What to do during the 1st hour

Just Got Hurt? Here’s What to Do in the First Hour

Carlos had just loaded the last few boxes when he slipped on a slick spot near the truck ramp. His shoulder caught the edge of the frame—and the pain hit hard.

He stood up fast, hoping nobody noticed. He rolled his arm. Maybe it was fine.

But deep down, he knew—it wasn’t.

Why the First Hour Matters

When you get hurt at work, what you do right away can make or break your workers’ comp claim.

Most injuries we see—especially with delivery drivers—are sprains, strains, and soft tissue damage. In fact, those make up over 75% of all work-related injuries. And they don’t always show up clearly in an X-ray.

That’s why documentation is everything.

My 3-Minute Injury Checklist

If something feels off—even if it seems small—here’s what you need to do:

1. Take Photos

  • Snap a picture of the scene: where it happened, what caused it (if visible), and your injury (swelling, bruising, etc.).
  • If there were weather conditions, slippery surfaces, or equipment issues, capture those too.

2. Report It Immediately

  • Tell your supervisor right away, in writing if possible.
  • Be clear: where, when, and how it happened—even if you’re not sure how serious it is yet.

3. Document What You Feel

  • Write down what hurts and how it happened.
  • Note any witnesses. Small details now can make a big difference later.

What Happens If You Wait?

If Carlos had shrugged it off and said nothing, he might’ve ended up with:

  • A denied claim
  • Medical bills he didn’t expect
  • Weeks off work with no pay

The sad truth? That happens all the time—not because people fake injuries, but because they wait too long to report them.

How I Help

I’ve handled hundreds of cases for drivers like Carlos. I know what adjusters look for. I know the red flags that cause claims to be denied. And I make sure you’re protected from the start.

When you call me, I walk you through:

  • How to report the injury the right way
  • Where to go for treatment
  • What documentation will support your claim

And I do it with no cost to you unless we win your case.

Save This Number Before You Need It

Call me at (404) 442-9777 or schedule a free consultation today.

Even if you’re not sure what to do, let’s talk. You don’t need to figure this out alone.