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If you’ve been injured on the job, it is important to document that injury as soon as possible. The longer it takes to document the injury, the harder it can be to successfully receive your workers’ compensation claim. And if you wait too long, you could miss out on getting any workers’ compensation benefits.

So how long do you have to report an injury on the job?

Florida’s workers’ compensation law requires that the injury is reported to your employer within 30 days. Once the injury is reported, a series of steps should then begin to happen. First, your employer could have you fill out a form that they will send to their workers’ compensation insurance company. This form is called a First Report of Injury Form. If your employer doesn’t do this, you can contact the insurance company directly and do it yourself.

Then, if emergency treatment is necessary, ask to be allowed to go to an emergency room or walk-in clinic. If emergency treatment is not needed, ask for authorization to go see a doctor (and make sure to go to the doctor that has been authorized).

Even if you don’t think the injury requires any medical attention, make sure to still report it. There is no requirement that reported injuries go to litigation or even mediation. You’re simply making an official record of the incident. This way, if needed, you can reference the injury at a later date. If you wait until it is obvious that you are dealing with a serious condition, it could be too late to file a claim.

When dealing with workers’ compensation claims, it is important to remember that you cannot assume that your employer is always looking out for your best interests. Check in with them often to find out updates on the claim, and make sure everything is being done as required by the law.

If you need help dealing with and understanding Florida workers’ compensation laws, then you need a workers’ compensation attorney. Give the Law Office of Brian D. Tadros, P.A. a call. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and connect with us on Facebook for more great workers’ compensation tips