In all fifty states, there are programs that have been established to offer medical assistance and financial support to employees who have suffered on-the-job illnesses and injuries. However, in order to qualify for worker injury compensation, you will need to file an official claim and adhere to all of the administrative requirements for program eligibility that apply in your state. As soon as possible after you are injured or become ill, notify a supervisor, manager, or another representative of the company. Within a short period (usually one or two business days), the company is required by law to provide you with the paperwork you will need to get the process underway. After filling out the accident report and submitting other required documentation, your file will be forwarded to your company's claims department or insurance carrier for further review and evaluation. In most states, this step also involves filing a claim in the state's workers' compensation system.