If you or a loved one have been injured on the job, it may take time and a lot of expense to make a full recovery. The worker’s compensation system is there just for this, and if you can’t work because of your injury you are entitled to a claim.
It takes a lot to get through the system, however. A good knowledge of the complicated system is needed to navigate it to a successful conclusion. The main reason why many people are denied claims is that they have not properly documented their injury. That is why it is important to have good counsel on your side if you have been injured and are applying for worker’s comp.
What you will need
Because every injury is different, the exact documentation is going to depend on the circumstances. But there are some things which they system will want for every case. These include:
- Medical records from before and after the injury. It’s important to show that you were in good health and did not have any ill effects before the injury took place. If you don’t have this it doesn’t ruin your case but it makes things harder.
- The accident report your employer filed. Every company in Minnesota which has an accident on the job is required to file a report within 48 hours of the event . A copy of their report will be necessary.
- Statements made by witnesses. This is not entirely necessary, but it can help a lot, especially if there is a dispute.
Making sure that you have everything in place is not difficult, but it takes experience to know just what they are looking for. It is always best to have a doctor who has documented worker’s compensation claims before, if possible.
Not out to get you
The requirements of the worker’s comp system may seem to be severe. It may be a bit overwhelming to you if you are in pain and have to focus your energy on taking care of yourself.
The system is actually here to help you and get you the funds you need to make a full recovery. It is complicated, however, because it needs to prevent fraud. If you have a legitimate claim you have nothing to worry about, especially if you have someone with experience on your side to help you through it.
It’s your peace of mind which is the most important part of getting you through the worker’s compensation system and to a full recovery as quickly as possible. The system does require extensive documentation to reach a successful claim. That is why experience on your side is very important when making a worker’s comp claim.
