Getting hurt on the job can be challenging and overwhelming. Whether it’s a minor workplace injury or a more serious accident, knowing your rights and understanding the steps you should take to ensure you’re compensated is essential. One of the most critical steps in this process is reporting your injury. Some workers might hesitate to report their injuries due to fear of blame or retaliation, but failing to do so can jeopardize their rights to medical care and financial compensation.

So, is there ever an injury at work that you shouldn’t report? The answer is simple: No, you should report every workplace injury.

One of the most common questions workers ask after an on-the-job accident is whether they should report an injury, especially if it seems minor, or if they feel partially responsible for what happened. It’s understandable—workplace dynamics, fear of employer retaliation, or feelings of guilt may make some employees reluctant to come forward. However, as experienced attorney Chad Trammell emphasizes:

“If you get hurt on the job, the only way to get compensated is to report it. So, if you have any injury on the job, you need to report it.”

This means that no matter how small or insignificant you think the injury is, reporting it is a crucial first step in protecting your rights. Workers’ compensation laws are designed to benefit injured employees regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Even if you believe you were responsible for the injury, it doesn’t disqualify you from receiving compensation.

A significant misconception many workers have is that they won’t be eligible for compensation if the injury is their fault. This simply isn’t true. As Chad Trammell explains:

“Some people worry, ‘Well, I feel like it’s my fault because I stuck my hand in this machine, and maybe I shouldn’t have done that.’ Doesn’t matter. You still get compensated for that through workers’ compensation because you got hurt at work.”

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you don’t have to prove that your employer or anyone else was responsible for the injury to receive benefits. You’re entitled to compensation if the injury occurred while performing your job duties.

Failing to report a workplace injury can have significant consequences. Not only could you lose access to vital medical care, but you may also jeopardize your ability to claim lost wages or other compensation. Many workers’ compensation programs have strict deadlines for reporting injuries, and missing these deadlines can result in the denial of your claim.

Additionally, not reporting an injury right away may raise questions about the validity of your claim. Employers and insurance companies may argue that you would have reported the injury immediately if the injury were truly severe. By delaying, you risk losing credibility, making your case more difficult to prove.

It’s simple: report your injury as soon as possible. Chad Trammell advises that any injury requiring medical treatment or time away from work should be reported immediately:

“So anytime you get hurt on the job that requires medical treatment, and you’re going to have time away from work, you need to report it.”

Prompt reporting protects your legal rights and ensures that your injury is documented correctly. Having an official record of the incident can make it easier to prove your case later if disputes arise.

If you’ve been injured at work, here are the steps you should follow to protect your health and your rights:

  1. Report the Injury to Your Employer: Notify your supervisor or manager about the injury as soon as it happens. Provide details about what occurred, including the date, time, location, and any witnesses present.
  2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if the injury seems minor, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms but could worsen over time. Be honest with your doctor about how the injury happened and follow their treatment recommendations.
  3. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of the incident, including photos of the injury, medical reports, and any communication with your employer or insurance company. This documentation can be invaluable if you need to pursue a workers’ compensation claim.
  4. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim: Work with your employer to submit a workers’ compensation claim immediately. This will initiate the process of obtaining benefits for medical expenses and lost wages.
  5. Consult an Experienced Workplace Injury Attorney: If you encounter challenges with your claim or believe a third party may be responsible for your injury, seeking legal advice is essential. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

Some employees may hesitate to report injuries because they fear retaliation or upset their employer. However, most employers have workers’ compensation insurance specifically for these situations and are prepared to handle workplace injury claims. As Chad Trammell reassures:

“If you are afraid, you should be honest with your employer and say, ‘Look, I’m kind of afraid. I don’t want you guys to retaliate against me.’ Get it all out there in the open. I can assure you that most employers will tell you, ‘No, we’re not going to retaliate against you. We don’t want you working when you’re hurt. We’ve got workers’ compensation to cover you for this, and we’re going to take care of you.'”

Transparency and open communication can help alleviate concerns and ensure your injury is handled appropriately.

Workplace injuries can happen to anyone, regardless of the nature of the job or the circumstances. The key to protecting your health, rights, and financial future is to report your injury immediately and take the necessary steps to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation supports you, even if the accident was your fault.

If you’ve been injured at work and need guidance on your next steps, don’t hesitate to consult an experienced workplace injury attorney. They can help you navigate the process, advocate for your rights, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. You take the first step toward recovery and justice by taking action and reporting your injury.