Injured at Work? Here’s What You Need to Do

If you’re hurt on the job in New Jersey, there are steps you must take to protect your health and your legal rights. Don’t delay—what you do right after the injury matters.

1. If It’s an Emergency, Call 911

Your safety comes first. If it’s serious, don’t wait—call 911 and get medical help right away.

2. Get Medical Care and Document Everything

Even if the injury seems small, see a doctor. Tell the doctor everything that hurts, even if it’s minor. If you wait too long or don’t share all your symptoms, the insurance company may use that against you to deny your workers’ compensation claim.

3. Make Sure the Medical Treatment Is Approved

Unless it’s an emergency, the workers’ comp insurance company chooses your doctors. If you go to a doctor on your own without approval, you might be stuck paying the bills yourself.

4. Report the Injury Right Away

Tell your supervisor as soon as possible. Ask for the name and contact info of the workers’ comp insurance company. You should also get a claim number. Give that number to your doctor so they bill the insurance company—not you.

5. Tell the Doctor About All Your Injuries

Be detailed every time you go. If you leave something out, the insurance company might say it’s not related to your injury.

6. Tell the Doctor What Your Job Involves

Explain what your job duties are—like lifting, bending, or standing for long periods. This helps the doctor decide if you can go back to work, and if so, when and under what conditions (light duty, part-time, etc.).

7. Get an “Out of Work” Note

If the doctor says you can’t work, ask for an out of work note. You need this to get temporary disability benefits. No note = no payments. Always give a copy to your employer and keep one for yourself.

Think of this note as your golden ticket—proof that you can’t work and deserve compensation.

8. Put the Accident Report in Writing

Write an email or a letter describing:

  • When and where the injury happened

  • How it happened

  • Names of any witnesses

This creates a record in case there’s a dispute later.

9. Take Photos or Video of the Scene

Use your phone to document the area where you got hurt. If someone other than your employer or coworker caused the accident, you might also have a third-party injury claim.

Talk to a Workers Compensation Attorney Today

Don’t wait to get legal advice. A workers’ comp claim can get complicated fast—and mistakes can cost you.

Call Blair C. Lane, Sr., Attorney at Law at 609-472-1008
Or visit njattorneyatlaw.com to learn more about how we can help you.