When you’re injured at work, your workers’ compensation case doesn’t begin with a courtroom—it begins with paperwork. Two of the most important documents in the entire process are the Doctor’s First Report of Injury (DWC Form 5021) and the Primary Treating Physician’s Progress Report (PR-2). These medical reports form the foundation of your claim and can significantly impact your treatment, benefits, and legal rights.
At Employees First Labor Law, we help injured workers understand how these forms affect their cases—and what to do when something goes wrong.
What Is the Doctor’s First Report of Injury (DWC 5021)?
The Doctor’s First Report of Occupational Injury or Illness is the first official medical documentation in your case. It’s typically completed after your initial medical evaluation following a work-related injury or illness.
✅ When it’s required:
Whenever an employee reports a work-related injury and sees a doctor for treatment.
✅ Who completes it:
The doctor who first evaluates and treats your injury.
✅ What it includes:
- Description of the injury and how it happened
- Initial diagnosis
- Work status (e.g., full duty, modified duty, or off work)
- Proposed treatment plan
- Physician’s certification and medical opinion
🕓 Deadline:
The form must be submitted within 5 days of the first medical evaluation.
What Is a PR-2 Report?
The Primary Treating Physician’s Report (PR-2) is an ongoing progress report that updates the insurance company and employer about your medical condition and work capacity.
✅ When it’s required:
Any time your treating doctor needs to:
- Update your work restrictions
- Recommend new treatment
- Document changes in your condition
- Report on permanent or partial disability
✅ What it covers:
- Treatment provided since last report
- Patient progress
- Modified work capabilities
- Permanent impairment (if any)
- Future medical needs
Doctors typically submit a PR-2 every 45 days, or when there’s a significant change.
Why These Forms Matter
Both forms are essential in determining:
- Whether your claim is accepted or denied
- How much in benefits you’ll receive
- Whether you can return to work, and if so, under what conditions
- Whether you are entitled to Temporary Disability (TD) or Permanent Disability (PD) benefits
If these reports are incomplete, inaccurate, or submitted late, your benefits can be delayed—or denied altogether.
What Can Go Wrong?
❌ The doctor leaves out details or fills out the form incorrectly
❌ The insurance adjuster uses vague language to deny treatment or benefits
❌ Your employer claims you’re able to return to full duty based on a misreading of the report
❌ Your doctor doesn’t send the PR-2 on time, causing a delay in your case
These situations are more common than you think—and they can hurt your recovery and your case.
How EFLL Helps Injured Workers with Medical Reporting Issues
At Employees First Labor Law, we:
- Review and interpret medical reports to ensure accuracy
- Challenge improper denials based on flawed DWC 5021 or PR-2 forms
- Push for timely and accurate documentation from treating physicians
- Demand compliance from insurance adjusters delaying care based on “missing” forms
Injured? Don’t Let Paperwork Cost You Benefits.
If your medical reports are delayed, disputed, or being used against you—call us. We’ll step in, protect your rights, and make sure your treatment and compensation aren’t compromised by red tape.
📞 Call now or visit our Workers’ Compensation page to schedule a free consultation.
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