FastCounsel

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. For legal guidance specific to your situation, consult a qualified attorney.

Detailed Answer

Under Indiana law, when an employee reports a work-related injury, the employer’s insurance carrier must file a First Report of Injury (FROI) with the Indiana Worker’s Compensation Board within 45 days of notice or knowledge of the injury. (See Ind. Code § 22-3-3-3.) This FROI initiates a formal record of the claim.

To verify if a claim has been filed:

1. Ask Your Employer or HR Department
   Your employer should maintain copies of all injury notices and claim filings. Contact the human resources or risk management team and request confirmation of the claim’s filing date, insurer name, and claim number.
2. Contact the Insurance Carrier
   Once you know the insurer’s name, call their workers’ compensation claims unit. Provide your name, injury date, and employer name. The carrier can confirm whether they received notice and filed the FROI with the state.
3. Reach Out to the Worker’s Compensation Board
   While Indiana does not offer a public online database for all FROIs, you can submit a written request to the Board’s Record Department:
   Indiana Worker’s Compensation Board Records
   P.O. Box 7149
   Indianapolis, IN 46207
   Or call (317) 232-3804. Provide your name, date of injury, and employer. The Board can confirm filing and provide claim status.
4. Review Case Docket for Disputed Claims
   If a dispute arises, either party may file a Petition to Initiate a Dispute Resolution (Form 9). These contested cases are docketed and scheduled for hearing. To check for a docket number or hearing date, contact the Board Clerk at the above number or visit the Board’s website.
5. Consider Legal Assistance
   If you have difficulty obtaining confirmation or suspect your rights are not being honored, an attorney experienced in Indiana workers’ compensation law can request records and advocate on your behalf.

Helpful Hints

• Document all communications in writing—keep copies of emails, letters, and notes from phone calls.
• Indiana law requires you to notify your employer of the injury within 30 days (Ind. Code § 22-3-4-3).
• Note critical deadlines: you generally have two years from the injury date to file a claim petition (Ind. Code § 22-3-3-1).
• Keep copies of medical records and bills—insurers often request them to process claims.
• Follow up regularly; delays may affect your benefits.