Don’t Wait: 5 Key Reasons to Report Workplace Injury Promptly

Time is critical when reporting a work-related injury—especially for frontline workers who are the backbone of a company. When these essential employees are sidelined, productivity suffers, and workers’ compensation costs rise. Delayed reporting can increase claim costs by up to 51% according to NCCI research and lead to longer recovery times, legal complications, and compliance risks.

Implementing early injury reporting policies helps lower expenses, gets employees back to work faster, and strengthens a culture of safety.

5 Reasons to Report Workplace Injuries Immediately

1. Lower Workers’ Comp Claim Costs

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common workplace injury, with 502,380 cases reported in 2021-2022. They cost employers approximately $20 billion annually in direct expenses, while indirect costs—lost productivity, product defects, etc.—can be five times higher.

Delays in reporting only drive costs up. NCCI data shows delayed injury reporting can increase workers' comp claims costs up to 51% due to:

• Delays in medical treatment can turn minor injuries into severe, costly conditions.
• Late reporting reduces early intervention opportunities, increasing claim duration.
• Extended lag time raises litigation risks.

For example, an untreated sprain might require surgery instead of physical therapy—drastically increasing medical costs and time away from work.

2. Faster Return to Work

The longer an employee is out, the harder it is to get them back. In 2020, the median number of missed workdays for all workplace injuries was 12 days, but for MSDs, it was 14 days—and 32% of these cases resulted in 31+ days of missed work.

Every lost workday impacts productivity. Prompt reporting ensures timely medical care, reducing recovery time and minimizing lost productivity.

3. Better Investigations & Fraud Prevention

Time-sensitive reporting helps preserve evidence and ensures accurate witness statements while details are fresh. Delays can hinder investigations—leading to missing details, forgotten incidents, or potential fraud.

While most claims are legitimate, 1-2% of workers' comp claims involve fraud. Late reporting makes it easier for dishonest claims to slip through by allowing injuries to be exaggerated or falsified.

4. Reduced Litigation Costs

Delays increase the likelihood of legal action. Employees who don’t receive immediate medical care or feel left in the dark about the claims process are more likely to seek legal counsel.

• 13% of claims filed immediately involve attorneys.
• 32% of claims filed after week four involve attorneys.

(Lawyer involvement more than doubles with delayed reporting.)

By reporting injuries promptly, employers build trust with injured employees, making litigation less likely.

5. Compliance with State Regulations

Workers’ compensation laws require timely injury reporting, and missing deadlines can result in:

• Claim denials, delaying employee benefits.
• Fines ranging from $100 to $5,000 depending on the state.

Employers should ensure they’re aware of state-specific deadlines and have a process in place to file claims quickly.

Early Reporting Pays Off

Reporting workplace injuries as soon as possible—ideally within 24 to 48 hours—helps control costs, speeds up return to work, and reduces litigation risks. It also ensures compliance with state regulations and demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being.

Don’t wait—review how to report a claim with Kinetic or begin a claim through Nurse Triage.