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What should I do after a workplace injury?

Updated July 1, 2026United States

Short answer

Get medical care first and tell the provider clearly that it happened at work, then report the injury to your employer in writing as soon as you can — ideally the same day. While it's fresh, write down exactly what happened, name every part of your body that hurts, and keep copies of everything. In the US, workers' compensation is meant to cover your medical treatment and part of your lost wages no matter who was at fault — but your claim is far easier to defend when you document it from day one.

Workers' comp is a no-fault system, but it's run by insurers — and insurers document everything. Here's how to keep pace, starting now.

Step by step

  1. Get medical care — and say it's work-related

    If it's serious, call 911 or go straight to the emergency room. For anything else, get seen promptly. Tell every provider clearly that this happened at work, and describe ALL of the pain — not just the worst spot. The injuries you don't mention early are the ones an insurer later argues aren't related.

  2. Report it to your employer — in writing, as soon as you can

    Notify your supervisor or HR right away, and put it in writing (an email or a written incident form) so there's a dated record. Say when and where it happened, what you were doing, and which body parts are affected. Keep a copy for yourself. Reporting deadlines are set by each state and some are short — confirm yours with your state's workers' compensation board (a .gov site), and don't wait.

  3. Write down exactly what happened, while it's fresh

    Within the first day, record the date, time, exact location, the task you were doing, what went wrong, and how you felt right after. Note anyone who saw it or who you told. Memory fades fast, and the details you're certain you'll remember are the first to go.

  4. Photograph everything relevant

    Take clear photos of the hazard, equipment or scene, and any visible injury — wide shots for context, close-ups for detail. If something gets cleaned up, repaired or thrown out later, your photos may be the only record it was ever there.

  5. Get the names of anyone who saw it

    A coworker who witnessed the injury — or who you told immediately after — can confirm your account. Get their name and a way to reach them now, before shifts change or people move on.

  6. Track every appointment, restriction and missed shift

    Keep a running log of each medical visit, what the doctor said, any work restrictions ("light duties"), and every shift or hour you miss. Wage-loss benefits and return-to-work decisions are built from exactly these details, so gaps in your log become gaps in your claim.

  7. Log everyone you deal with about the claim

    Once a claim opens you'll hear from a claims adjuster, and you may be asked for a recorded statement or sent to an IME (see the terms below). Note who contacted you, when, and what was said or promised. If you're unsure about giving a recorded statement, it's reasonable to ask for time to prepare first.

  8. Know when to get advice

    If your claim is denied, your benefits are cut off, you're pushed back to work against your restrictions, or you're facing an IME you're unsure about, consider speaking with a workers' comp attorney — many offer a free first consultation. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Plain-English terms

Workers' compensation (workers' comp)
A no-fault insurance system that covers medical care and part of your lost wages for a work-related injury, regardless of who caused it. In exchange, it's usually your exclusive remedy against your employer.
IME (Independent Medical Examination)
A one-time exam by a doctor — not your own treating doctor — to give an opinion on your injury, treatment or ability to work. Despite the name, the IME doctor is chosen and paid by the insurer, so prepare for it and keep your own records of what happened.
Light duties / modified duty
Temporary alternative work that fits within your medical restrictions — for example, no heavy lifting — so you can return while you recover.
Work restrictions
Specific limits a doctor places on what you can do, like "no lifting over 10 lbs" or "no ladders", that your employer is generally expected to accommodate.
Wage-loss / temporary disability benefits
Partial replacement of your income while you can't work, or can only work reduced hours, because of the injury. How much you get and for how long is set by your state — check your state's workers' compensation board for the specifics rather than relying on a general figure.
MMI (Maximum Medical Improvement)
The point at which your condition has stabilized and isn't expected to improve much more with treatment. It's often when the insurer re-evaluates your benefits, so it's a milestone worth understanding.
Claims adjuster
The insurance-company employee who manages your claim and decides what gets approved. They work for the insurer, not for you.

Related questions

This is general information to help you keep your own records — not legal or medical advice. Workers' compensation rules vary by state — check your state's workers' compensation board (a .gov site) for the rules where you live. For advice about your situation, speak with a qualified professional.