Hi, I'm Hyemin Byun with DM Injury Law. One of the most common questions we get is "What should I do right after a workplace injury?" The steps you take in those first hours and days can make a big difference in protecting your health and your rights. First, get medical attention. If it's an emergency, call 911 right away. If it's not life-threatening, let your employer know you need medical treatment. In Missouri, workers' compensation allows your employer or their insurance company to choose the authorized medical provider, so it's important to follow that process. Getting prompt treatment not only helps your recovery, but it also creates a record of your injuries. You should also report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, preferably in writing.
Missouri law gives injured workers up to 30 days to report a workplace injury, but waiting can create unnecessary problems. The sooner you report it, the harder it is for the insurance company to question what happened. Keep a copy of that report for your own records if you're physically able. Take some time to document what happened.
Take photos of the accident scene. Any equipment involved, the condition of the area where you were injured, and anything else that may have contributed to the incident. If there were witnesses, get their names and their contact information before memories fade or people move on. It's also important to document your injuries, take photos of any cuts, bruises, swelling, or other visible injuries, and continue taking photos as they develop. I recommend keeping a simple journal of your symptoms, pain levels, medical appointments, and how the injury is affecting your daily life. Another thing I always tell people is to be careful about signing documents. It's common for employers or insurance companies to reach out quickly with paperwork, releases, or even settlement offers. Before signing anything, make sure you understand exactly what it means for your claim and your future rights. You should also think about how the injury happened. While workers' compensation may cover your workplace injury. There are situations where someone outside your employer may also be responsible. Maybe a piece of equipment failed, a contractor created a dangerous condition, or another driver caused a crash while you were working. In those cases, you may have a separate personal injury claim in addition to your workers' compensation benefits. Andfinally, talk with an attorney. That doesn't mean you're filing a lawsuit. It simply means you're making sure you understand all of your options from the beginning. The earlier you know your rights, the better positioned you'll be to protect yourself and your recovery moving forward. Call DM Injury Law at (816) 888-7500 to speak to our Missouri Workers' Compensation attorneys for a free consultation.