GATHER THIS INFORMATION BEFORE FILING A CLAIM
Although many people have reservations about filing a workers’ compensation claim after becoming injured at work, doing so is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your medical expenses and lost wages are taken care of. To get started on your claim, there are a few documents to gather to ensure that the process goes smoothly. Here’s what you need to build your claim.
ACCIDENT REPORT
The first and most important component of your workers’ compensation claim is to file an accident report with your employer as soon as possible after the incident. This document will serve as the basis for your claim, so it’s important that you include as much detail as possible about what happened and how you were injured. In addition to general information about the accident, be sure to include:
- The date and time of the accident
- Where the accident took place
- How the accident occurred
- Any witnesses to the accident
- Your injuries and symptoms
In some cases, you may not be able to file a workers’ compensation claim without a record of reporting the incident, so remember to take care of this step first.
MEDICAL RECORDS OR TREATMENT PLANS
You’ll need to provide documentation of your injuries and treatment plan from a licensed medical professional. This can be in the form of a doctor’s note, hospital records, or an insurance claims adjuster’s report. If you’re still receiving treatment for your injuries, make sure to keep a running list of all medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
RECORD OF LOST WAGES
If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you’ll need to provide documentation of your lost wages in order to receive compensation. Your work schedule detailing the missed days, pay stubs, and even a letter from your employer can be useful to fully outline this information.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may also need to provide additional documentation. For example, if your accident was caused by defective equipment, you’ll need to include proof of the defect. If you were injured while performing a task for your job that is outside the scope of your normal duties, you may need to provide evidence of this as well.
HOW A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ATTORNEY CAN HELP
By working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, you can ensure that all the necessary paperwork and documents are in order before filing a claim. They can also help you better understand the process and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
If seeking a workers’ compensation attorney for your claim, contact Justice Injury Law to get started with a free consultation. Call 502-584-5455 or fill out this short form.