The first seven days after a work injury
What to tell your employer, which doctor to see, and which papers to keep.
Most of what decides a claim happens in the first week: what gets written down, who sees you, and what you sign. None of it needs a lawyer. All of it is easier with a plan.
Day one: say it, and write it down
Tell your supervisor you were hurt, even if it feels small. Then put it in writing, with the date, where it happened and what you were doing. Keep a copy, or take a photo of the page. If your employer gives you a form, read it before you sign, and ask for a copy.
Get care, and say it was work
See a doctor soon. At every visit, say the injury happened at work, and describe it the same way each time. Doctors write down what you tell them, and the insurer reads it.
Keep one folder
- The injury report and any form you signed
- Every doctor's note and work restriction
- Pay stubs from before and after the injury
- Letters and emails from the insurer or your employer
- A short diary of pain, missed work and who you spoke with
What to hold off on
Wait before giving a recorded statement, signing a release, or accepting a quick payment. None of these is wrong by itself. Each is hard to undo.
Deadlines for reporting and filing are short, and they differ from place to place. If you are not sure of yours, call us the same day. The first call is free.