Common Questions from Injured Workers
A workplace injury can happen in an instant, and the moments afterward are often confusing. Injured workers often ask:
“What should I do right after I get hurt at work?”
Taking the right steps immediately after an injury can protect your health and strengthen your workers’ comp case. What you do in the first few days after your injury can have a huge effect on the success of your claim.
1. Report the Injury Immediately
South Carolina law requires you to notify your employer within 90 days, but waiting is a mistake.
Tell your supervisor or manager right away.
Put it in writing if possible—email, text, or a form all work.
Early notice prevents the employer or insurance company from claiming you weren’t really hurt at work.
2. Get Medical Attention and Build a Record
Even if your injury feels minor, go to the doctor your employer or their insurer directs you to.
Here’s why:
Medical records are evidence. A note in your phone that says “my leg hurt” won’t help your case.
Official treatment records prove the injury happened and that you took it seriously.
If your claim is ever questioned—or if your case ends up in front of the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission—you will want clear, professional documentation of your injury and treatment.
Be smart: The sooner you have records, the stronger your case will be.
3. Document Everything
After your injury:
Keep a written log of dates, times, and what happened.
Save doctor’s notes, work restrictions, and correspondence from your employer or the insurance company.
Having a clean paper trail now will save you headaches later if there’s ever a dispute.
4. File a Workers’ Comp Claim
Your employer should start the claim with their insurance company. If they delay or deny your claim, you can file directly with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
5. Consider Getting Legal Help Early
Even if your case never ends up in court, having a lawyer early on can help you:
Ensure all documentation is done correctly.
Avoid mistakes that might cost you benefits.
Push back if the insurance company tries to limit treatment or deny the claim.
Bottom Line
The first few days after a workplace injury are critical.
Act quickly.
See a doctor and get real records.
Protect your case from the start.
At Martin & Martin, P.A., we help injured workers across South Carolina protect their rights and secure the benefits they deserve.
If you’ve been hurt at work, call us today for a free consultation before small mistakes become big problems.