.
You can consult a workers’ compensation attorney, often with free consultations and no upfront fees.
Let me know your location or what kind of job it was—laws and processes can vary by state/country and industry.