A verbal report can be forgotten or disputed. A written report creates a record you can prove. This guide is general information only — see the Disclaimer.
En español: Cómo reportar una lesión laboral a su empleador por escrito
The deadline to know
Illinois generally requires you to notify your employer within 45 days of the injury. That is a general, most-cited figure — verify it against the current IWCC handbook, and do not wait. For repetitive strain or occupational disease, the date you knew — or should have known — the condition was work-related can matter, so report as soon as you suspect a work connection. See Repetitive strain / occupational disease.
What to put in writing
- Your name, job, and work location.
- Date, time, and place of the injury, and how it happened.
- Every body part affected and every symptom.
- Names of witnesses and the supervisor you told.
- The medical care you have received so far.
Sample wording
“On [date] at about [time], while [what you were doing] at [location], I was injured. I hurt my [body parts] and have [symptoms]. I am reporting this injury in writing and asking that a workers’ compensation claim be opened. Please confirm receipt in writing.”
How to send it — and keep proof
Give a copy to your supervisor and to human resources if you can, and keep a dated copy for yourself. Email is helpful because it timestamps the message. If you use a paper form, ask for a signed, dated copy. If your employer will not give you a form, your own written note still counts as notice — keep proof you sent it.
Next: What to do after a work injury, Claim denied, and FAQs.