Workers' compensation (workers' comp) is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Benefits typically cover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and disability compensation.
14 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Process
- Report your injury immediately — Notify your employer as soon as possible after an injury or illness occurs. Provide details about how, when, and where the incident happened. Most states require re...
- Seek medical treatment — Get medical attention right away. Your employer may have a designated healthcare provider for workers' comp cases, or you may be able to choose your own doctor, depending o...
- Document everything — Record the details of the injury: date, time, location, what happened, witnesses, and symptoms. Take photos if applicable. Keep copies of all medical records and receipts.
- Complete the claim form — Fill out the employee section of the workers' compensation claim form provided by your employer or state agency. Sign, date, and return it. Keep a copy for your records.
- Employer files the claim — Your employer is responsible for submitting the claim to their workers' comp insurance carrier and/or the state workers' comp board.
- Insurance company reviews — The insurer will investigate the claim, which may include reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and potentially requesting an independent medical examinatio...
- Receive a determination — The insurer will approve or deny your claim. If approved, you will begin receiving benefits (medical treatment coverage and wage replacement).
- Follow treatment plans — Comply with all prescribed medical treatments and attend follow-up appointments. Failure to follow treatment can jeopardize your benefits.
- Return to work — When your doctor clears you, return to work. You may be eligible for modified/light duty while recovering. If you cannot return to your previous role, vocational rehabilitation may...
2. Key Tips
- Report injuries immediately, even if they seem minor at first — some injuries worsen over time
- Workers' comp covers injuries on the job, repetitive strain injuries, occupational illnesses, and injuries during work-related travel
- You are generally entitled to choose your own doctor after the initial visit (varies by state)
- Benefits typically include medical expenses, 2/3 of lost wages (tax-free), rehabilitation, and disability compensation
- Your employer cannot fire you for filing a workers' comp claim — that is retaliation and is illegal
Common Mistakes
- Waiting too long to report the injury to your employer
- Not seeking immediate medical attention or failing to tell the doctor it is w...
- Not documenting the incident thoroughly (no photos, no witnesses recorded)
- Failing to complete and submit the claim form promptly
- Not following prescribed treatment plans (can be used to deny ongoing benefits)
Pro Tips
- If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal — many denied claims ar...
- Keep a detailed log of all medical visits, communications with the insurer, a...
- If your employer does not have a claim form, contact your state's workers' co...
- You may be entitled to permanent disability benefits if your injury results i...
- Consider consulting a workers' comp attorney if your claim is denied, your em...