Hopefully, you know where you are supposed to go for treatment if you get hurt at work. See “Basics #2”.

If you're hurt at work, get medical care as soon as possible.

If you're able to, notify your supervisor or some other manager that you've been hurt at work. If you can't, do it as soon as possible after you get treatment. If necessary, have your spouse, family member or friend, contact your employer to notify them that you were hurt at work.

Don't try to work through the work injury; don't go home and take a hot bath; don't get a massage; don't get a chiropractic adjustment. GET MEDICAL TREATMENT ASAP.

IF THE EMPLOYER DESIGNATED A SPECIFIC MEDICAL PROVIDER TO SEE IF YOU GOT HURT AT WORK, GO TO THAT MEDICAL PROVIDER. (SEE BASICS #2)

IF THE EMPLOYER TOLD YOU TO GO TO A MEDICAL PROVIDER OF YOUR CHOICE, YOU ALREADY HAVE A DOCTOR CHOSEN. (SEE BASICS #2) GO TO THAT DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

If you haven't chosen a doctor, you could go to your primary care doctor. You could also try to contact a lawyer who represents injured workers for a list of possible treating doctors.

If you are seriously injured, GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM.

IF YOU NEED AN AMBULANCE, CALL ONE. IF YOU CAN'T, HAVE A CO-WORKER CALL ONE.

I won't write a list of “serious injuries” because you and/or your co-workers will know.

If there's any doubt, GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION BASICS #3: IF YOU ARE INJURED AT WORK, GET MEDICAL CARE ASAP AND GO TO THE DESIGNATED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.