Three Things You’ll Want To Get In Writing For Your Work Comp Case

As you’ll find out as you file for and hopefully collect a workers’ compensation claim, the process can be complex and meticulous at times. Insurance agents may ask for your version of events more than once, and don’t be surprised if you’ll need to confirm dates, times and conversations as you work to get your injury claim approved. Because of this, it’s oftentimes very helpful to document certain aspects of your case or get other pieces of information in writing so that you have a hardcopy you can refer to if it’s ever needed. Some information is more important than others during your claim, which is why we want to use today’s blog to spotlight three pieces of information you’ll want to get in writing during the process of your workers’ compensation claim.

Get These Three Things In Writing After A Work Injury

Although other parties may seem well-intended throughout your claims process, know that your employer and the insurance company have different motives, and they could knowingly or unknowingly try to undermine your case because they have different goals. Make it easier to ensure information is correct and nothing slips through the cracks by getting certain information in writing during your case. Here are three key pieces of information that you’ll want to get in writing as you pursue a work injury claim.

1. Confirmation Of Employer Notice Of Injury– In order to have a successful claim, you need to notify your employer of the injury that occurred during employment. Deadlines for reporting your work injury will vary state by state, and in Minnesota you are required to report your injury to your employer within 14 days in order to be able to pursue a valid workers’ compensation claim. You may mention it in a meeting with HR or call your supervisor to report it, but make sure there is a written record of the conversation. Ask for a copy of the injury report from your employer, or simply send a follow up email that thanks them for meeting to discuss your injury and letting them know that you are available to assist with the next steps in the process. If there’s no physical evidence that this conversation took place, the insurance company may deny your claim stating that you reported the injury too late.

2. Medical Examination/Doctor’s Recommendations– The next step in earning a workers’ compensation award is to seek out a medical evaluation. You are going to need to have a medical expert weigh in and confirm that not only do compensable injuries exist, but they are a direct result of your work duties or your on-the-clock accident. Be sure to get a copy of this independent medical examination report before you leave the doctor’s office so that you have in writing what the doctor saw and what they recommend for treatment going forward. Insurance isn’t going to approve treatment that isn’t specifically recommended by your physician, so get this information in writing.

3. Pertinent Conversations– Finally, we always recommend that clients keep a journal or a conversation log to jot down information about any conversation or communication regarding their injury case. It’s incredibly helpful to be able to say confidently that you spoke with Jessica from your employer’s insurance company on Wednesday the 22nd to give a statement about the accident, or that the insurance company reached out for more details about your doctor’s medical report on Thursday the 30th. The insurance company is going to look for any way to minimize their liability, and if they can catch you in a lie or make you look like an unreliable witness, they are going to do it. Keep a log to write down key information about conversations you had about your case, and start a folder to keep copies of any important forms that are created along the way.

The more diligent your record keeping, the easier it will be for you and your lawyer to build an ironclad case to get you the compensation you deserve. For more information about documentation and building a strong injury claim, reach out to the team at Margolis Law Firm today at (952) 230-2700.