If it just happened
Emergency? Call 911- 1Call 911 for serious injuries like heavy bleeding, a head injury, chest pain or trouble breathing.
- 2Tell your supervisor or trainer as soon as you can.
- 3Report the injury in writing and keep a copy. If you don't know the process yet, ask HR or your supervisor how to report.
- 4Write down what happened, when, where, and who was there — including your trainer if you were being trained.
- 5Note what training you'd received so far on the task or equipment.
- 6Get evaluated by a clinician and tell them it happened at work.
- 7Keep your offer letter, start date and schedule records.
General information only — not medical or legal advice.
Reporting it and the claim process
New employees get hurt more often in many workplaces, partly because they're still learning the tasks, equipment and hazards. In your report, describe what you were doing and what training you'd had — for example, 'second week, first time using the pallet jack alone.' Stick to facts.
If you were hired through a staffing agency, report both to the agency and to the supervisor at the worksite, and ask who handles workers' compensation.
Deadlines to report and file vary by state, and they apply whether you're new or not. Check with your state's workers' compensation agency as soon as possible.
If you had an earlier injury to the same body part, be honest about it with your clinician. Many states look at whether work caused a new injury or made an old one worse.
Getting medical care
Ask your employer where they want injured workers to be seen; many have a set occupational medicine clinic. Some states and employers have rules about which provider you see first. For emergencies, go to the nearest emergency care.
Tell the clinician you're new and what you were doing. Care may involve occupational medicine, physical therapy, spine care, hand specialists or orthopedics depending on the injury. A licensed clinician decides what is appropriate after an evaluation.
If you're prescribed medication, ask the pharmacy and adjuster how work-injury prescriptions are handled. Many can be filled locally or delivered to your home.
Prescribed medication? Learn about prescription home delivery, common medications after work injuries, or find pharmacies near you. Your doctor and pharmacist decide what is right for you.
When people often talk to an attorney
- You're told new or probationary employees aren't covered.
- You're let go, or your hours are cut, after reporting.
- Your claim is denied because the injury is called pre-existing.
- You were hired through a staffing agency and no one will say who handles the claim.
- You're discouraged from reporting or told to use personal insurance.
- Your injury keeps you from doing the job you were just hired for.
Learn more: what a workers' comp attorney does. Many offer a free first consultation; fees in workers' comp are often regulated by the state.
Recovery and going back to work
Follow your care plan and keep appointments. Getting better is the priority.
Ask your doctor for written restrictions and share them with your supervisor or HR. Ask whether light duty is available while you heal.
Stay in touch with your employer and adjuster. If you're worried about your job, keep everything in writing and save messages.
Questions to ask
- Employer: How do I report an injury here, and who do I report to?
- Employer: Where should I go for medical care?
- Employer: Is light duty available while I'm under restrictions?
- Staffing agency: Who handles workers' compensation for my assignment?
- Doctor: What restrictions do I need, and for how long?
- Adjuster: What is my claim number?
- Attorney: I was let go right after reporting. What should I know?
Frequently asked questions
Can I get workers' comp if I was hurt in my first weeks at a new job?
Often, yes, since coverage generally applies from your first day, depending on your state and employer. Report the injury in writing right away. Check with your state's agency if you're told otherwise.
I'm on probation — can I be fired for reporting an injury?
Many states have rules against retaliating for reporting injuries, though protections vary. Keep everything in writing. Many people talk with an attorney if they're let go after reporting.
What if I was hurt during training?
Injuries during on-the-job training are often treated like other work injuries. Describe what training you'd received in your report. Check your state's rules.
I work through a staffing agency — who do I report to?
Usually both the agency and the worksite supervisor. Ask who handles workers' compensation. Put your report in writing to both.
What if I had an old injury to the same body part?
Be honest with your clinician about it. Many states consider whether work caused a new injury or worsened an old one. An attorney can explain how your state handles it.
Should I wait to see if the pain goes away before reporting?
It's generally better to report in writing right away. Deadlines vary by state, and waiting can create questions. You can report and still hope it heals quickly.
Related situations
Industries where this often happens
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).