Whenever an injury occurs on the job, it should be immediately reported to a supervisor or employer. If the problem developed over time as you did your job, it should be disclosed as soon as it is diagnosed if you believe it was caused by your job.
Medical care is easier to receive if the injury is disclosed quickly. The employer will likely investigate how the injury occurred and how extensive it is, and if it isn’t reported within 30 days, workers’ compensation benefits may be forfeited.
Anytime an injury occurs, an employee should seek medical care immediately and explain to the health care professional that the injury or accident occurred on the job. You may receive specific instructions from your employer about where to receive treatment.
Once you have received appropriate medical treatment, your employer will ask you to fill out a claim form and turn it in. Your employer is required to either mail the form or personally give it to you within one working day of the time the illness or injury occurred.