What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a Workplace Injury

A Workplace Injury Guide for Central Texas Business Owners

Running a small business in the Austin area comes with plenty of moving parts—managing employees, serving customers, and of course, keeping everyone safe on the job. But no matter how many safety protocols you have in place, workplace injuries can still happen.

When they do, the first 24 hours are critical—not just for your employee’s well-being, but also for your business’s liability and workers’ comp insurance. At Dowd Insurance Agency, we help small business owners across Central Texas prepare for the unexpected, and that includes workplace accidents.

Here are the three key steps to take immediately after a workplace injury to protect your team and your business.

1. Provide Prompt Medical Attention

Whether it’s a minor sprain or a more serious injury, never downplay an incident. Your first move should always be making sure the injured employee gets proper medical treatment.

• For serious injuries, call 911 immediately.
• For non-emergencies, direct the employee to your approved medical provider or clinic as outlined in your workers’ comp policy.
• Be sure to document everything—what happened, when, and what steps you took.

👉 Pro tip: Having a designated occupational health provider lined up in advance can save valuable time when minutes matter.

2. Investigate and Document the Incident

After making sure your employee is taken care of, it’s time to play detective.

• Interview the injured worker and any witnesses.
• Take photos of the accident site and any equipment involved.
• Record the timeline and circumstances of the event while everything is still fresh.

This information is vital not just for your insurance carrier, but for preventing future incidents. A well-documented report can also protect your business if questions arise down the road.

🛠️ Insurance Insight: Documentation is your best defense if there’s ever a dispute over the claim. Your workers’ compensation carrier will thank you.

3. File a Workers’ Comp Claim Right Away

Texas doesn’t require all employers to carry workers’ compensation, but if you do have a policy, don’t delay filing a claim.

• Notify your insurance carrier within 24 hours (some require even faster).
• Provide all relevant documentation, including the injury report, witness statements, and medical records.
• Keep open lines of communication with your employee throughout the process.

Delays can cause claim denials, penalties, or even lawsuits, especially if the employee feels you weren’t proactive. Filing quickly also helps your injured worker get the benefits they need without unnecessary stress.

📋 Need help navigating a claim? That’s what we’re here for.

Protect Your Business Before It Happens

Even if you haven’t had a workplace injury before, it pays to be prepared:

• Review your workers’ compensation insurance annually.
• Train your team on injury reporting procedures.
• Keep your emergency contact info, reporting forms, and medical provider list in one accessible location.

At Dowd Insurance Agency, we help small businesses throughout Central Texas build strong insurance plans that keep them protected—and prepared.

Let’s Talk Coverage

Need help understanding your current workers’ comp policy or want to explore your options? Our team at Dowd Insurance is here to walk you through it. We’re local, experienced, and committed to keeping your business covered from all angles.

📞 Contact us today and let’s make sure your coverage is working as hard as you do.