First steps after a work injury
Get medical care first. If it's an emergency, call 911. Then tell your employer about the injury as soon as you can. Most states require you to report a work injury within a set time, and in some states that window is short.
- Report the injury to your supervisor or employer, in writing if possible, and keep a copy.
- Tell your doctor that the injury happened at work.
- Write down how it happened, the date and time, and the names of anyone who saw it.
Workers' compensation basics
In most states, workers' compensation is the main way to get benefits for an injury at work. It can cover medical care and part of lost wages, and it usually works differently from a regular injury claim. Rules, forms and deadlines are set by each state, and some kinds of workers are covered differently.
Your employer and your claim. Many states have rules against retaliating against workers who report an injury or file a workers' compensation claim. A licensed attorney in your state can explain how they apply.
When someone else may be involved
Some work injuries are caused by someone other than your employer, such as another driver in a crash during a delivery, the maker of faulty equipment, or another contractor on a construction site. In those situations there may be a separate claim in addition to workers' compensation. Whether that applies depends on the facts and your state's laws.
What to keep track of
- Date you reported the injury and to whom
- Workers' compensation claim number
- Medical visits, bills and work restrictions
- Pay stubs and time off work
- Photos of the scene or equipment
- Letters from your employer or insurer
Deadlines and state rules
There are usually separate deadlines for reporting the injury to your employer, for filing a workers' compensation claim, and for any claim against someone else. They differ by state, so it is sensible not to wait.
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How our service works
Compensation & Care is not a law firm. If you send a request, we pass it to a participating law firm that handles workplace injury matters in your state. Participating firms pay to advertise with us. We don't evaluate your claim or recommend a particular lawyer, and a firm may or may not contact you.
Workplace injury FAQ
Is the case review really free?
Yes. Sending a request through Compensation & Care is free. If a participating firm offers to represent you, it must explain its fees before you agree to anything.
Do I need a lawyer for workers' compensation?
Not always. Many people handle simple claims themselves. People often speak with a lawyer when a claim is denied, when injuries are serious or long-lasting, or when someone other than their employer may be involved.
Can I sue my employer?
In most states, workers' compensation is generally the main remedy against an employer, with some exceptions. A licensed attorney in your state can explain the rules.
What if I am a contractor or gig worker?
Coverage can depend on how you are classified and on your state's rules. A licensed attorney can explain how this applies to you.
Will a lawyer definitely contact me?
Not always. A participating firm decides whether it can help. If a firm contacts you, you decide whether to continue.