What to Document After a Work Injury to Protect Your Claim

Report the Injury to Your Employer — and Get It in Writing

Missouri law requires you to report a workplace injury to your employer as soon as possible. Waiting too long gives the insurer a reason to question whether the injury actually happened on the job.

When you report the injury, ask for a copy of any incident report that’s filed. If your employer uses a written form, request your copy before you leave. If the report is filed verbally or informally, follow up with a written note — a simple email to a supervisor confirming the date, time, and nature of the injury creates a record you control.

If your employer discourages you from filing a report or tries to handle it informally, document that too. It may become relevant later.

Seek Medical Treatment and Follow Through Consistently

Your medical records are the backbone of your workers’ comp claim. The treating physician’s notes establish what your injury is, how it connects to your work, and what restrictions apply. A few things to keep in mind:

Be specific when describing your injury. When you see a doctor, explain exactly how the injury happened and that it occurred at work. Vague notes like “back pain” without a clear work connection give insurers room to argue the injury is unrelated to your job.

Don’t miss appointments. Gaps in treatment are often used to suggest your injury wasn’t serious or that you’ve recovered. If you can’t make an appointment, reschedule promptly and note the reason.

Follow your doctor’s restrictions. If your physician places you on light duty or restricts certain activities, those instructions matter both medically and legally. Violating restrictions — even unintentionally — can be used against you.

Keep copies of every medical record, bill, prescription, and treatment note you receive.

Keep a Personal Injury Journal

A written log of your daily experience may feel unnecessary, but it’s one of the most underused tools in a workers’ comp case. Start one as soon as possible after the injury. Record:

• Your pain levels each day and how they affect your ability to work, sleep, and perform daily tasks
• Any conversations with your employer, supervisor, or HR about your injury or return to work
• Communications from the insurance company — dates, names, and what was said
• Any changes in your symptoms or new developments in your condition
• How is your injury affecting your family, finances, or daily routine

Save All Correspondence

Every letter, email, and voicemail from the insurance company, your employer, or their legal representatives should be saved and organized by date. Pay close attention to:

• Denial letters or requests for additional information
• Notices about independent medical examinations (IMEs)
• Any documents asking you to sign or authorize something

If you receive a document you don’t understand, don’t sign it until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Some authorizations — particularly broad medical release forms — can give insurers access to records they’ll use to dispute your claim.

Document Lost Wages and Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Workers’ comp benefits in Missouri may cover lost wages and certain medical costs, but you need records to support those figures. Keep pay stubs from before and after the injury, track any shifts or hours you missed, and save receipts for any injury-related expenses such as transportation to medical appointments or equipment prescribed by your doctor.