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Injured at Work? File for Industrial Accident Yourself

If you’re injured or fall ill because of work, you can get compensation. Even if your employer won’t file, you can apply to KCOMWEL yourself — here’s how, for free.

This is your right

  • ✊ Even if your employer says it ‘can’t be filed’ or won’t cooperate, you can apply for industrial-accident (medical-care) benefit directly to KCOMWEL yourself.
  • 🌏 It applies equally to foreigners regardless of nationality or visa. It applies even from day one.
  • 💸 The employer pays the full premium. Filing costs you nothing and has no downside — don’t hesitate.

How do I file?

  1. Get treatment first. It’s smoother at an industrial-accident insurance hospital.
  2. Fill out the medical-care benefit application and get a doctor’s opinion from your treating hospital (you don’t write the opinion).
  3. Submit to the KCOMWEL branch for your workplace by visit/mail/fax. You can also ask the hospital to file on your behalf.
  4. KCOMWEL reviews and decides whether it’s work-related. If approved, you receive medical-care and absence benefits, etc. (processing takes time).

What compensation do I get?

  • 🏥 Medical-care benefit — covers treatment costs for the injury (hospital bills, medication, etc.).
  • 💵 Absence (leave) benefit — for the time you can’t work, usually about 70% of your average wage (criteria vary by case).
  • 🦽 Disability, nursing, survivor benefits, etc. — depending on your condition, more may apply. Types and amounts are decided by KCOMWEL.

Good to know

  • ⚠️ Whether it’s recognized and the benefit types/amounts/deadlines vary by case. Don’t assume — confirm with KCOMWEL ☎1588-0075 or a labor attorney.
  • ⏳ The claim usually must be exercised within 3 years (for medical-care/absence benefits). Filing pauses the time limit — don’t give up if you’re late; check first.
  • 🤝 Even if the employer pushes a private settlement instead of filing, your right to file as an industrial accident remains. Consult if it disadvantages you.
  • 🆓 Doing it yourself is free. We don’t file for you — we only show you how.
File / consult at KCOMWEL (☎1588-0075)
Read the full industrial-accident guideIf the employer won’t pay wages/medical costs — file for unpaid wages

This is general information, not legal advice. Whether an accident is recognized and the benefit types, amounts, and filing deadlines depend on your situation and can change. Confirm with KCOMWEL (www.comwel.or.kr · ☎1588-0075), the Ministry of Employment and Labor (☎1350), or a labor attorney.