Why Failing to Report a Work Injury Can Cost You Everything

One moment you’re doing your job, and the next—something goes wrong. Maybe you feel a sharp pain in your back while lifting, slip on a wet floor, or strain your shoulder reaching for something. What you do in the minutes, hours, and days after that moment can make the difference between getting the benefits you deserve and facing financial disaster.

At Johnson & Groninger PLLC, we’ve seen how failing to report work injuries promptly can devastate injured workers and their families. This simple mistake can cost you medical treatment, lost wage benefits, and your financial stability.

The 30-Day Rule That Can Make or Break Your Claim

In North Carolina, the law requires that you report a workplace injury as soon as possible, and within 30 days. This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a crucial legal requirement. If you miss this deadline without a reasonable excuse, the insurance company can deny your claim outright.

The rule is simple but strict: Report your work injury in writing as soon as possible, and definitely within 30 days after it happens.

Why in writing? Because verbal reports are easy to forget, deny, or misinterpret. A written report creates a clear record that can’t be disputed later.

How to Properly Report a Work Injury

When you’re injured at work, take these steps to protect your rights:

1. Notify your supervisor immediately, or as soon as possible after the injury occurs
2. Put it in writing. This could be:
   • A company accident report form
   • An email to your manager or HR department
   • A North Carolina Industrial Commission Form 18
   • Even a handwritten note (though this should be a last resort)
3. Be specific about what happened. Include:
   • The date and time of the injury
   • What you were doing when it happened
   • How the injury occurred
   • What made it unusual or accidental
   • Which body parts were injured
   • Names of any witnesses
4. Keep a copy of everything for your records
5. Take photos of any visible injuries or hazardous conditions that caused your injury

Remember: The sooner an injury is reported, the more likely the insurance company will accept the claim and pay benefits.

The Real Cost of Failing to Report: A Real Life Example

Consider what happened to Ralph, a warehouse worker with 14 years of experience. When a wooden pallet shifted unexpectedly, he felt a searing pain in his back but kept working. He didn’t tell anyone, hoping the pain would go away.

Ralph made several critical mistakes:

• He didn’t report the injury to his supervisor
• He walked right past the nurse’s office without stopping
• He kept working despite increasing pain
• He waited weeks before seeking medical attention
• He only sought treatment after a second incident at home made the pain unbearable

By the time Ralph finally got medical care, he needed back surgery. But the workers’ compensation carrier denied his claim, saying he never reported a work injury.

After his claim denial, Ralph received only short-term disability, which paid just 50% of his regular wages. Even worse, his medical bills weren’t covered. With a child needing braces and regular child support payments, Ralph faced financial ruin from this one simple mistake.

Common Reasons Workers Don’t Report Injuries (And Why They’re Problematic)

Many workers hesitate to report injuries for reasons that seem logical at the time:

“It’s probably nothing serious.”

Even minor injuries can develop into serious conditions. That slight twinge in your back could be a herniated disc. That wrist pain could be a fracture. Without a proper medical evaluation, you won’t know.

“I don’t want to ruin the company’s safety record.”

Some companies celebrate days without injuries or offer incentives for accident-free periods. While safety is important, these programs sometimes discourage injury reporting. Remember: Your health and financial security are more important than a safety streak.

“I don’t want my coworkers to lose their safety bonus.”

Group incentives for safety can create peer pressure not to report injuries. But if your injury worsens and you can’t work, you’ll face a much bigger financial hit than your coworkers will from losing a bonus.

“I can tough it out.”

Working through pain often makes injuries worse and can lead to permanent damage. What might have been treatable with rest and physical therapy could require surgery if neglected.

“I don’t want to be seen as a complainer.”

Reporting an injury isn’t complaining—it’s protecting your rights and your health. Professional workplaces understand that accidents happen.

The Exceptions Are Limited

While North Carolina law does recognize some exceptions to the 30-day notice requirement, they’re limited and difficult to prove, and include reasons like:

• The employer already knew about the injury
• You were physically or mentally unable to give notice
• You didn’t realize the injury was work-related until later

These exceptions aren’t guaranteed. The Industrial Commission decides if your excuse is reasonable, and they set a high bar. It’s always safer to report within 30 days.

The Financial Impact of Denied Claims

When a workers’ compensation claim is denied due to the failure to report, the financial consequences can be severe:

• Medical bills that could reach tens of thousands of dollars must be paid out-of-pocket or through your health insurance (with deductibles and co-pays)
• Lost wages during recovery time aren’t reimbursed
• If you can’t return to your job, you face long-term income loss
• Future medical needs related to the injury won’t be covered

Even if you have health insurance, it won’t cover your lost wages, and you may still face significant out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, co-pays, and uncovered treatments.

It’s Not Just About Timely Reporting

While reporting your injury promptly is crucial, it’s just the first step. To protect your rights, you should also:

1. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible – and go to the approved medical facility if the company sends you to one
2. Follow the doctor’s orders exactly
3. Keep all medical appointments
4. Document everything related to your injury and recovery
5. Stay in contact with your employer about your condition
6. Be honest about your symptoms and limitations

What To Do If Your Claim Is Denied for Failure to Report

If your workers’ compensation claim has already been denied because you didn’t report it in time, don’t give up. You may still have options:

1. Talk with an attorney who handles workers’ compensation cases.  Workers’ compensation laws are difficult to understand and often change.
2. File a request for hearing with the North Carolina Industrial Commission.  Most people have an attorney do this because a hearing requires lots of legal knowledge and expertise.
3. Gather evidence that could support an exception to the notice requirement
4. Look for witnesses who can verify when your injury occurred
5. Get medical opinions linking your condition to your work activities

While fighting a denied claim is difficult, it’s not always impossible. At Johnson & Groninger PLLC, we’ve helped workers overcome claim denials and secure the benefits they deserve, even in challenging circumstances.

The Lesson: Report Every Injury, Every Time

The most important takeaway is simple: Report every work injury in writing as soon as it happens. Even if you think it’s minor, even if you’re not sure if you’ll need treatment, even if you’re worried about safety records or what others will think.

This simple step protects your right to medical treatment and wage replacement benefits if the injury turns out to be serious. It’s better to report an injury that heals quickly than to suffer the consequences of not reporting one that gets worse.

If you’ve been injured at work in North Carolina, contact Johnson & Groninger PLLC for a free consultation about your workers’ compensation claim. We’ve helped numerous injured workers navigate the system and secure the benefits they deserve.

This blog post provides general information and is not legal advice for your specific situation.