One of the most common questions we hear as workers’ compensation attorneys is, “what are the reporting requirements after a workplace injury in Florida?”
While reporting might sound simple, the truth is, both employees and employers have very specific obligations under Florida law.
Missing a deadline or failing to document things properly can cause big problems down the line.
Let’s walk through what you need to know.
Your Responsibilities as an Injured Worker
If you’re hurt at work, your first step is to notify your employer right away.
Don’t wait and see if the pain goes away. Florida law requires you to report your injury within 30 days of the accident, or within 30 days of a doctor telling you the condition is related to your job.
While you can tell your supervisor verbally, it’s always best to get it in writing. Send an email to your manager or HR, or fill out an official incident report if your workplace has one. Jot down the date you reported it and the name of the person you told, that way, you’ll have proof if questions come up later.
Why does this matter? Because if you miss that 30-day reporting window, the insurance company may deny your claim altogether. That’s a harsh outcome for something as simple as not putting your notice in writing.
What If My Employer Doesn’t Cooperate?
Sometimes employers drag their feet or fail to submit the injury to their insurance company. If that happens, don’t panic, you have options.
By law, your workplace should display a poster with workers’ compensation information (sometimes called the “broken arm” poster). At the bottom, you’ll find the insurance carrier’s details. You can contact the insurer directly to report your injury, or an attorney can help you file the claim properly.
Employer Obligations After a Workplace Injury
Just like employees, employers also have reporting requirements under Florida law. The exact steps depend on the type of claim:
First Aid Cases
If the injury is minor and treated on-site (without missing more than one shift or needing outside medical care), the employer doesn’t have to notify the insurance company. However, they do have to keep detailed records, including the worker’s name, job title, date and time of injury, description of the accident, and what body part was hurt.
Medical-Only Claims
If the employee needs medical care but doesn’t miss more than seven days of work, the employer must notify their insurance carrier within 7 days using a DWC-1 form. Failing to do so can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500.
Lost Time Claims
When an employee misses more than seven days of work, the employer must file the same DWC-1 form within 7 days. In addition, they have to provide a 13-week wage statement within 14 days to establish the worker’s average weekly wage (AWW) and compensation rate.
Fatal Injuries
If a work-related injury results in death, the employer must notify the Division of Workers’ Compensation within 24 hours, in addition to alerting the insurance carrier within 7 days.
A Fourth Common Mistake: Assuming Minor Injuries Don’t Need Reporting
A mistake we often see is employees brushing off “minor” injuries. Maybe you slipped, twisted your knee, and felt sore, but figured it wasn’t worth mentioning. Weeks later, the pain gets worse, and by then, the reporting deadline may have passed.
The same goes for employers who think a seemingly small incident doesn’t require documentation. Even if no medical care is needed right away, it’s always safer to record the details. That way, if the injury develops into something more serious, there’s already a paper trail.
Why Reporting Matters
Timely reporting protects everyone involved. For employees, it ensures access to medical care and wage benefits.
For employers, it avoids penalties and keeps them compliant with Florida law. Most importantly, it reduces disputes later about when and how the injury occurred.
Speak with a Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
The bottom line: if you’re injured on the job, act quickly. Report your injury, put it in writing, and don’t assume it will “work itself out.”
And if your employer doesn’t follow through with their responsibilities, you don’t have to go through it alone.
At Adam Baron Law, we’ve helped countless Florida workers navigate the claims process and protect their rights. A quick consultation can make the difference between a smooth claim and one that gets denied. If you’re dealing with a workplace injury, or just have questions, reach out today for a free case review.
The Law Offices of Adam Baron, P.A. have represented hurt workers and accident victims for over 30 years. We understand how frustrating and challenging this time can be and we know how to help you through it. Our Florida work injury attorneys are aggressive when it comes to obtaining compensation and justice on behalf of our clients. We help injured workers all across Florida, including Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Miami, Coral Springs, Delray Beach and many others areas.
If you were injured or became sick while working, we can help. Call Adam Baron at 954-247-HURT now for a Free, No-Obligation Case Review.