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Hurt on the job and not sure what to do? Start here. Everything below is free, and you don't need a lawyer to begin.

First 24 hours after a workplace injury

  • Report it in writing to your employer right away — most states have short deadlines.
  • Get medical care and tell them it's a work injury. Keep every document.
  • Write down what happened while it's fresh: date, time, witnesses, what you were doing.
  • Don't sign anything you don't understand from the insurer.
  • Find your state's agency on our state page — they're free to call.