The Importance of Keeping Accurate Records in a Workers’ Comp Case

Workplace injuries can be stressful and distracting. Instead of focusing on your treatment, you’re likely worried about the impact of your injury on your job security, whether or not your employer believes you, and how long you’ll be on workers’ compensation. However, there’s a lot you can do to solidify your claim and ensure that it holds up to scrutiny. Proper recordkeeping is an essential part of a workers’ comp claim.

Ready to pursue the benefits you’re entitled to, but not sure where to start? We’re here to help. Call Thiry & Caddell at 251-336-3627 to set up a consultation now. Our team of Mobile workers’ compensation attorneys is waiting to talk to you.

Types of Records to Maintain

The more evidence you have to back up your workplace injury claim, the less you’ll have to worry about any sort of investigation or inquiry into your injury. Even if no such investigation ever happens, recordkeeping will definitely help your peace of mind.

To start, make sure you keep track of all of your medical documentation. While you won’t receive standard bills, since workers’ compensation is covering your medical care, you may receive statements indicating the type of care you received and what was billed to their insurance. You can also keep copies of your medical diagnoses, the treatments you’ve received, and reports indicating your progress or setbacks. These can be particularly helpful if you receive benefits for longer than expected.

You should also keep track of your income during this time. While you’ll receive less income than you do when you’re working, it’s important to document it to verify that it’s being taxed and accounted for appropriately. Paystubs can also back you up if there are any disputes regarding your payments or benefits.

Don’t forget to document the accident itself. Writing down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible can help you keep track of important details.

Benefits of Accurate Recordkeeping

Keeping your documentation in order has a number of benefits. To start, your documentation supports the validity of your claim. If workers’ compensation does dispute a claim, it’s often because they believe the injury is exaggerated or completely falsified. Being able to show them doctors’ reports on your injuries can shut down that type of badgering very quickly.

Your documentation may also help you establish a causal relationship between your work accident and your subsequent injuries. This isn’t always important, but it often is when one injury or illness leads to additional injuries or illnesses. In some cases, workers’ compensation will then try to claim that they are only responsible for the first injury—not whatever came after it. Your records can be used to show that your subsequent injuries are a direct result of the workplace accident and should be covered by workers’ compensation.

Finally, you may have a valid third-party claim and not know about it yet. If you do, you’ll be glad you kept every piece of evidence you could document your injuries and losses.

Protecting Your Rights After a Workplace Injury

After a workplace injury, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your rights and how to assert them. As long as you uphold your end of the workers’ compensation contract, you can feel confident. Meet all deadlines for accident reports and additional documentation for your claim, and if you have issues meeting a deadline, make sure to let the insurance company know ahead of time. You have to comply with your doctor’s treatment plan and make good faith efforts to participate in physical therapy or other types of treatment. Failure to attend appointments or participate in treatment could threaten your claim.

Don’t be afraid to seek legal assistance if something goes wrong with your claim. Workers’ compensation is a right that most employees are entitled to, and an attorney can help you stand up for yourself.

Struggling With a Workers’ Comp Claim? Call Thiry & Caddell

If you’ve been denied workers’ compensation or your workplace is pushing back on your benefits, don’t wait any longer to talk to a lawyer. At Thiry & Caddell, we’ll advocate for you and the benefits you deserve. To set up a free consultation, just reach out online or call us at 251-336-3627.