What is the initial step in processing a workers' compensation claim?

• A. Medical record review
• B. Post-accident evaluation
• C. Employer incident report
• D. First report of injury

Answer: (D)

In workers’ compensation processing, the claim starts when the injury is reported to the employer, who then files the First Report of Injury with the workers’ compensation carrier or state agency. This formal document creates the claim, assigns the claim number, and triggers the benefits process, medical management, and investigation. Other tasks like reviewing medical records, conducting a post‑accident evaluation, or filing an internal employer incident report may occur as the claim proceeds, but they do not initiate the claim themselves. The First Report of Injury is the official starting point that gets the system moving.