A workplace injury is handled differently in Germany from a private one: statutory accident insurance is responsible, with its own doctors and its own benefits. The first-hour mistake — going to your family doctor — takes weeks to undo.
After a workplace injury, not to your own doctor
A workplace accident is covered by a different branch of insurance, entered through a specially accredited doctor. Going to your family doctor starts the wrong process.
✓ Verified: 01/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
AUTHORITY
Berufsgenossenschaft (gesetzliche Unfallversicherung)
Public bodyWhich BG covers you depends on your industry — look it up via the DGUV portal.
› Details and tips
👨🏻💻
Max recommends:
I went to my family doctor and then spent two weeks transferring the case. One sentence at reception — this happened at work — would have saved all of it.
👩🏼💼
Lea recommends:
Note witnesses’ names into your phone the same day. Six months later people remember the incident but not the date or the details.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why not just see my own doctor? ▾
You can, but that starts ordinary treatment at your health fund’s expense. Workplace accidents are covered by statutory accident insurance, entered through a doctor with special accreditation. That doctor also writes the report with which the case begins.
Does an accident on the way to work count? ▾
Yes, the law covers the journey to and from work. Detours for private reasons generally fall outside cover — which is exactly why the circumstances belong written down immediately.
What if the injury seems minor? ▾
Report it anyway. Consequences surface later, and reconstructing events six months on is nearly impossible. An entry in the employer’s incident book costs nothing and preserves your position.
What if my employer discourages reporting? ▾
Your right to see a doctor and have it documented exists regardless. The duty to report the incident lies with the employer, but you initiate the visit to the accredited doctor yourself.