When an Injury Occurs

What Employees Need to Know:

When an injury occurs on the job, it’s important to follow these steps in a timely manner. 

• Follow your company guidelines and notify your employer or supervisor that you have been injured before obtaining any medical care.
• All injuries, no matter how small, should be reported to your employer in a timely manner.
• Maintain clear communication with the claims adjuster, employer and your health care provider.
• It is important for you to take responsibility for your claim and become familiar with the workers’ compensation claims process.
• The first call for any life-threatening injuries should be to dial 9-1-1.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

An injury is covered under workers’ compensation if it is job related. Workers’ compensation is a system of insurance that protects workers and employers from some of the losses caused by on-the job accidents and job-related illnesses.

Workers’ compensation coverage generally pays reasonable and related medical expenses for a worker injured on the job or with a job-related illness.

For employees who are injured on the job or develop occupational diseases, this insurance pays for medical expenses and partial wage replacement during periods of temporary disability. It may also provide permanent impairment benefits for those who qualify.

Specific guidelines for injured workers differ by state.  

To access the injured worker guide for your state, click here.