What To Do When You’re Hurt at Work
You didn’t plan to star in your workplace’s unofficial slapstick comedy. One second you’re walking to the break room, the next you’re on the floor, pain shooting through your leg, and your manager is handing you an ice pack like that’s going to fix everything.
Welcome to the thrilling world of workers’ compensation, where the rules are confusing, the paperwork is plentiful, and the stakes? Well, they’re your livelihood.
But don’t worry—we’ve got your back (and your neck, your shoulder, and your kneecap too). At The Hines & Wilson Law Firm, we help injured workers across Missouri get the care, compensation, and clarity they deserve. And to make things easier, we’ve broken it down into 7 critical steps that could make or break your workers’ comp case.
Let’s dive in.
- Report Your Injury: Tell Someone Before You Tell Facebook
It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip this first—and most crucial—step. The moment you’re injured, tell your supervisor. Not your coworker. Not your cousin. Not your chiropractor.
Missouri law requires you to report the injury promptly, and if you delay, the insurance company will happily argue you weren’t hurt that badly (because you waited).
So speak up, speak soon, and speak clearly.
- Get a Copy of the Report: Because If It’s Not on Paper, It Didn’t Happen
Think of your injury report as your legal selfie—it proves you were there, it captures the moment, and you’ll definitely want a copy.
Don’t just assume your employer’s HR department has your best interests at heart. Politely demand a copy of the completed report for your records. If they forget to file it, or “misplace it,” you’ll be glad you did.
- Request Treatment: You’re Hurt, Not Hosting a Toughness Contest
Some folks think they have to “walk it off.” Spoiler alert: you don’t. If you’re hurt, tell your employer you need medical care. In Missouri, your employer (or their insurer) gets to choose the doctor—so don’t just pop into the closest urgent care unless it’s a true emergency.
Request treatment officially, so it’s part of your claim. That Tylenol you’ve been munching at home won’t count when it’s time to calculate benefits.
- Be Thorough in Describing Your Injury: Honesty Isn’t Just the Best Policy—It’s Evidence
Now is not the time to downplay your symptoms. That nagging back pain that “isn’t a big deal right now” might be a herniated disc in disguise. Be honest. Be detailed. Be annoying, if you have to.
Every ache, every pain, every twinge—document it. If it gets worse down the line, you’ll want proof that it started with your workplace injury.
- Keep All Appointments and Follow Doctor’s Orders (Yes, Even That Weird Stretch)
Skipping medical appointments is like ghosting your own recovery. Worse, it gives the insurance company an excuse to cut off your benefits. If you miss a follow-up or ignore treatment plans, they’ll argue you must not be that hurt after all.
Follow directions, keep your appointments, and collect every scrap of documentation like it’s gold—because in your case, it is.
- Make Sure You’re Receiving Your Benefits: It’s Not a Gift, It’s the Law
If your doctor says you can’t work, you may be entitled to temporary total disability (TTD) payments. That means money coming your way while you recover.
But insurance companies aren’t exactly known for their generosity. If you notice missed checks or strange payment gaps, don’t ignore it. You’d be surprised how often benefits “accidentally” stop until someone with a law degree makes a phone call.
- Know When to Lawyer Up: Spoiler—It’s Sooner Than You Think
Here’s a hint: if you’re reading this blog, it’s probably time.
If you’re being denied treatment, pressured to settle, or asked to give a recorded statement before you even know what’s going on, call us. The workers’ compensation system is built to be complicated, and insurance companies have adjusters and attorneys working against you from the start.
You deserve someone in your corner—someone who speaks the language, knows the system, and isn’t afraid to make noise when you’re being mistreated.
Bonus Tip: Call The Hines & Wilson Law Firm (We Actually Answer the Phone)
At Hines & Wilson, we take workers’ compensation seriously—because we know how quickly a workplace injury can turn your life upside down. Lost wages, mounting medical bills, and the stress of dealing with adjusters can feel overwhelming.
Our Columbia, Missouri-based team helps injured workers statewide navigate the system, fight back, and get results.
Your job is to heal. Ours is to handle everything else.
