Few things terrify a worker more than suffering an on the job injury.

One minute you’re fine. Next thing you know you’re in incredible pain or unable to work.

And then…

Most workers have absolutely no clue how to proceed. Filing a claim can be intimidating. There’s scary medical terminology, strict deadlines and complex paperwork.

Here’s what happens after an on the job injury…

What you’ll learn:

• What Is a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
• Why the Claims Process Matters
• How to File an On the Job Injury Claim (Step by Step)
• Common Mistakes That Hurt Claims
• What Employers Must Do After a Workplace Injury

What Is a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If an employee suffers an injury on the job they can open a workers’ compensation claim. It’s through this process medical bills, lost wages, and potential long-term disability benefits are paid.

Here’s the problem…

Many workers don’t know how to file a claim correctly. That lack of knowledge comes at a cost. There were over 2.5 MILLION nonfatal workplace injuries reported by employers in private industry in 2024 alone.

Workers’ compensation claims were filed for every single one of those incidents.

Partnering with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Minneapolis can help alleviate a lot of that stress. Injured workers who have legal guidance on their claim from day one always have the best chance for a fair and full outcome.

Why the Claims Process Matters

The average nonfatal workplace injury case cost employers over $42k when medical bills, lost wages, and indirect costs are included.

That has an enormous impact on workers too.

An injury at work cuts both ways. Not only does it impact the injured employee, but it can bleed into the entire company. Lost productivity, increased insurance premiums and OSHA fines all add up. Employers across the United States paid out nearly $49.8 BILLION dollars for workers’ compensation in 2022.

Falls, Slips and Trips represented the second most expensive type of injury costing employers roughly 17.67% of all workers’ comp fees.

Injuries at work aren’t uncommon. They happen every day to thousands of workers. Employers and workers should take the claims process just as seriously.

How to File an On the Job Injury Claim (Step by Step)

If you’re wondering how to file an on the job injury claim — it doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s the basics:

Step 1: Report the Injury ASAP

First things first. When suffering an on the job injury, an employee should report the injury to their employer ASAP.

Some states give as little as a couple of days to report. If an injured worker misses that deadline, it could completely derail their claim.

Report the injury the DAY it happens.

Step 2: Get Medical Treatment

After reporting the injury to their employer, workers should seek medical treatment right away.

Make sure any doctors and medical professionals are aware the injury is work-related so that it’s properly documented.

If workers fail to seek medical treatment or allow their doctor to confirm their injury is work-related their claim could be denied.

Some states even require workers to visit what’s called an “approved doctor”. Make sure you know your state’s requirements before seeing a physician.

Step 3: File Your Workers’ Comp Claim

After reporting the injury to your employer (and hopefully starting medical treatment) the next step is filing a workers’ compensation claim.

This usually means:

• Completing a claim form
• Filing that form with your employer’s insurance carrier
• Retaining copies of all filed documents

Deadlines are critical during this phase of the process. Each state has different deadlines for reporting and filing an on the job injury claim.

Make sure you don’t miss any deadlines. That’s another surefire way to have your claim denied.

Step 4: Cooperate with Your Insurance Carrier

Once a worker files a claim their employer’s insurance carrier will review everything.

It’s likely they’ll request additional documentation like medical records, or other statements.

Make sure you respond to every request — and know WHAT to say (and not say) during this process.

The insurance carrier has control over your claim during this phase. Unless you know how to navigate the workers’ compensation claims process your interests may not be their priority.

Step 5: Appeal if Necessary

If your claim gets denied don’t freak out.

You can (and likely should) appeal the decision.

Every state has its own workers’ compensation appeals process — but it usually involves:

• Requesting a formal hearing
• Gathering medical evidence
• Working with a lawyer if needed

Appeals sound easy enough, but they can be lengthy and complicated without the right help.

Common Mistakes That Hurt On the Job Injury Claims

Workers make mistakes during the on the job injury claims process all the time. Every misstep makes it harder for them to get a fair settlement:

• Waiting to report the injury to their employer
• Failing to follow up with medical treatment
• Posting work-condition updates on social media
• Accepting the insurance carrier’s first settlement offer

Knowing how to properly handle your claim from beginning to end makes the process much smoother (and leads to better results).

What Employers Must Do After a Workplace Injury

A workers’ compensation claim isn’t just something injured employees have to worry about.

Employers must do plenty too.

After an injury occurs at work, employers must:

• Promptly report the injury to their workers’ compensation insurer
• Provide the injured worker with claim forms
• Cooperate with any investigation by the insurer
• Keep records on all workplace accidents

If employers don’t follow workers compensation laws, they could face serious fines and penalties. For example, most states require employers to carry workers compensation insurance. Failure to do so will hurt them exponentially more than the cost of the worker’s claim would have.

The Claims Process: In Review…

Workers compensation claims are EVERYWHERE.

Injuries at work happen thousands of times each day. Fortunately for employees, there’s a system in place that protects and compensates them when they do get hurt.

Remember:

• Immediate reporting of any on the job injury to your employer
• Seek medical treatment and document everything from the start
• File your claim correctly and on time
• Avoid simple mistakes that can quickly destroy your claim
• If your claim is denied, appeal with the help of an attorney

Employees have responsibilities. So do employers. By knowing yours and carrying them out, you’ll set yourself up for success no matter your role in the workers’ compensation claims process.