What Documents Will I Need For My Workers’ Compensation Case?

Filing a workers’ compensation claim can quickly become complicated, even for cases that initially seem relatively straightforward. Often, injured workers find that it is in their best interests to speak with an experienced Wilkes Barre workers’ compensation lawyer about their legal options. An attorney can, however, only give an accurate assessment of an employee’s case if he or she has certain information (and accompanying documentation) about the workplace injury and subsequent events. To learn more about what information can help get your own case off the ground, please call our office today.

Creating a Work Injury File

During the initial meeting with an attorney, it is usually in an injured worker’s best interest to provide him or her with certain information, as this will allow the proceedings to go more quickly. Creating an accident-related file is one of the best ways to organize and safeguard the documentation that will play such an important role in the case. It is the information and documentation in this file that will be the most helpful when filing and defending a claim.

Retaining Accident-Related Documentation

When building a workplace accident file, an injured employee should be sure to include a written summary of the timeline of the accident, including:

• The date of hire;
• The date, place, and time of the injury;
• The date that the employer was notified of the accident;
• Details about who received the notification;
• The date and place of the employee’s initial treatment; and
• The dates of any subsequent treatment of communications with his or her employer.

Writing this information down as soon as possible can help fully flesh out a case and ensure that an employee doesn’t forget important details. It is also important, however, to retain documentation that can back up these dates, including:

• Copies of treatment-related medical records, including bills, invoices, lab tests, and imaging results;
• The contact information of employees or bystanders who can confirm what happened on the date of the accident;
• The name and contact information of the treating doctor;
• Photos taken at the site of the accident immediately following the incident;
• Any accident reports and paperwork generated by the employer;
• Emails and correspondence between the injured employee and his or her employer regarding the accident;
• The written notice of injury provided to the employer; and
• The employer’s contact information.

Besides this accident-specific information, injured employees should also be sure to retain copies of recent pay stubs and bank statements, which can help establish wage loss. Similarly, employment records, as well as a summary of the employee’s job duties, can help demonstrate whether an employee can fulfill the same duties. All of this information will ultimately help injured employees build a stronger case against their employer.

Speak with a PA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

For help documenting and recording the chain of events that occurred after your own workplace injury, please call the Figured Law Firm at 570-954-9299 and speak with dedicated Wilkes Barre workers’ compensation lawyer Keith Figured today.

Resource:

dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Workers-Compensation/publications/Pages/LIBC-100-WC–The-Injured-Worker-Pamphlet.aspx