The path of a CNESST claim: decision, review, TAT
The essentials
- The claim to the CNESST, after the event or the diagnosis.
- On key points (diagnosis, consolidation, care), the CNESST is in principle bound by the opinion of the physician in charge of the worker.
- Before the TAT, workers are often accompanied by a union representative or by an organization that defends injured workers.
In short, from this page. Every statement is sourced below.
Document your CNESST case, free. Symptom log, medical appointments, the dates you received decisions (your deadlines depend on them), exchanges with your employer: everything dated and gathered in one place.
Open the application Up to 3 cases, no credit card · see the plans
An employment injury case is a step-by-step path, each step with its own deadlines. Missing one can close the case. Here is the general picture of the path, with no advice on your case.
The main steps
- The claim to the CNESST, after the event or the diagnosis.
- The decision from the CNESST.
- The administrative review, if you disagree.
- The challenge before the Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT).
Each step has a deadline to meet, set by law. This guide calculates no deadline for you: check the applicable deadline with the CNESST or a representative.
The central role of the treating doctor
On key points (diagnosis, consolidation, care), the CNESST is in principle bound by the opinion of the physician in charge of the worker. In practice, a lot rides on the continuous medical and factual documentation : the appointments, the reports, how the symptoms change over time.
You aren't necessarily alone
Before the TAT, workers are often accompanied by a union representative or by an organization that defends injured workers. A clean case file saves them valuable time.
In the app: choose the "Work" case type: dated symptom log, record of medical appointments, timeline of the event, and a clean export for your representative. See the Work page.
Official sources (consulted July 18, 2026)
Every statement in this guide is backed by an official source. How we verify and correct.
- CNESST (cnesst.gouv.qc.ca), information on the claim, the decision and the review
- Tribunal administratif du travail (tat.gouv.qc.ca), information on challenging a decision
Found an error in this guide? Report it: corrected within 72 hours, and the correction log is public.
Reminder: this is general information; it is not information for anyone in particular. For advice on your situation: legal aid (eligibility based on income), a community justice centre, Juripop, or the Barreau referral service.