If you are injured while on your job, you must act promptly to protect your rights and receive those benefits you may be eligible for. Report your injury to your supervisor as soon as possible and in writing, if possible. An employee who fails to notify the employer of a work injury within thirty days may jeopardize his or her ability to receive workers' compensation benefits. Tell your supervisor how you were injured, where the injury occurred and when it occurred. Get prompt medical attention from a health care provider authorized by your employer and inform your employer about your medical condition and when you can return to work if you miss work because of the injury. Prompt reporting is the key. Nothing can happen until your employer is informed of the injury. Ensure your right to benefits by a written notice of every injury, no matter how slight.

Most work related injuries are handled routinely. If you think you have not received all the benefits due you, or you have not received any benefits for a work-related injury, follow these steps:

• Call the claim adjuster at your employer's insurance company or the administrator if your employer is self-insured. Write down the date, time and adjuster's name for your records. Explain the problem and try to work it out. Many problems can be resolved with a telephone call.

• If you cannot resolve the problem with a phone call, call the Division of Workers' Compensation's employee toll-free information line at 800-775-2667 to discuss your problem with an information specialist. The information specialist can provide information or refer you to someone who can provide assistance.

• If a problem cannot be resolved you may wish to take advantage of the dispute management service provided by the Division of Workers' Compensation. This service is a voluntary informal process to assist the parties (employee and employer/insurer) reach a resolution to the problem. Dispute Management is designed to quickly resolve the problems involving medical treatment or temporary total disability.

• You may also request a conference at the appropriate local office with an administrative law judge if your problem involves an issue concerning the degree of permanent disability or any other issue with your workers' compensation benefits. To schedule a conference, call the local adjudication office in the area where the injury occurred.

• You may find it necessary to file a formal Claim for Compensation with the Division of Workers' Compensation. By filing a Claim, you begin an administrative law proceeding. In an administrative law proceeding, an administrative law judge has the authority to decide issues in dispute. A Claim for Compensation must be filed within two years of the date of the injury in order to protect your rights until such time as the issues in your case are resolved. This form may be obtained at any office of the Division or by calling the toll-free number.

• See the FAQ - Recently Asked Questions for Employees page for more information.