When it comes to a workers’ compensation claim, facts and details matter the most. The more of both you have working in your favor, the more likely you are to have a strong case for getting the right amount of compensation you need for your injuries.
If you were recently injured at work and haven’t created or organized your records of the incident, invest a little time in reviewing the suggestions below to help you protect your claim.
Organize All Documents Related to Your Claim
The first you should do is locate and organize all the documentation you have regarding your injury and workers’ compensation claim since the incident happened. This should include your copy of the accident report, your claim forms, your medical records, any messages or letters you’ve received from your employer or employer’s insurance company, and all other relevant paperwork.
Consider keeping a log of the phone conversations you have with your employer’s insurance company. Keep track of the dates and times of these calls, as well as some bullet points or a brief statement about what was discussed.
If you haven’t done so already, you should also write down your recollection of what was going on before, during, and immediately after the accident, just in case these details get fuzzier over time.
Even if you don’t think someone will be relevant to your claim in the grand scheme of things, get into the habit of collecting and organizing these documents and information. Doing so may help you more than you realize!
Keep Track of Injury-Related Expenses
Your workers’ compensation claim should help you cover all of the expenses associated with your injury. This obviously means your medical bills and prescription medication costs, but it also means your travel expenses (in mileage) for your medical appointments. You can also be compensated for public transportation fare and even parking meter cash if you keep track of it all!
The idea here is that you’re spending money for reasons associated with your injury – that’s money you wouldn’t have otherwise spent and thus lost because you got hurt at work.
Time Spent off from Work
For as long as you were or continue to remain off of work, keep a record of the hours and wages you’re missing out on. This can factor into your claim as compensation for lost wages or a loss of earning capacity if you can’t work anymore because of your injuries.
These records are also useful when it comes to receiving temporary disability benefits, which come out to around two-thirds of your average weekly earnings.
Pain & Developments to Your Injuries
Get in the habit of maintaining a journal about your pain and any developments to your injuries. While you can’t pursue compensation for pain and suffering with workers’ compensation, keeping track of your pain can help you document the severity of your injuries and if they’re worsening over time.
Learn more from our attorneys at Smolich and Smolich by contacting us online.