If you don't, the consequences can be disastrous. What to do before you get hurt Know how and to whom your employer expects you to report on the job injuries. If you don't know or don't follow your employer's rules, they may refuse to believe that you were hurt or that it happened at work. If that happens, you may have to wait months for medical treatment or money to live on. Predesignate your treating doctor.
Nothing is more important than getting quality medical care from a caring physician.
The law gives you the right to receive medical treatment from your own doctor, but only if you tell your employer, in writing, before you get hurt. If you don't, your employer or their insurance company will pick your doctors for you and, while most doctors are honest and caring, some will care more about your employer or their insurance company than about you. Make sure any doctor you see knows that you are being seen for a work related injury. Understanding other insurance benefits. Policies may come in handy if workers' comp pays a lot less than you made at work or if your employer or their insurance company refuses to pay benefits.