Workers’ compensation benefits are available to those who were hurt on the job and can no longer work. However, you have to be able to prove that your injury was caused at work and that it impacts your ability to make a living. Let’s look at what types of evidence can be used to bolster a benefit claim.
Get a Note from Your Doctor
Prior to submitting a claim for benefits, make an appointment with your doctor. This will give you an opportunity to get a written statement from a medical professional outlining your injury, when it happened and where it occurred. Furthermore, you will be able to obtain recent medical evidence, which can be important if you decide to file for disability benefits in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.
Get Statements from Family Members or Friends
A statement from someone who has seen the impact an injury has had on your life can hold sway with a workers’ compensation insurance company. It may also be important evidence to have if a judge needs to rule on your case. These statements should be as detailed as possible, and it may be possible to tape a statement in addition to getting one or more in writing.
Submit Video Evidence of Your Injury
If you can, create a video that shows how difficult it is for you to walk, talk or otherwise function because of your injury. If you can show that you can’t walk without a limp or talk without stuttering, it can be powerful evidence that the injury is real. Ultimately, it could increase the chances that your claim is approved and that you get the financial assistance that you need.
Your Attorney Can Provide Additional Advice
A workers compensation attorney can provide additional advice as it relates to proving an injury claim. For instance, you may want to provide testimony about how you can only work desk jobs because of a lack of mobility. You could also talk about having to work during daylight hours because a head injury leaves you legally blind at night. This testimony could show how the injury makes it harder to earn a living to support yourself and your family.
The workers’ compensation system is designed to help you pay medical bills and make up for lost wages. By collecting as much evidence as possible, it will be easier to get your application approved in a timely manner.
Author Info: Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake. You can find her on Twitter.
