When money is on the line, it is always important to have as much hard proof as possible to strengthen your claim to compensation. You may be telling the truth, but if it only comes down to your word versus someone else’s, the judge may see it another way. That’s why it’s so important to create a paper trail to strengthen your case. Below, we explain five ways you can strengthen your workers’ compensation case with a paper trail.
Creating a Paper Trail
Here are five ways to create a paper trail to help prove your injury case:
1. Copy of the Injury Report – Filing an injury report is the first thing you’ll do after a work injury, and getting a copy of that report is a must. Get a copy and plan on making at least one more copy for your lawyer. The injury report is the basis for how you will begin filing and making your claim for compensation.
2. Copy of Doctor’s Medical Assessment – After a work injury, you’re going to want to have your injuries assessed and treated by a medical professional. Getting an independent medical examination is required in order for insurance to pay out a claim, so you’ll need to undergo a medical evaluation shortly after the incident. Your doctor will keep this report for their records, but you’re also going to want to have one to reference if your injuries are questioned. Your lawyer is also going to want a copy to determine how much compensation you should be asking for based on the severity of your injuries.
3. Email Correspondence – It’s hard to prove what was said in a phone conversation or even when meeting with someone in person, but email automatically creates a hard copy of the correspondence that can easily be referenced in the future. When possible, ask that communication about your case be made in email or written form.
4. Record Phone Calls – If you have to have a conversation with somebody from your employer’s insurance company over the phone, make sure you are recording it. They are going to be recording it for their records, but it can help your lawyer formulate your case if you know exactly what was said or where they agent was trying to steer the conversation. Minnesota is a one-party consent state when it comes to recording conversations, so as long as one of the parties is aware that the conversation is being taped, it’s legal to record.
5. Share With Your Lawyer – They say two heads are better than one, and that’s true when it comes to your workers’ compensation case. If you get any forms or letters that pertain to your injury case, make a copy or give the original over to your lawyer. Not only will they have a better idea of how the form will impact your injury case, but this way there’s no chance something important will slip through the cracks. If it relates to your injury case, make sure your lawyer sees it.
If you need help creating a paper trail or fighting your workers’ compensation case, reach out to the experienced lawyers at Hey Workers today.
