Start with the issue actually in dispute
Late injury report is mainly a problem of notice timeline and state exceptions. Build the file around the written notice, dated record, or event that created the problem.
Documents to gather
Incident date, first symptom date, first report, messages to supervisors, medical note, and official notice rule.
Questions to answer before acting
- What changed, on what date, and who made the decision?
- Is there a written notice or only a phone conversation?
- Which medical, wage, employment, or incident record directly addresses the dispute?
- What state or federal agency procedure controls the next step?
- Is there a separate employment, third-party, leave, or discrimination issue that should not be mixed into the workers’ compensation question?
Important caution
Reconstruct exactly when the employer knew and when formal notice was given.