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Work · When something goes wrong at work

Hurt at work

Get care first. Then tell your employer in writing right away, because deadlines are short (30 days in Texas). Workers' comp can pay medical bills and part of your lost wages, and it's illegal to punish you for reporting an injury.

Moderate30 min to reportUsually free to you if coveredChecked October 3, 2026

You'll need

  • The date, time and place it happened, and who saw it
  • Photos of the spot and your injury
  • Your doctor's notes and any paperwork from the visit

What to know

  1. Get medical care. If it's an emergency, call 911 or go to the ER. See When to call 911.
  2. Tell your employer in writing as soon as you can. Deadlines are short: in Texas, you must report within 30 days of getting hurt or of learning the injury is work-related, or you may not get benefits. Source: Texas DWC3
  3. Write down what happened while it's fresh: when, where, how, and who saw it. Take photos.
  4. Find out about workers' comp. Most programs pay cash for lost wages while you recover and your medical expenses. State programs cover private employers and state and local governments. Source: USAGov1 Contact your state's workers' compensation office to learn about benefits and file a claim. Source: USAGov1
  5. Mind the claim deadline too. In Texas, you must also send the claim form to the state within one year to protect your rights. Source: Texas DWC3
  6. Ask for copies of your medical records. Reporting an injury and getting copies of your medical records are your rights. Source: OSHA2
  7. Keep every letter, bill and note in one folder. If your claim is denied, you can appeal. Source: USAGov1
Watch out It's illegal for an employer to fire, demote or otherwise punish you for complaining to OSHA. If that happens, you have only 30 days to file a whistleblower complaint. Source: OSHA2 Not every employer carries workers' comp: in Texas, most do, but not all. Source: Texas DWC4 Rules vary by state, and some cities add their own. Check your state labor department, or call the DOL's Wage and Hour Division at 1-866-487-9243.

An email reporting an injury

Subject: Injury report, [your name], [date]

Hi [manager],

I'm reporting that I was hurt at work on [date] at about [time] at [location]. [One or two sentences on what happened.] [Name] saw it. I [went to / will go to] [clinic or doctor] on [date].

Please let me know what forms I need to fill out for workers' compensation, and send me a copy of the injury report.

Thank you,
[name] · [phone]

A text to your manager right after

Hi [name], I hurt my [body part] at work today around [time] when [what happened]. I'm getting it checked. I'll send a written report by email today.

See it done

Video by Texas Department of Insurance Government

Workers' Comp Basics

Watch on YouTube: Workers' Comp Basics | Your Guide to Workers' Comp

Full title on YouTube: “Workers' Comp Basics | Your Guide to Workers' Comp”2018 · Checked October 3, 2026

From the Texas workers' comp agency, so the details are Texas rules. The big ideas, report fast and keep records, apply everywhere.

Video won't load at school or work? No problem. Everything you need is in the steps; the video's just a bonus. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

  • Boss says don't report it, or just use your own insurance? Report it anyway, in writing, and keep a copy.
  • Someone calls saying you must pay to get benefits? In Texas, the workers' comp division and insurers will never ask for money to release benefits. It's a scam. Source: Texas DWC4
  • Unsafe conditions that could hurt someone else? You can report safety concerns without being punished. Source: OSHA2

Good to know

The details, if you want them. Tap a line to open it.

What the insurer pays for

Most workers' comp programs pay cash for lost wages while you recover, medical expenses, and benefits to dependents if a worker dies from a work injury or illness. Source: USAGov1

Take it with you

Printable cardDownload card (PDF)

Sources

  1. USAGov Workers' compensation
  2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Workers' rights
  3. Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation Injured employee FAQ
  4. Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation Injured employee resources

Lesson W5.3 · Last checked October 3, 2026 against the sources listed.

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