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The Elements of a Strong Workers’ Comp Claim

If you’ve been injured at work, you know you need to begin putting together your workers’ comp case as soon as you can. There are a number of different parts to your case, but some are much more important than others. Here are several of the vital elements your workers’ comp claim needs to include in order to have a good chance of being accepted.

A Detailed Statement

The center of any claim is going to be your detailed statement outlining what happened. You need to cover all of the basics: what happened, where you were, what you were doing, who was nearby, and when you received medical attention. The more detail here, the better. Add in any relevant facts, such as when the equipment you were using last underwent maintenance or what the weather conditions were. Don’t include information that didn’t affect your accident, and keep everything as factual as possible.

Witnesses

Another important element of your claim will be witness statements. You will want to ask anyone who was near you to provide these statements, but there are also others who may have something to contribute. Anyone who can speak to the quality of the equipment you were using, the state of the workspace, and any other relevant information should also write down their thoughts as soon as they can. Your employer may ask them to do this, but you should also just in case.

Photographs

While you may not be able to take photos yourself due to your injury, ask if someone can before you go to the hospital. These photos can help back up your statements and the statements your witnesses make. Your workplace may have video cameras in place that recorded the incident. If so, ask for a copy of the video.

Medical Reports

Make certain you receive copies of all medical reports made regarding the accident and your injuries. This includes reports from the EMTs or others who treated you on the scene, any specialists you saw, the emergency room doctors, and your own doctor. These reports will outline the extent of your injuries and clearly show how the incident at work was responsible. They are a necessity to connect your workers’ comp accident and injury.

Need help with your worker’s comp medical paperwork? Dr. Jeff Mollins and his team can help. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Posted in: Blog, Injury Documentation, Uncategorized, Work Injuries, Workers Compensation