Report claims the same day or within 24 hours (even if you don’t have all the information)

1

Secure the area where the injury occurred to ensure that no one else will get hurt.

2

Determine the appropriate medical response.*

3

Report the claim to Nationwide (if Nurse Triage was not used) within 24 hours.

*Response options:

  • If the injury is serious or life-threatening, call 911 immediately and then report the injury to Nationwide®
  • If the injury is non-life-threatening and clearly requires treatment, refer the employee to an authorized treatment provider
  • If you are unsure whether medical treatment is needed or what type of treatment is needed, call the Nurse Triage Hotline (1-855-921-9519) for guidance; Nurse Triage will handle reporting the initial claim for you.

Incident management and recovery support:

Document Accident Details:​​

  1. Gather information about the accident, including date, time, location, and circumstances.
  2. Obtain a statement from the injured employee. This will be useful when dealing with insurance claims.
  3. Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, and any relevant objects.
  4. Document conversations with injured workers, witnesses, and medical providers.
  5. Review video surveillance footage if available.

Support the Injured Employee:

  1. Stay in touch with the employee to ensure they are being cared for and supported throughout their recovery.
  2. Implement a Successful Return to Work program, offering modified duties, reduced hours, or temporary assignments.

Lastly, maintain communication with your Nationwide Claims team.
People viewing laptop

Top 5 reasons to report workplace accidents immediately
Expand all

Delayed reporting can prevent the claims team from reaching out to the injured employee to assist in getting prompt medical care before injuries get worse. It can lead to increased medical costs, increased time off from work and increased legal fees and expenses.

Delays in reporting an employee’s injuries sends the message that the injured individual is not important. Prompt reporting provides the injured worker immediate assistance in obtaining medical care and other needed support, which demonstrates the employer’s concern and creates a welcoming environment for the injured worker when they return to work.

Delayed reporting can result in lost evidence and lost witness statement opportunities.

Delayed reporting can lead to employee dissatisfaction with medical care and benefits, which may lead to a litigated claim.

States can assess fines and penalties for late or failed reporting of a workplace injury.
Learn more about Claims FAQs.