If you are dealing with a legal matter, detailed and organized record-keeping is vital. This includes workers’ compensation cases or third-party lawsuits based on workplace injuries. Keeping detailed records increases your chances of receiving the benefits you deserve. Additionally, if there is any dispute with the insurance company, your records could provide critical evidence to support your position. However, if you have never been involved in a workplace injury claim, you probably do not know what documents or records are important.
Some records should be obvious, such as keeping track of your medical treatment and lost time at work. In addition, you should keep copies of any accident reports or the statements of any witnesses who saw the incident. There are also some less obvious records that you should keep, including parking receipts and any other bill that might relate to your injury. Also, do not forget to keep copies of any communications regarding your injury or accident, such as emails, letters, or texts.
Success in nearly every legal matter depends on the strength of your evidence. You could be in the right, but without supporting documentation, you might not get the outcome you are hoping for. Our experienced Fayetteville workers’ compensation lawyers are available to help you build your claim – including gathering the necessary records and documentation. Call (479) 316-0438 to take the first steps in obtaining the benefits you deserve.
Medical Documentation
Medical documentation is necessary to support a workers’ compensation claim. This often includes a written statement prepared and signed by your treating physician. Your medical documentation should include treatment notes combined with your medical charts. The idea is to fully support the severity of your injury, the necessary treatment, and its impact on your ability to perform the tasks associated with your employment.
While the format is not usually important, the content is. Many workers’ compensation claims are denied because of the lack of supporting medical evidence. Our Bella Vista workplace injury lawyers will work with you and your healthcare providers to ensure that the required documentation is collected. However, it is important that you also communicate with your doctor to include pertinent information regarding your condition and treatment.
In addition to your medical records, be sure to keep copies of any medical expenses, bills, or statements. All your medical costs should be covered through your workers’ compensation claim. This information is also critical if you have a personal injury case against a third party. You will have to provide the court proof of the severity of your injuries along with any related expenses.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
In addition to your medical expenses, you are also entitled to be compensated for your out-of-pocket costs associated with the treatment. For example, you could be reimbursed for travel costs incurred to attend your medical appointments and treatment. This includes expenses such as public transportation, parking fees, or tolls. However, if you want to be compensated for these costs, you must keep a detailed record of receipts and bills. For instance, you should track your mileage to and from your doctor appointments or physical therapy sessions. Be sure to include the date you traveled and the beginning and ending addresses. Always save any receipts or statements you receive.
Work Records
If you are out of work because of your workplace injury, you are entitled to receive temporary benefits based on your salary. The time you miss will impact your compensation. While the days you are out of work will be recorded in your medical records, you should keep a personal log of the time you missed. Errors occur, and if your missed days are not accurate, you want to have detailed notes that could be used to dispute the mistaken record. These records will also assist our Fayetteville personal injury lawyers if you need to file a civil lawsuit.
Other Documents
As you can see, it is critical to keep track of any paperwork related to your injury and your workers’ compensation claim. If the insurance company disputes your claim, you will need evidence to support your position. For example, an accident report could serve as evidence that you informed your employer of your injury in a timely fashion. This information could be vital if you need to appeal your claim.
Therefore, you should keep copies of claim forms, accident or injury reports, doctor’s notes, and contact information of any witnesses. You should retain copies of all correspondence between you and your employer, including letters, memos, and emails. This also includes taking notes of any phone conversations. Be sure to note the name of the person, the date of the call, and a synopsis of the conversation. The more thorough your records, the more evidence our Arkansas workers’ compensation lawyers will have available when filing your initial claim, responding to a dispute, or appealing a denial.
Personal Journal
In a workers’ compensation claim, you are not entitled to recover pain and suffering damages. However, a journal chronicling your experiences could serve an important role. A journal will help you remember what occurred, often serving as a framework to give context to the other evidence collected. If you file a personal injury lawsuit, a personal journal will help our office evaluate your potential pain and suffering damages.
Our Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Could Help You Receive the Compensation You Deserve
The importance of keeping detailed and complete records when pursuing a workers’ compensation claim cannot be understated. By saving important documentation, you will be able to provide our Fort Smith workplace injury lawyers with much of the evidence they need to fight for your rights. Whether you are filing an initial claim, appealing a denial, or are considering a personal injury lawsuit, evidence is critical. Call our law offices at (479) 316-0438 to discuss what records you should keep in more detail.