One of the elements you need to prove to receive workers’ compensation benefits is that your injury is work-related. Your employer’s insurer will generally not cover injuries that do not happen during the course of and within the scope of your employment.
So, how can you prove an injury is work-related?
1. Report it as soon as possible
It’s crucial to report an injury to your employer or supervisor as soon as possible. If you sustain an injury from an accident, for example, you break your bone from falling or are cut by a sharp object, report it immediately. If you suffer a gradual injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive motion or back injury from lifting, report it as soon as you notice symptoms.
Doing this allows you to link your injury to your job duties. For instance, if you are cut by a sharp object, you can take your senior to the accident scene before things change.
2. Gather evidence
You should gather adequate evidence to prove your injury is work-related. Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries and collect witness statements. It can also be beneficial to obtain video footage of the location of the accident. Further, keep a record of your medical records and other documents.
If you were injured by equipment, consider requesting maintenance reports to prove it had issues that contributed to your injury. You can also request copies of your employer’s safety protocols and procedures to establish if a violation led to your injury.
Determining the work-relatedness of an injury is crucial when filing a workers’ compensation claim. While you may believe your injury is work-related, your employer’s insurer may challenge this. That’s why it’s vital to learn more to strengthen your claim and in turn, receive what you deserve.