Steps to Take Immediately After a Workplace Injury

Workplace injuries happen when you least expect it—one minute, you’re stacking boxes, and the next, you’re on the floor wondering what hit you. The key to handling these incidents is to take immediate action, covering all your bases to ensure fair, quick compensation for your injuries.

If you are in this unfortunate situation, here’s what you must do. And no, “walk it off” isn’t a good idea.

1. Seek Medical Attention ASAP and Report an Injury to Your Employer

Whether it’s a minor sprain or something more severe, get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Leave work—even if you feel fine, and seek healthcare advice, especially if it’s a head injury. For anything more severe, call 911.

When you see a doctor, inform your boss and HR about your workplace injury. Your company likely has a specific timeline for incident reports.

2. Document the Details and Identify Potential Witnesses

Document the date and time of the accident, the location and circumstances, and the names of any witnesses. Did you lift a heavy box or slip on a slick floor? Take pictures of your workplace injuries, keep well-organized medical records, and ask for witness statements to bolster your case for workers’ compensation.

3. Keep Medical Records Organized and Accessible

You will accumulate a lot of paperwork—doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans (to name a few). Keep everything organized and accessible. Make copies and keep them in digital and tangible formats. If your claim gets complicated, you’ll need multiple copies for legal representatives, employers, insurance companies, and medical experts.

4. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim—Research Your Rights

Don’t assume your employer will take care of everything for you. File a workers’ compensation claim with evidence that you notified your employer in writing, filled out necessary compensation forms, submitted the forms to the state’s workers’ compensation board, and have extra copies on file—just in case.

5. Follow Up with a Doctor and Your Employer

Initial treatment is the first step, so continue seeing a healthcare professional for a smooth recovery process. Meanwhile, keep your employer updated on your progress. Communication avoids misunderstandings, keeping your claim on track.

Consult with a Workplace Injury Attorney for Legal Representation

If your claim is denied or your workplace injury case begins to feel like an uphill battle, call the professionals at Grewer Law.

Our workplace injury attorneys can guide you through the complex legal processes, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. We know how to deal with uncooperative insurance companies and sullen employers, so contact us to help you navigate your workplace injury claims.