How Do I Report An Injury?

While these steps are in no particular order, they are needed to get the most out of your coverage.

• Notify Your Employer: To start the workers’ compensation process, report the injury to your supervisor or employer, typically within 24 hours. There is a 90 day limit on reporting an injury for coverage, with exceptions, so reporting quickly is beneficial. For information on the 90 day limit, click here.
• Complete an Incident Report: Fill out any required incident report forms provided by your employer. Provide details of the injury and how it occurred. For better reference later on, be sure to get copies for your own records. Your company HR department can help with this process.
• Gather Evidence: It would be helpful to document the incident with photos, witness statements, and any other relevant information for future reference. This can only help you in the long run when trying to get coverage.
• Contact a Workers’ Comp Attorney: If you encounter issues with your claim or feel your rights are being violated, consider consulting a workers’ compensation attorney. While this last step may not be necessary, in many cases an attorney can help you receive better coverage.

Steps To File A Workers’ Compensation Report

• Complete the Injury Report: Once you report an injury, your employer should provide you with a workers’ compensation claim form (Form 801). Fill it out completely, detailing the nature of your injury, how it occurred, and any witnesses. This form is different from the incident report and is needed if you wish to file a claim at all.
• Submit the Claim: Give the completed form back to your employer. They are responsible for submitting it to their workers’ compensation insurance company.
• Keep Copies: Make copies of all documents you submit for your own records. This could be helpful in the future.
• Follow Up: After submission, check in with your employer or their insurance provider to ensure your claim is being processed. The more you follow up, the more up to date you can be on your coverage process and make decisions, like getting an attorney, within a timely manner.
• Contact the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division: If you have questions about the process, speak to a lawyer and reach out to the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division. You can also find information at OSHAs official site to help you through the process.

Make Sure To Fill Out BOTH Reports

There is a difference between an incident report and a workers’ compensation form. Knowing what you need and when is an important step in receiving care from your employer.

1. Incident reports are for internal use and record keeping by your employer. You will be asked for detailed information about your injury; where it occurred, how it happened, and when, along with the extent of the injury itself. Once this is done, return it to your employer and consider getting a copy for yourself to use as reference. To know if you qualify for a claim, give us a call.
2. Filing a claim uses the 801 form, and this is needed for your employer’s insurance company in order to receive compensation due to an injury. For help with this process, checking with the states Workers’ Compensation Division or hiring an attorney may be best.

Reporting an injury clearly and quickly are the first steps in receiving the medical care you need in the workplace. Once the report is made, it may be time to file a claim for compensation. For assistance in the workers’ compensation process and a free case consultation, call us at 888-813-3188.