Why Employers Should Report all Workers' Compensation Claims – Even if they Seem Unrelated

When an employee reports an injury, some employers hesitate. If the injury appears questionable – perhaps it occurred over the weekend, offsite, or while the employee was already managing a pre-existing condition, or before or after a layoff cycle – it may seem unnecessary to involve workers' compensation.

But here’s the truth: employers should always report every claimed injury. Even when it seems unrelated to work, reporting is the smartest move you can make to protect your business.

Offense vs. Defense in Workers’ Comp

Defensive approach:

• Waiting to see if the claim “sticks.”
• Not reporting unless you’re certain it’s job-related.
• Reacting when the state or insurer gets involved without you.

Offensive approach:

• Reporting every claim immediately.
• Documenting your observations or concerns about work-relatedness.
• Allowing your insurer to investigate and decide compensability.

Being on the offensive puts you in control. Being defensive leaves you vulnerable to fines, disputes, and credibility issues.

Why Reporting Protects Employers

• You Stay Compliant: Most states require claims to be reported within days. Miss that deadline and you may face fines or restrictions on your ability to defend the claim.
• You Transfer the Decision to the Experts: It’s not the employer’s role to decide if an injury is work-related – that’s for the insurer or state board. Reporting ensures professionals investigate properly.
• You Safeguard Your Business Reputation: Regulators and insurers view delayed reporting as non-cooperation. This can increase claim costs, raise premiums, and damage trust with both employees and oversight agencies.
• You Build Trust With Employees: When you report every claim, employees see a fair process at work. Even if the claim is denied later, you’ve shown you follow the rules instead of playing gatekeeper.

Employees Can Report Directly

A key reason to always report is that employees don't need you to file. In many states, they can submit claims directly to the state division of workers' compensation.
If they do that before you’ve reported:

• You’re already behind.
• The insurer and regulators may view your company as uncooperative.
• The employee controls the story, not you.

Reporting first keeps you proactive and prevents surprises.

Bottom Line

Workers’ compensation is designed to protect everyone – employees and employers alike. By reporting every claim, you:

• Stay compliant with the law.
• Protect your credibility.
• Put the investigation in the right hands.
• Reduce unnecessary conflict.

When in doubt, report. Document your concerns, let your insurer investigate, and stay on the offensive. Contact our team to ensure you're following the best practices for reporting and protecting your interests.