What to Do If Your Employer Won’t Report Your Injury

When an employee is injured on the job, they expect that their employer will take the right steps to report the injury and begin a workers' comp claim. However, not every employer follows the law. Some won't report that the injury happened, and others might wait and report the injury late.

If the employer is late reporting the injury, or they refuse to report it at all, the employee still has options. Larrimer & Larrimer is a workers' compensation law firm in Columbus and can help an injured worker protect their rights and file a workers' comp claim. They can advise on what to do if your workers’ compensation claim is denied as well.

Understand the Employer’s Responsibility When a Work Injury Occurs

Ohio has laws in place to protect employees who have been injured on the job. Employers are required to report your injury to the Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) in a timely manner as soon as they are notified.

By law, the employer must provide the injured worker with the right claim form, which is the First Report of Injury (FROI-1).

They then must submit the report to the Ohio BWC or to their managed care organization (MCO).

The employer is also required by law to cooperate with the investigation and not interfere with the process. Not reporting workplace injuries is against Ohio state law, and workers should never be intimidated or discouraged from filing a claim.

Reporting Workplace Injuries - Report the Injury in a Timely Manner

If you have job related injuries, and your employer hasn't reported the injury to the BWC, the first step is to make sure the incident has been reported internally. It's important to promptly report the injury to your employer, too. Though verbal reports are fine, injuries should always be reported in writing, because you want to create a record that the employer was aware of the injury and the circumstances around it.

Some of the details that should be reported to your employer include:

• The date, time, and location of the injury.

• A description of how the injury occurred.

• The body parts affected.

• Names of any witnesses who saw the accident.

Give the report to your supervisor, HR department, or other manager. Also, keep a copy for your records. This may turn into crucial evidence if your employer doesn't file the required paperwork.

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim Yourself

If your employer won't report the injury, you can do it yourself directly through the Ohio BWC. Keep in mind that timely reporting is important. Here's how to file your claim:

1. Get the First Report of Injury form. You can get it online at the Ohio BWC website, from a doctor's office, or from a workers' compensation attorney.

2. Complete the form . Make sure to add accurate details about the injury, your employer, and the medical treatment you have received.

3. Submit the form directly to the BWC.

Once the BWC receives the form, they will give it a claim number, notify your employer, and then begin reviewing the case. If you don't do this quickly, there could be consequences.

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment ASAP

Health and safety should always come first. Following an injury at work, you should seek medical treatment immediately. It doesn't matter if you go to the emergency room, an urgent care, or a regular doctor, you should also inform them that the injury happened at work.

This often means that the medical provider will report the injury to the BWC, and that is usually enough to start the claim...even if your employer won't file it.

Your employer's failure to file a claim doesn't mean you can't file. Just make sure to keep copies of all medical records, prescriptions, and test results. This is crucial evidence that will support the claim, but it will also protect you if your employer tries to say the injury didn't occur at work.

Keep Detailed Records of All Communications When You Report Injuries and Gather Evidence

When you are dealing with an employer who won't file a claim, the documentation becomes even more important. Keep written records of all communications related to your injury. This includes:

• Emails or messages sent to your employer about the injury.

• Photos of visible injuries

• Notes from conversations with supervisors or HR.

• Medical bills and doctor’s notes.

• Documentation from your insurance company.

• Any witness statements from coworkers who witnessed the incident.

These records can serve as powerful evidence if the employer denies responsibility or you end up with a denied claim.

Contact the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation

If your employer won't pay, or if they are trying to interfere with your claim, you can also contact the Ohio BWC directly. They will investigate the misconduct and ensure your claim is handled according to law. You can reach the BWC by phone or through the State of Ohio website.

Know Your Rights as an Injured Worker

You have rights as an employee in Ohio when it comes to the workers compensation system. An experienced workers comp attorney in Columbus may be able to help explain these rights to you. Your rights include:

• The right to file a claim with the BWC or file a personal injury lawsuit

• The right to get medical care for work-related injuries

• The right to have protection against retaliation or termination for filing a workers comp claim

• The right to appeal if the claim is denied

If your employer threatens you with job loss, demotion, or other types of retaliation, it could be illegal and infringing on your legal rights. A workers’ compensation attorney can help address retaliation and protect your employment rights.

Do Not Let an Employer Pressure You to Not Report an Injury

Some employers discourage their employees from reporting their injuries because they want to avoid insurance costs. Others may offer to pay for medical care privately, or encourage a worker who is hurt to use their own medical insurance.

This is risky, and it can lead to issues later. This includes unpaid medical expenses, lost wages, or the inability to prove that the injury was work-related.

Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

When an employer refuses to cooperate, it’s time to get legal help. A skilled workers’ compensation attorney, such as those at Larrimer & Larrimer, can explain what you should do and help with the following:

• File your claim directly with the BWC.

• Communicate with your employer and the BWC on your behalf.

• Gather medical and witness evidence to support your case.

• Represent you if your employer disputes the claim or retaliates against you.

• Ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to, including medical coverage and lost wages.

Having a knowledgeable advocate ensures that you don’t face the process alone and that your employer is held accountable for their obligations under Ohio law.

Protect Your Future With Timely Reporting

Reporting a workplace injury promptly and properly isn’t just about one incident—it protects your future. Workers’ compensation benefits provide vital support during recovery, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation. Allowing an employer to ignore or hide a workplace injury puts those protections at risk.

By understanding your rights, filing the claim yourself if necessary, and seeking experienced legal help from a lawyer, you can secure the benefits you deserve and protect other employees from similar treatment in the future.

Contact Larrimer & Larrimer today for a free consultation.