The 24-hour rule
After a workplace accident (accident du travail), you must notify your employer within 24 hours. There are only two exceptions: physical impossibility or a genuine emergency. Even in these cases, notify as soon as possible. Your employer then has 48 hours to declare the accident to CPAM. If they don't, you can declare it yourself — but you have a 2-year window to do so, while acting quickly is always better.
See a doctor immediately — the right way
Seek medical attention the same day if possible. When you see the doctor, explicitly state that the accident occurred at work (accident du travail). This causes the doctor to issue a certificat médical initial — a specific form that describes your injuries and categorises the accident as work-related. Without this certificate, your accident may be treated as ordinary illness, with much lower benefits.
⚠️ If you see a doctor but don't mention it was a workplace accident, the certificate will not be coded correctly and you may lose your right to enhanced coverage. Always mention the work context explicitly.
Your enhanced coverage rights
A recognised accident du travail comes with significantly better coverage than ordinary sick leave:
- All medical costs covered at 100%, with no upfront payment (tiers payant)
- Daily allowances: 60% of your daily salary for the first 28 days, then 80%
- Stronger protection against dismissal during incapacity
- Possibility of permanent annuity (rente) if the accident results in lasting disability
- Professional rehabilitation support
The three-part sick note (feuillet d'accident du travail)
Your employer gives you a sheet (feuille d'accident du travail) with which to access medical care at no cost — pharmacies, doctors, hospitals. Keep this form with you during your recovery. If you need tests or specialist consultations, present it each time.
If your employer disputes the accident
Employers have 10 days after the CPAM declaration to file motivated reservations about whether the accident was genuinely work-related. If they do, CPAM opens an investigation. During this time, you continue to receive medical care and CPAM pays your benefits. Gather witness statements from colleagues who were present — these are crucial in the investigation.
Commuting accidents: also covered
An accident occurring on the direct route between your home and workplace is treated as a work accident (accident de trajet) — same coverage applies. The route must be direct without significant personal detours. Declare these the same way as workplace accidents.