When do I have to tell my employer about my work injury?

When an accident happens on the job, notifying your employer is the first step to filing a workers’ compensation claim. Different states have different deadlines for reporting, varying from “as soon as possible,” to 180 days. 

In some states, this notice must be in writing. While it’s not always a legal requirement, it’s always recommended to do so. A simple text message or email will do! This not only creates a clear record of your report, it also helps prevent disputes later. 

Sometimes, your legal employer isn’t the same as the person you work for on a daily basis. For example, if you work on different short-term projects through an agency, that agency might be your legal employer. For the purposes of workers’ compensation, you must notify your legal employer of the injury. 

Check the list below for the notice deadline in your state. Please note that these numbers can change, and to always check the link to your state’s website for more information.