What to Do Immediately After a Workplace Injury: A Step-by-Step Guide
October 20, 2025
Suffering an on-the-job injury can be overwhelming, especially when you are unsure of what to do next. Taking the proper steps early can protect your health, your job, and your right to compensation.
At The Law Offices of Feeley & LaRocca, our attorneys guide employees through every stage of the workers’ compensation process in New Jersey. Whether you are a public employee or work in the private sector, knowing how to respond immediately after an accident can make a significant difference in your recovery.
Step 1: Get Medical Help Right Away
Your health always comes first. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injury seems minor. Some workplace injuries develop complications over time, such as head trauma, internal bleeding, or repetitive stress injuries. A medical professional can diagnose the full extent of your condition and create records that will later serve as essential evidence in your claim.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers in New Jersey often see cases in which employees delay treatment, which gives employers and insurers grounds to question the seriousness of the injury. Always follow the doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to protect both your health and your legal rights.
Step 2: Report the Injury to Your Employer
Once you are safe and stable, report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. In New Jersey, you must notify your employer promptly, ideally within 14 days of the incident. The longer you wait, the harder it may become to prove that your injury happened at work.
Be specific when explaining how and when the accident occurred, and list any witnesses who saw what happened. Your report triggers your employer’s obligation to file a First Report of Injury with their insurance carrier. If you are unsure how to handle this step, a workplace injury attorney can guide you through the proper reporting process and ensure deadlines are met.
Step 3: Document Everything
Detailed documentation can significantly strengthen your claim. Keep copies of medical records, prescriptions, and any correspondence with your employer or insurance company. Photos of the accident site, your injuries, or unsafe conditions can also be valuable evidence.
Our workers’ compensation attorneys in New Jersey often use these records to build strong cases for injured employees. Maintaining a clear paper trail helps establish the connection between your work duties and your injury, which is crucial when insurance companies question liability.
You can learn more about the types of legal matters we handle on our Practice Areas page.
Step 4: Understand Your Rights Under New Jersey Law
New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits for employees injured in the course of their employment. These benefits can include coverage for medical treatment, temporary disability payments, and compensation for permanent injuries. However, the process can become complicated if your claim is denied or if your employer disputes the extent of your injuries.
You can review more about the claims process through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development website, which outlines employee and employer responsibilities under state law.
Having an experienced work injury lawyer for public employees can be especially important for those who serve as firefighters, police officers, or other government workers. Public employees often face additional regulations and must balance workers’ compensation claims with potential disability or pension benefits. Our attorneys understand these complexities and help clients coordinate all available forms of relief.
Step 5: Avoid Common Mistakes That Could Harm Your Claim
Several errors can reduce or even eliminate your right to benefits. Failing to report your injury promptly, returning to work before being cleared by a doctor, or discussing your case on social media can all damage your credibility. Insurance companies often monitor claimants’ activities to find reasons to deny benefits.
Our attorneys help clients avoid these mistakes by managing all communications with insurers and ensuring that paperwork is handled correctly. If your claim is delayed or denied, we can appeal the decision and advocate for the benefits you deserve.
You can learn what past clients have said about working with us by visiting our Testimonials page.
Rebuilding Confidence After a Work-Related Accident
At The Law Offices of Feeley & LaRocca, our attorneys know how stressful workplace injuries can be, especially for those whose livelihoods depend on staying healthy. We guide injured employees through the workers’ compensation system, from filing claims to securing full benefits.
Our firm represents both public employees and private workers who need trusted legal support after a job-related accident. If you have been injured at work and need guidance about your next steps, our attorneys are ready to help you pursue fair benefits under New Jersey law. To speak with our team, contact us today.