What To Do Immediately After a Workplace Injury: Your First Steps Toward Protection and Compensation

In the chaos of a workplace injury, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether it’s a sudden fall, a repetitive strain, or a hazardous exposure, knowing what to do next can make all the difference—not only for your health, but also for your financial protection and legal rights.

 

In this post, we’ll walk you through the very first steps to take after getting injured at work, from getting medical attention to filing a workers’ comp claim and understanding when to call an attorney.

1. Prioritize Your Health: Get Medical Attention

First and foremost: seek medical care immediately. Your health and safety are the top priority.

  • If it’s an emergency, don’t hesitate—call 911 or go straight to the emergency room.
  • If it’s non-emergent, ask your employer if there’s a designated medical provider for workplace injuries (some states and employers require this).
  • Make sure to tell the doctor your injury happened at work so it’s properly documented in your medical records.

⚠️ Pro tip: Even if you think the injury is minor, still get it checked out. Symptoms can worsen over time, and early documentation protects your claim.

2. Report the Injury to Your Employer ASAP

Your next move? Notify your employer right away—ideally in writing.

Most states have strict deadlines for reporting workplace injuries, sometimes as short as 24 to 72 hours. Delays could put your entire workers’ compensation eligibility at risk.

Let your supervisor, manager, or HR department know exactly what happened, when, where, and how.

📝 Tip: Keep a copy of your written report or send an email for a timestamped record.

3. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Reporting an injury is not the same as filing a claim. After reporting the injury, you must file a formal workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits like:

  • Medical care coverage
  • Wage replacement or temporary disability payments
  • Compensation for long-term or permanent impairment
  • Vocational rehabilitation if you can’t return to your old job

Your employer should provide you with the necessary forms. If they don’t, you can typically get them from your state’s workers’ comp board or website.

💡 Keep copies of everything you submit, and track all deadlines.

4. Consider Calling a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Even if things seem straightforward at first, it’s a smart move to consult a workers’ comp attorney early, especially if:

  • Your injury is severe or long-term

  • Your employer delays or denies the claim

  • You’re being pressured to return to work too soon

  • You’re unsure of your rights

Most workers' comp attorneys offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency basis—meaning they only get paid if you win your case or reach a settlement.

An attorney can help you:

  • Navigate the paperwork and legal process

  • Maximize your benefits

  • Represent you in hearings or appeals

5. Start Your Paper Trail Immediately

Keep meticulous records from the start. Create a folder—physical or digital—with:

  • Copies of your injury report and claim forms
  • Medical reports and bills
  • Emails or letters from your employer or insurance company
  • Notes from conversations with doctors, HR, or supervisors
  • Photos of the injury or accident scene (if applicable)

These records can be critical if your claim is challenged or denied.

Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Be Protected

Getting injured at work can be disorienting, but acting quickly and deliberately can protect both your health and your legal rights. Don’t wait until things spiral—report, document, and get help. And remember, consulting a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re suing your employer—it just means you’re making sure the system works for you, not against you.

 

If you've been injured at work, give us a call at 816-421-3400.

 

Remember that the choice of a lawyer is an important one and should not be basely solely on advertising.