Workers' Compensation
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
The first steps matter — for your body, your mind, and your claim.
Why the First Steps Matter
What happens in the days after a workplace injury shapes both your physical recovery and how smoothly your claim moves forward. It's also a point where the emotional impact of the accident is easy to overlook if no one on your care team is paying attention to it.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Report the injury to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible
- Get any first aid or emergency care needed for the immediate injury
- Document how the injury happened while the details are fresh
- Follow your employer's process for filing a workers' compensation claim
- Seek a full evaluation promptly — medical, and behavioral health if the accident was traumatic
Common Mistakes That Complicate Recovery or a Claim
- Delaying the report of the injury
- Ignoring emotional symptoms — anxiety, sleep disruption, low mood — that follow a traumatic workplace accident
- Inconsistent descriptions of the mechanism of injury across different providers or forms
- Not following through on physical therapy or behavioral health recommendations
How We Support You Through This
- A thorough initial evaluation covering the physical injury, functional impact, and emotional response to the accident
- Clear explanation of your diagnosis and plan so you understand what's happening and why
- Coordination with any other provider involved in your care, including anyone managing pain medication
- Direct coordination with your employer or claims adjuster when appropriate
What to Bring to Your First Visit
- Your employer's incident report, if one has been filed
- Any claim number or adjuster contact information you've been given
- A list of current medications and any other providers involved in your care
- A clear description of how the injury happened
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm already anxious or having trouble sleeping since the accident?
That's worth mentioning at your first visit. These are common responses to a traumatic injury, and addressing them early tends to prevent them from becoming bigger problems later.
Can you prescribe or manage my pain medication?
No — we don't manage physical pain medication for your injury. If your recovery involves anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms, our psychiatry team can evaluate and manage medication for those conditions directly.
Can I get behavioral health support even if I just want to talk to someone once?
Yes — support doesn't have to mean a long-term commitment. We meet you where you are.
The steps you take early protect more than your claim — they protect the parts of your recovery that don't show up on an X-ray.
Confidential · No Pressure · Coordinated Care
Start today. Walk-ins welcome.
Call us, send a message, or just come by the clinic. Same-day appointments are available, and our team will meet you without judgment.
1010 E McDowell Rd, Suite 410, Phoenix, AZ 85006 · Open until 7 PM Wednesdays