For an employee to have a successful workers’ compensation claim against an employer, the injury and its link to an occupational cause; as well as any physical symptoms and disability must be established to a reasonable degree of certainty.  Well-documented medical evidence is crucial to a worker’s compensation claim.  Subjective complaints, such as pain, are not enough on their own.  A person’s symptoms must be confirmed by a physical examination.

What to do if you have been injured on the job: 

Seek Medical Attention 

If you have suffered an accident while on the job, it is extremely important that you get immediate medical attention.  Even if you are not sure if you need medical treatment, it is important to learn the extent of your injuries.  This also provides crucial evidence for your workers’ compensation claim.  You should also tell the doctor as many details about the accident as possible.  A couple questions that you should ask your doctor are:

What is my treatment plan?
	The doctor should explain his or her treatment plan to you regarding your injury.  This will help give you a better idea of the severity of your injuries and their effects.
What is my work status?
	It is important to ask the doctor when you may return to work and your restrictions.  He or she may tell you that you are capable of sedentary work, light duty work, or no work.  This is important to have in writing so you can notify your employer.

Report the Accident Immediately

It is very important that the injury be reported to a supervisor or employer immediately following the accident.  Failure to notify the employer of your injuries in a timely fashion may jeopardize your benefits under Florida’s workers’ compensation system.

First Report of Injury or Illness