If you incur an injury at work, even if you think it is minor or your own fault, report it to your employer. Laws vary from state to state, but you will have a limited amount of time to make the notification, verbally or in writing.
What kinds of injuries should I report?
Report even a minor work-related injury to your employer if it will require medical care or cause you to miss work or if it might develop into such a condition.
If your injury is not acute, such as chronic exposure to dangerous substances or cumulative damage from repetitive motion, let your employer know as soon as you become aware of your injury.
Should I get medical care?
If you get hurt at work, seek medical care as soon as possible. If it is an emergency, go to the emergency room.
Otherwise, consult on-site postings or your employer’s human resources department to learn the preferred medical providers for its workers’ compensation insurer. Tell whoever provides your medical care that the injury occurred at work, and they will send your medical bills to your employer.
What about filing for workers’ compensation?
Employers maintain “no-fault” workers’ compensation insurance to recompense injured employees.
When you report a work-related injury, your employer must supply you with forms to fill out that it will send to its insurer. Usually, this constitutes the beginning of your workers’ compensation claim, but in some states, you must also fill out an official claim form.
Workplace safety improves through prompt reporting of injuries, and so does your likelihood of receiving compensation for medical expenses and lost work time.
