What to do in the first 24 hours after a work injury

Use the free tool — Injury Report Helper

Right now: what to write down

Write down what happened while it's still fresh. Note the time, what you were doing, what hurts, who saw it, and what you've done so far. Take photos if you can. Write down the names of any witnesses. This is the start of your own written record, not a report to anyone yet.

Report it in writing, and see the authorised doctor

Report your injury in writing to your employer. In Florida, you generally have 30 days to report the injury. The checklist also covers your right to see an authorised doctor under Florida's workers' compensation rules — this tool does not detail the doctor-choice rules further, so ask your employer's workers' comp contact or the Division of Workers' Compensation about your specific options.

Be careful about what you sign right after an injury. Don't sign anything you don't understand before you've had a chance to think it over or ask a professional.

Florida's deadlines

30 days to report the injury.
2 years to file a claim.

These are general workers' compensation deadlines under Florida Statutes chapter 440, and they have exceptions. This is not legal advice — confirm your exact deadline with the Division of Workers' Compensation or an attorney.

If your employer won't cooperate, or your claim is denied

Florida has a free Employee Assistance Office you can call at 1-800-342-1741. If your claim is denied or disputed, talk to a workers' compensation attorney — free consultations are standard.

What this tool is, and isn't

Injury Report Helper is an informational tool based on Florida Statutes chapter 440 and public Division of Workers' Compensation guidance. It is not legal or medical advice. Rules differ by state and by employer type. For any emergency, call 911. This tool is not affiliated with any employer, insurer, agency, or law firm.

What to do next

Describe what happened in your own words, free, in English or Spanish. The tool reads your own description and gives you the first-24-hours checklist, the Florida deadlines above, and a dated incident statement in your words that you keep for yourself.

Use the free tool

Injury Report Helper is an informational tool based on Florida Statutes chapter 440 and public Division of Workers' Compensation guidance. It is not legal or medical advice; rules differ by state and by employer type, and deadlines have exceptions. Call 911 for any emergency. It is not affiliated with any employer, insurer, agency or law firm.