Work Injuries 101: What to Do After You Get Hurt on the Job
Your guide to what to do after a work injury, from first aid to follow-up care that gets you back on your feet—and back to work.
Work injuries can happen in an instant—but what you do in the minutes, hours, and days afterward can make all the difference in your recovery. Whether you’ve strained your back, suffered a fall, or developed pain over time, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and your rights.
At Advanced Care Specialists, we help injured workers heal properly, avoid long-term damage, and return to their jobs with confidence. Here’s what to know if you’re hurt at work.
Step 1: Report the Injury Right Away—Even If It Seems Minor
One of the most important things you can do after a workplace injury is notify your employer as soon as possible. This creates a formal record of the incident, which is often required for workers’ compensation claims. Even if you think the injury is minor, symptoms can worsen over time—and without early documentation, you could lose access to benefits or treatment.
Be sure to write down the details:
- What happened and where
- When it occurred
- Any witnesses
- What symptoms you experienced
Keep a copy for your records, and don’t delay. Reporting the same day is ideal.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention from a Qualified Provider
You also have the right to choose your own provider in most cases. While some employers may refer you to a company-selected clinic, Wisconsin law allows injured workers to choose their treating physician. This means you can seek care from a trusted provider like Advanced Care Specialists—one that prioritizes your health and long-term recovery, not just getting you back to work quickly.
At ACS, we offer comprehensive care for work-related injuries, including:
- No Out-of-Pocket Expenses - including free claims assistance & case management
- On-site X-rays and diagnostics
- Pain and injury evaluations
- Physical medicine, rehab, and surgical consultations
- Coordination with your employer or case manager when needed
Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury or chronic pain from repetitive motions, our team develops a personalized treatment plan that focuses on healing—not just masking symptoms.
Step 3: Document Everything and Follow Through on Care
Documentation doesn’t end after the first report. Keep a record of:
- All medical visits
- Any time missed from work
- Communication with your employer or insurance
- Any changes in symptoms
Following your treatment plan is also key. Skipping visits or failing to follow your provider’s instructions can delay recovery and complicate your claim. At ACS, we help you stay on track with integrated care and ongoing support every step of the way.
How ACS Helps Injured Workers Recover and Return to Work
At Advanced Care Specialists we bring multiple specialities together under one roof to streamline recovery for injured workers. We treat the full scope of work injuries—from sprains and strains to more complex musculoskeletal conditions—with compassion, clarity, and clinical expertise.
Here’s how we support you:
- Efficient scheduling with minimal wait times
- Clear communication with your employer, insurance, and legal team if needed
- Goal-focused care plans that balance healing with returning to work safely
- On-site therapies like physical rehab, chiropractic care, injections, and more
- No Out-of-Pocket Expense – No costs. No co-pays. No deductibles. We provide free claims assistance and bill all medical care and treatment services through the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (DOL-OWCP).
We understand that work injuries affect more than just your body—they impact your livelihood. That’s why we work with you to create a recovery plan that gets results without unnecessary delays or referrals. If you’ve been hurt on the job, contact Advanced Care Specialists today to schedule your evaluation and get the support you deserve.