4 Key Items to Document When Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim

By Legal,

A workers’ compensation claim allows you to receive financial coverage for the damages you face due to injuries at work. Workers’ comp will provide coverage for all medical expenses directly related to an accident at work as well as compensation for a percentage of the income you would have received, were you able to work normally during that time. However, as you put together your workers’ comp case, there are several things you need to document in order to ensure that your case goes as smoothly as possible.

1. The Incident Report

When you have an accident at work, you will fill out an incident report that details how the accident took place and any relevant facts about the accident: anyone who witnessed it, for example. This document will also show the time and date the accident took place. Further, it may document details that may show why the incident occurred and, therefore, whether a third party may bear liability for the accident.

While workers’ comp claims do not rely on liability, since you can pursue workers’ comp any time you suffer an unintentional injury at work, having a copy of the incident report can help you clearly show when the accident took place and how it led to your injuries.

2. Your Medical Records

Medical records can prove vital in establishing your claim. Your doctor’s report will not only show what injuries you suffered, but also what treatment you needed for those injuries, how long you needed to remain out of work, and a host of other highly relevant details about your claim. As you put together your workers’ comp claim, make sure you keep track of all relevant records, including both any records given to you by the care providers recommended by workers’ comp and any insights provided by a non-covered care provider you may have seen.

3. Any Non-Medical Expenses After Your Accident

Workers’ comp will generally pay any medical bills related to your accident directly. However, you may need to take care of some expenses out of pocket, including non-medical needs related to the incident or the cost of nonprescription items. Keep track of the receipts for those items so that your lawyer can help you include them as part of your workers’ comp claim, if relevant.

4. Conversations About Your Claim

Track any correspondence about your workers’ comp claim. Written correspondence, including email, is usually easy to keep track of. When you receive phone calls, you may also need to make notes about any information given to you during that call. Track any discourse with your employer, the insurance company, or the case manager assigned to your case. Past information can prove essential to establishing your future claim.

When you suffer injuries in a workplace accident, a workers’ comp claim can provide you with considerable financial coverage and assistance. However, your employer or their insurance company may not always work in your best interests. Contact a workers’ comp lawyer to discuss your rights or your claim.