What Do I Need to Document for Workers’ Compensation?
- Posted on: Oct 30 2019
If you’ve been injured on the job, you need to file a workers’ compensation claim. This claim will assist you with medical bills and keep you afloat financially while you recover from the accident. But while workers’ comp is available to many workers, few truly understand how the system works or what documents are needed to secure this aid. Don’t wait until you’ve been injured at work to learn about workers’ comp—the last thing you want is to have to go through the process while you’re in pain. Here are some of the most common documents you’ll need to submit for a workers’ compensation claim.
A Notification of Injury to Your Employer
Most people assume that their employer knows they’ve been injured on the job when the accident occurs, but legally, that’s not always the case. In large companies, it’s possible that your injury never gets reported beyond your direct supervisor. This is why it’s important to submit a written notification that an accident has occurred to your company’s HR department, specifically to the individual who handles these claims if you know who that person is. By submitting a written notification, you create a paper trail and can provide the exact date your employer knew about your injury.
Letters from Witnesses
Most people assume that having witnesses testify is all they need, but it’s actually very helpful to ask anyone who witnessed the accidents to document it in writing. There are a few reasons for this. First, a documented letter can be used to prove these witnesses were, in fact, present when you were injured. Second, witnesses may not necessarily remember every detail later. If they take the time to write down the events as they witnessed them, even if several days have passed, they’re likely to remember more than if they are asked to testify weeks or months later.
A Medical Evaluation
Even if you don’t think your injury is severe enough for a workers’ comp claim, you still need to be examined by a medical professional. This provides yet another form of written documentation just in case your injury is worse than you think it is. If you wait several days to seek medical attention, the documentation may work against you because it will show you did not immediately get help.
Work with a Compensation Expert
While any medical doctor can give you an evaluation, a doctor who specializes in workers’ compensation claims is going to know exactly what to look for in an injury. That’s why you should seek the council of Dr. Jeff Mollins, an experienced workers’ comp professional. Contact us today to make an appointment.
Posted in: Auto Accident Doctor, Back Pain Treatment, Blog, Construction Accidents, Diagnostic Testing, Injury Documentation, Injury Treatment, Neck Pain Treatment, Orthopedics, Physical Examinations, Slip and Fall Accidents, Uncategorized, Work Injuries, Workers Compensation
