Quick answer
Report promptly and investigate workers’ compensation separately from any claim against a third party.
Do now
Notify the employer through the required process, obtain care under applicable rules, and keep incident, wage, and medical records. NY WCB describes employer notice generally within 30 days and a C-3 claim generally within two years; exceptions and occupational-disease rules matter. DC private-sector guidance describes distinct notice and claim filings; public/federal employees may use different systems.
Watch for
An employer’s report may not replace your required claim.
Official sources
NJ Labor — Injured Worker Protections, NY WCB — File a Claim, DC DOES — Employee Rights and Obligations.