What Every Employee Needs to Do After an Injury at Work 

January 24, 2025
Last Updated: March 20, 2026

Accidents at work can happen in the blink of an eye, but the journey to recovery can be long and filled with questions and uncertainty. Understanding your rights under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws and knowing which steps to take after a workplace injury can help ensure you get the care you need. In this blog, we’ll discuss how workplace injuries are defined, what to do when one occurs and how you can benefit from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.  

What Qualifies as an Injury at Work? 

No matter how safe a workplace is, accidents happen. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics defines a workplace injury as physical harm or illness caused by work activities. 

Common workplace injuries include: 

• Overexertion, including muscle strains and back injuries from lifting, pulling or pushing 

• Slips and falls, which can result in sprains, fractures, concussion or other head injuries  

• Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome 

• Struck-by injuries from falling objects or moving machinery 

• Illnesses, such as respiratory issues or skin conditions resulting from exposure to chemicals or other poor workplace safety and health environments 

Should You Work Through an Injury? 

Working through an injury can lead to long-term complications. The safest choice for your health and career is to seek professional medical advice immediately. Ignoring a work-related injury or illness can: 

• Worsen the damage. A small strain can turn into a muscle tear if not rested. 

• Jeopardize your claim. If you delay reporting your injury, workers’ compensation insurance adjusters may argue the injury wasn’t serious or didn’t happen at work. 

• Create safety risks. After an injury, you may be less alert or physically unable to react to hazards, putting others at risk. 

What Should You Do If You’re Injured at Work? 

The moments immediately following an accident are critical. If you find yourself injured at work, follow these immediate steps to help make sure your medical bills are covered and your healing is supported: 

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention 

Your health is the priority. If the injury is life-threatening, call 911. For other injuries, you must see a workers’ compensation doctor authorized by your employer’s insurance carrier. A prompt examination also makes it harder for the insurance provider to claim that your medical condition was caused by something outside of work. At Complete Care, we document your symptoms and course of treatment and work directly with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, so you get the timely, coordinated care you need.  

2. Report the Injury to Your Employer 

Submit a written notice to your employer immediately – no later than 30 days – after sustaining a work-related injury. Otherwise, you may be denied workers’ compensation benefits. Even if the injury seems minor, reporting it protects you if symptoms worsen later. Your employer should then file a claim with their insurance carrier.  

3. Maintain Records 

Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. It can be helpful to identify any specific workplace safety and health standards that were overlooked at the time of the incident, as this can provide a clearer picture of how the injury occurred. If there were witnesses, note their names. Keep a personal log of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. 

4. Know Your Rights 

The insurance company is required to send you an information brochure within three days of receiving notice from your employer. This brochure explains your rights and responsibilities and provides information about workers’ compensation law. For example, you must work with an approved healthcare provider to receive proper treatment and coverage. If you see a doctor outside of the network, you may have to pay medical bills out of your own pocket. 

5. Follow All Care Guidelines 

Attend all medical visits, including follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions. At Complete Care, we provide comprehensive workplace injury treatment, and our providers have extensive experience documenting these visits specifically for work-related cases. 

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover? 

Workers’ compensation benefits cover 100% of medical expenses for work-related injuries or illnesses, including doctor’s visits, treatment, therapy, tests and medication. The insurer must also pay you two-thirds of your average weekly wage. 

Keep in mind that the scope of coverage may vary, so follow the proper steps to ensure your treatment is covered. For example, elective procedures and treatments that are not medically necessary may not be covered. 

In Conclusion  

If you sustain an injury at work, the following immediate steps are crucial for your health and to ensure your workers’ compensation claim is supported:  

1. Seek immediate medical care for serious injuries. For non-life-threatening injuries, see a workers’ compensation doctor as soon as possible. 

2. Report the injury to your employer within 30 days to protect your right to your benefits. 

3. Document the incident with photos of the accident scene and your injuries, noting any witnesses. Keep a log of your symptoms and how they impact your day-to-day life. 

4. Make sure you receive information from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. They will explain your rights and responsibilities.  

5. Attend your medical visits and follow your treatment plans. 

Workers’ compensation benefits generally cover 100% of medical expenses for work-related injuries and two-thirds of your average weekly wage. 

Take the first step toward recovery with Complete Care. Our team is here to provide the supportive care you need for injury management and rehabilitation. Request an appointment online or find a Complete Care location near you today.