Reporting to your employer
"I need to report a work injury. I hurt my [body part] doing [task] at about [time]. I want to make sure it's officially reported — what do I need to fill out?"
Why this works: it's factual, it's unambiguous, and it asks for the paperwork — which converts a conversation into a record and obligates most employers to hand over the claim form.
"Hi [name], confirming what I told you today: I injured my [body part] while [task] around [time] in [location]. Please let me know the next steps and send me the claim form. Thank you."
Why this works: a written, timestamped report is the single most valuable document in a young claim. It ends every future "you never told us" argument before it starts.
"I understand — and I still need it officially reported and I need the claim form. If there's a reason that's not possible, please tell me in writing."
Why this works: calm repetition plus "in writing" ends most stonewalling. If it doesn't, that written refusal becomes evidence, and your state agency wants to hear about it.
At the doctor's office
"This is a work injury — it happened at work on [date] while I was [task]. I want to make sure that's in my record."
Why this works: those words route the visit into the comp system and build the causation trail your entire claim rests on. Say it at every early visit, not just the first.
"My main problem is my [body part] — the pain is about [X]/10 and it stops me from [specific task]. I also have pain in my [other parts], and on bad days — about [N] days a week — I can't [activity]."
Why this works: specifics get documented; "I'm okay, just sore" gets documented too — against you. Every body part you name today is a body part that exists in your claim tomorrow.
"Could you make my restrictions specific in writing — how much I can lift, how long I can stand, what movements to avoid? My employer will ask, and I want to follow them exactly."
Why this works: "light duty" is arguable; "no lifting over 15 lbs, no ladders, sit/stand changes every 30 minutes" is enforceable — at work and in any dispute.
On the phone with the adjuster
"Before we start, can I get your name and a claim number? … Thanks. What do you need from me, and what happens next?"
Why this works: polite, brief, and information-gathering. Adjusters are doing a job; your job is facts, names, dates — and notes. Log every call in your claim journal the minute you hang up.
"I'm not comfortable giving a recorded statement right now. I'm happy to answer questions about the basic facts, and anything else I'd like to provide in writing."
Why this works: you generally aren't required to give the insurer a recorded statement on demand, and early recordings — made while you're hurt, medicated, or unsure of your diagnosis — become impeachment material later. Facts yes; recordings, not yet.
"My benefit check due [date] hasn't arrived. Please tell me the status today, and I'm following up by email so there's a record. If there's a reason it's delayed, I'd like that in writing."
Why this works: late checks often carry automatic penalties, and insurers prioritize squeaky wheels with paper trails. One call plus one email beats five calls.
"Please send me the calculation of my average weekly wage — including which pay periods and earnings it used, and whether overtime and my second job were included."
Why this works: you're entitled to know, and errors surface fast when someone has to show the math. Run your own numbers first with the Wage-Loss Calculator.
Light duty that isn't light
"That task is outside my written restrictions — my doctor's note says [restriction]. I'm glad to do anything within them. Can we find something that fits?"
Why this works: it refuses the violation, not the work — which protects both your body and your benefits. The doctor's note, not anyone's opinion, defines your duties.
"My employer assigned me [task], which seems to exceed my restrictions. Can you review and either adjust my restrictions or document that this work isn't within them?"
Why this works: it puts the mismatch into the medical record within days — exactly where a future dispute will look. More in the Return-to-Work guide.
What not to say — anywhere
"I'm fine / it's nothing" (minimizing, on the record) · "It was my fault" (fault doesn't matter in comp — don't hand them a narrative) · "I've had problems with it before" said carelessly (explain history precisely, don't volunteer vagueness) · "I'll do whatever, I need the hours" (working past restrictions) · anything exaggerated, ever (one caught exaggeration outweighs ten honest reports).
This whole page prints cleanly — keep the scripts with your documents, and log every conversation in My Claim right after it happens.