How Do I Report a Work Injury?

How to Properly Report an Injury at Work

You should report an accident at work as soon as possible. However, getting immediate medical attention takes priority. If you need emergency medical care following a workplace accident, call 911 immediately.

Here are the steps to take after a workplace accident:

• Notify a Manager or Supervisor. Someone in charge at your workplace must know that a work-related injury occurred as soon as possible. Even if you can only manage to say, “Somebody tell the boss,” try to get it on the record that an accident happened and you’ve been hurt.
• Seek Medical Treatment. In an emergency involving a severe injury, you or a co-worker should summon an ambulance. In a non-emergency, ask whether your employer has a designated healthcare provider to treat work-related injuries. If your employer directs you to a specific provider, follow their instructions. Be sure to tell the doctor who examines you that you were injured at work while on the job.
• Document the Accident. Start a record of what happened to you. If someone can get photos or video that depicts the accident — the fallen ladder you were on, the collapsed trench, the toppled shelves, the motor vehicle collision — that is helpful to have. Write down or make an audio recording of the time of the accident, what work you were doing, who you were working with, and the names of any witnesses. Make copies of official documents, such as from your medical exam, medical bills, and receipts, and any correspondence from your employer or the workers’ compensation carrier.
• Follow Up. Once you miss seven days of work on a doctor’s written excuse, you qualify for wage loss benefits. At this point, you should contact your employer to see whether your employer has filed a claim with their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. Your employer should file notice of your injury with the N.C. Industrial Commission within five days of being notified by you of your injury.
• File for Workers’ Compensation. You and your employer must both file a claim for you to receive workers’ compensation. You or someone helping you must complete Form 18. Submit the original Form 18 to the Industrial Commission. Keep one copy for your records and submit a copy to your employer. Your employer, their insurer, or the N.C. Industrial Commission will notify you within 14 days whether your claim has been accepted or denied.

If you have been told that your workers’ comp claim has been denied, contact a workers’ comp lawyer at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. We will assess your claim at no charge. If we handle your claim, we will fight to help you recover every dollar you deserve.