Evaluating Your Options

Late Reporting Issues And Workers' Compensation Coverage

24 April 2023

Dale Watkins

If you wait too long to report a work injury to your employer, it could have negative consequences on your ability to receive workers' compensation. The specific time frame for reporting a work injury will vary depending on the state and the employer's policies, but in general, it's important to report it as soon as possible after it occurs.

Late Reporting Can Potentially Cause Problems

Waiting too long to report a work injury could create issues with your claim in these ways:

• Your employer may dispute your claim or argue that the injury did not occur at work. 
• You may miss the deadline for reporting the injury. That could result in a denial of benefits.
• The workers' compensation employer may suspect that you were not injured badly enough to claim benefits. This can result in a claim denial. 

Too Hurt to Report?

In some cases, workers are so seriously injured that they are unable to report it. If you are too badly injured to report a work injury, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your health and well-being should be your top priority in this situation. Once you have received medical attention, you or someone acting on your behalf should report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.

An employer may allow another employee or a family member to report the injury on your behalf. You should check with your employer to see if this is an option. If you are unable to report the injury yourself or find someone to report it for you, you may want to consider speaking with a workers' compensation attorney for guidance on how to proceed.

Even though some states have specific time frames for reporting work injuries, if you were unable to report the injury due to your injuries, this may be taken into consideration when determining whether you were in compliance with the reporting requirements.

Gradual Work Injuries and Reporting Requirements

If you have a gradual work injury, such as a repetitive motion injury or a hearing loss caused by long-term exposure to loud noise, the reporting requirements will vary depending on your state's workers' compensation laws and your employer's policies. As soon as you are medically diagnosed, report it to your employer. If you are experiencing symptoms of a gradual work injury, such as pain, numbness, tingling, or other symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If you have been denied workers' compensation benefits due to late reporting issues, speak with a workers' compensation lawyer for support, to understand your rights, and to get your claim approved. 

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