Report Work Injuries to Your Employer

If you have been injured at work, it is important to report the injury as soon as possible in order to receive medical treatment and start the process of receiving workers' compensation benefits. Generally speaking, here are the steps related to handling a work injury, regardless of whether your injury claim is covered by a workers' compensation ADR program:

1. Seek medical attention: If you have been injured, the first step is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If it’s an emergency, call 911 or go to an emergency room.

2. Notify your employer: Next, you need to let your employer know about the injury. This should be done as soon as possible after the injury occurs.

3. Complete an injury report: Your employer should provide you with an injury report form that you need to fill out and submit. This form will provide important information about the injury, such as when and where it occurred and how it happened.

4. Keep records: Keep a copy of the injury report, any medical records or bills related to the injury, and any other documentation that may be relevant.

5. File a workers' compensation claim: If your injury is eligible for workers' compensation, your employer should provide information on how to file a claim. You may need to fill out additional forms, and you should do so as soon as possible after the injury occurs.

6. Follow medical treatment recommendations: It is important to follow the medical treatment recommendations of your doctor in order to ensure a complete and timely recovery.

7. Keep in touch with your employer: Keep in touch with your employer and the workers' compensation insurance company to ensure that your claim is being processed and to stay informed about any updates.

The process of reporting a work injury and filing a workers' compensation claim can be complicated and it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities. If you believe you need legal assistance, consider speaking to an attorney that is licensed and authorized to practice law in your state and who specializes in workers' compensation cases.

Note that some workers' compensation ADR programs limit attorney participation to various stages of their respective ADR processes, but this does not limit your right to obtain legal advice from an attorney at your own expense at any time.