What is the first step in initiating a workers' compensation claim?

The first step in initiating a workers' compensation claim is to report the injury to the employer. When an employee gets injured or becomes ill due to work-related activities, they have the obligation to inform their employer about the situation as soon as possible. This not only ensures that the employer is aware of the incident but also allows them to take appropriate steps, including starting their own investigation and facilitating the claims process. The timely reporting of the injury is crucial because it helps establish the connection between the injury and employment, which is essential for the workers' compensation claim to be valid.

Once the employer is informed, they typically provide guidance on how to proceed with the claims process, which may include submitting a claim form and seeking medical attention. However, the priority is to ensure that the employer is made aware of the incident, as this lays the groundwork for all subsequent steps in the claims process. This act also safeguards the employee's rights under the workers' compensation system.