What to Do After a Work Injury
By Work Comp Chicago Editorial Staff · Published · Last reviewed
1. Get urgent care if you need it
Heavy bleeding, a suspected fracture, a head injury with any loss of consciousness, vomiting or confusion, chest pain or trouble breathing: go to the emergency room or call 911 first. Everything else on this page comes after that.
2. Tell your employer
Report the injury to your supervisor or employer as soon as you can, and tell them where you are being treated. Telling your employer about the injury and where you are being treated helps the billing go to the right place.
3. Write down what happened
The date and time, what you were doing, what happened, who was there, and what you felt right away. Pain often shows up a day or two later; note when each symptom started.
4. Choose your doctor and get examined
In general, Illinois allows an injured worker to choose their own physician. An injured worker in Illinois may choose two physicians. Request a visit, and bring a photo ID, your employer's name and address, the date of the injury and any claim number or insurer information you have been given.
5. Leave with a treatment plan and a work status note
The first visit covers a history, a physical examination, a treatment plan written for your job duties, a work status note describing what you can and cannot do, and any referrals the provider finds necessary. Give the note to your employer and keep a copy.
6. Follow the plan and keep your follow-ups
Restrictions are lifted in steps at follow-up visits as you improve. Tell the provider if the work you are given goes beyond the current restrictions or if symptoms return.
Common questions
Do I pay at the visit?+
For a covered work injury, the provider bills the employer or its insurer directly. Staff can explain how billing applies to your visit before you are seen.
My pain started the next day. Does that matter?+
Delayed onset is common after strains, falls and crashes. Tell the provider exactly when symptoms started; it is documented as part of your history.
What if I have questions about my claim?+
The steps on this page are medical. Questions about your specific claim go to the parties handling your claim.
Request a Visit
We call back within 1 hour, or call (312) 847-2412.
This page is general information and is not medical or legal advice.