Everyone deserves to work in a safe and secure workplace environment so they can perform at their best, generate profits for the employer and provide for their families. No one ought to worry about getting hurt while at work. Unfortunately, workplace accidents happen.
If you are hurt while performing your day-to-day duties, you should expect your workers’ compensation benefits. While most employers do the right thing and take care of their injured employees, some do not. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to fight for your workers’ compensation award, it is crucial that you come to this fight with some evidence.
Here are the kinds of evidence you may need to prove your workers’ compensation claim.
A personal account of what happened
Your personal account of the workplace accident that resulted in your injury is one of the most important pieces of evidence that you can provide while pursuing your claim. In your personal account, document exactly what happened leading up to, during and after the accident. Some of the key information you may want to include in your statement are:
- The equipment or machinery you were operating when the injury happened
- The exact incident that resulted in your injury
- Any incidents of co-worker misconduct that resulted in your injury
Medical evidence
It is important that you seek medical treatment immediately following a workplace accident. While at the doctor’s office be sure to provide a detailed explanation of exactly how the injury happened. Your medical report will play an important role in determining the outcome of your claim.
Additionally, it is important that you keep a record of all medical treatments that are related to your workplace injury. Be sure to keep track of all the prescriptions as well as over-the-counter medications, and any other treatment plans, that your doctor directed you to take for purposes of your recovery.
In all legal matters, the burden of proof must be satisfied. If you are hurt at work, it is important that you put together the right evidence to help you prove your case and get the compensation you deserve for your damages.