Short answer: If you're hurt at work, report it to your employer fast. California and Florida require notice within 30 days, Minnesota within 14 days (with later deadlines that can still work in some cases), Oregon immediately and no later than 90 days, Iowa and Michigan within 90 days, and Nebraska as soon as practicable. Missing the deadline can reduce or bar benefits, though each state has exceptions.
These are the worker's deadlines to tell the employer. Deadlines to file a formal claim with the state can be different.
The table
| State | Deadline to notify employer | Exceptions and details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Written notice to the employer within 30 days after the injury | Sections 5402 and 5403 provide exceptions, such as when the employer already knew of the injury | Cal. Lab. Code §5400 |
| Florida | Tell your employer within 30 days after the injury or when it first shows up | Exceptions include when the employer already knew, when the cause needed a medical opinion (then 30 days from that opinion), or when the employer didn't post the required notice | Fla. Stat. §440.185(1) |
| Idaho | Give your employer notice of the accident as soon as practicable, and no later than 60 days after it happens | If notice is late, the claim may be barred; a separate 1-year deadline applies to the claim itself | Idaho Code §72-701 |
| Iowa | Notice to the employer within 90 days from the date of the injury, unless the employer already had actual knowledge within that time | The 90 days run from when you knew or should have known the injury was work-related; without timely notice or knowledge, no compensation is allowed | Iowa Code §85.23 |
| Kentucky | Give your employer notice of the accident as soon as practicable after it happens | For cumulative trauma, notice within 2 years after a physician tells you it's work-related | KRS 342.185 |
| Michigan | Notice of injury to the employer within 90 days after the injury, or within 90 days after you knew or should have known of it | Late notice is excused unless the employer proves it was prejudiced; the separate claim deadline is generally 2 years | MCL §418.381(1) |
| Minnesota | Written notice within 14 days, unless the employer already knew; benefits aren't due until notice is given | Notice within 30 days is generally enough unless the employer shows prejudice; within 180 days if the delay was due to mistake or inability. After 180 days, generally no compensation (with an exception for incapacity) | Minn. Stat. §176.141 |
| Nebraska | Written notice to the employer as soon as practicable after the injury | The notice must state the time, place and cause of the injury in ordinary language and be signed by the injured person or someone on their behalf | Neb. Rev. Stat. §48-133 |
| Oregon | Notify the employer immediately, and no later than 90 days after the accident | The employer must acknowledge receipt right away. Special timing applies if a health plan rejected the claim as work-related | ORS 656.265 |
| Texas | Notify your employer (or a supervisor or manager) no later than the 30th day after the injury | For an occupational disease, the 30 days run from when you knew or should have known it may be work-related | Tex. Lab. Code §409.001 |
| Utah | Notify your employer promptly; the claim is barred if neither the employer nor the Labor Commission's division is notified within 180 days after the injury | Next of kin or an attorney can give notice if you can't. An employer or physician injury report filed with the division, employer or carrier also counts as notice | Utah Code §34A-2-407 |
We list only states where we read the official text ourselves in October 2026. A state that is missing is not covered here; check that state's statute or insurance department.
What injured workers should do
- Tell your supervisor right away, in writing, and keep a copy.
- Get medical care and tell the provider it's a work injury.
- Ask for the claim form your state uses.
Employers: see California workers' comp claim reporting deadlines for employers.
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Methodology
Each row was read from the official source linked in the Source column in October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. See also the state insurance rules hub.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to report a work injury in California?
Written notice to your employer within 30 days after the injury, with some exceptions (Lab. Code §5400).
What is the deadline in Minnesota?
14 days for written notice, though notice within 30 days is generally enough unless the employer shows prejudice, and up to 180 days in some cases (Minn. Stat. §176.141).
What if I report late?
Benefits can be reduced or barred, but states have exceptions, such as when the employer already knew about the injury.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice, and not a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.