Injured at Work — What to Do in the First 30 Days

Tell your supervisor immediately

Verbally first — then follow up in writing. Say exactly what happened, where, when, and what body part was injured. Don't downplay it. "My back is a little sore" becomes "he said he wasn't really hurt" in their report.

Write it down — email or text is fine

Send a text or email to your supervisor or HR: "I am writing to report a work injury that occurred today [date] at approximately [time] at [location]. I injured my [body part] when [what happened]. I need to seek medical treatment." Keep a copy.

Request the workers' comp claim form

Your employer is required to give you the WC claim form when you report an injury. In California it's DWC-1; in Florida it's different. Ask for it by name or ask HR. If they refuse, document that they refused.

Do NOT sign anything yet

HR may ask you to sign a form. Read everything carefully. Do not sign a release, an "as-is" settlement form, or anything that says you're waiving any rights.

Seek medical attention immediately

Even if you feel okay. Adrenaline masks pain. Many serious injuries — herniated discs, soft tissue damage, concussions — don't fully present for hours or days. Gaps in treatment hurt your claim.

Know who chooses your doctor

This varies by state. In many states, your employer or their insurer has the right to direct you to a designated doctor first. In California, you can predesignate your own physician. Know your state's rules before you go — going to the wrong doctor first can complicate your claim.

Tell the doctor the truth — including everything that hurts

Don't minimize your pain. Tell the doctor every symptom, including ones that seem minor. What you don't report on day one won't be covered later. Make sure your medical records accurately describe your injury.

Tell the doctor it's a work injury

The medical record must say this is a work-related injury. If the doctor doesn't know, it may be billed to your health insurance instead and create complications.

Photograph your injuries

Bruising, cuts, swelling — photograph everything immediately and again over the next few days as bruising develops. Date-stamp your photos.

Write down exactly what happened

Write a detailed account while your memory is fresh: what you were doing, what failed or caused the injury, who was nearby, what was said afterward. Keep this in a safe place.

Collect witness information

Get the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident or who you told about it immediately afterward. Do this before they forget or before your employer discourages them from talking.

Preserve physical evidence

Did your equipment fail? Was there a spill? Photograph the scene. If a piece of equipment caused your injury, don't let it be repaired or removed before it's documented.

Start a daily journal

Every day, write down your pain level (1–10), what activities you can't do, how your injury affects your sleep, and any relevant conversations with your employer or insurer. This becomes evidence for pain and suffering in any third-party claim.

Do NOT give a recorded statement without an attorney

The insurance company will call and say they need a "recorded statement to process your claim." You are NOT legally required to give one to the other party's insurer. Everything you say can and will be used to reduce your benefits. Talk to an attorney first.

Don't discuss fault

"Were you rushing?" "Were you wearing the right equipment?" "Was your attention on something else?" These questions are designed to establish contributory negligence. You don't have to answer. Workers' comp is no-fault — but they'll use your statements against you anyway.

Keep copies of everything

Every letter, every form, every email. Create a folder. If anything goes to paper, scan it.

Watch for retaliation

It is illegal for your employer to fire, demote, cut your hours, or otherwise retaliate against you for filing a workers' comp claim. If you experience any of this, document it immediately and contact an attorney.

Attend all medical appointments

Missed appointments create gaps in treatment that the insurer will use to argue you're not injured. If you must miss one, reschedule immediately and note why you missed it.

Follow your doctor's restrictions

If your doctor says no lifting over 10 lbs, follow it. If you're seen doing something inconsistent with your restrictions, it can end your benefits and destroy your claim.

Understand light duty offers

If your employer offers you "light duty" work within your medical restrictions, you may be required to accept it or lose TTD benefits. But make sure the offer truly complies with your doctor's restrictions — not just a new title on the same physically demanding job.

Consult a WC attorney

Most workers' comp attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency. Even if your claim is going smoothly, a 30-minute consultation can tell you whether you're leaving money on the table. This is especially important if: you have a permanent injury, your claim was denied, or you want to also pursue a third-party claim.