If you have been injured on the job, you can rest assured that your employer's workers' comp insurance company will investigate your claim and pay any approved compensation. You can expect the insurance to pay your related medical expenses and a certain portion of your lost wages, but you must ensure that a vital document that details the circumstances of your injury is completed and submitted properly: the accident report. Read on to learn more about the importance of the accident report and the part it plays in your workers' compensation claim.

1. Your first order of business, once you are able, is to inform your direct supervisor about your injury and request that the accident report be completed. If your injury involves a repetitive stress injury, you must inform your supervisor as soon as you notice the symptoms of a work-related repetitive stress condition, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. It's important to be aware of your particular state's reporting requirement timeline, but normally your human resources department should already be informed.

2. Your employer may fill out the accident report for you using your input, or they may provide you with the form to fill out yourself. Since workers' comp insurance is a state-run program, check the website for blank forms if you have trouble accessing a form. The website can also provide you with more information about what to expect from your state's workers' comp process.

3. Regardless of who fills out the form, care should be taken to be as thorough and complete as possible. Once the form is filed, it may be difficult to make changes to it, so provide information about any witnesses and their contact information and any medical reports or records from the beginning. Use a professional tone when describing the injury and body parts affected. You want the reader to have a clear understanding of exactly how this injury will affect your ability to work at your job.

4. Do yourself a favor and stay organized with your paperwork from the start. An expandable file case makes an excellent holder for all your important documentation. You will want to keep copies of all forms submitted, all correspondence from your employer and the workers' comp insurance agency, medical expenses, lab results, etc.

If you are experiencing problems getting your claim submitted or approved, contact a workers' compensation lawyer for assistance. You are entitled to these benefits, so don't allow yourself to suffer from an on-the-job injury without compensation. 

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