One thing that we recommend to all our clients is to get a notebook and to keep important information pertaining to their workers’ compensation case in one place. Doing this will make it much easier to recall facts and may even make the difference in whether or not you earn an award at all. But what information should you be documenting as you make your way through your injury case? In today’s blog, we explain what you should be writing down throughout your workers’ compensation case.
Write These Things Down If You’re Injured
It’s better to keep too much information than too little in your workers’ compensation journal, but if you’re just looking for key information to write down, here’s what you’ll want to focus on.
Your Version Of The Accident – Many people believe they’ll only need to write down things like names or dates they talked to the insurance company, but the first thing you’ll want to write down is your version of what happened on the day you were injured. This way you always have key information available if you need to recall it when talking to your lawyer, your doctor or an insurance agent. We all assume we have a decent memory, but information can be forgotten if it isn’t recorded in a timely manner. This is especially true if you’re dealing with stress, anxiety or the physical and mental effects of the injury. Write down your version of the events that led to your accident.
Names/Dates/Conversations – It’s also helpful to write down names, dates and conversations that occurred in regards to your injury and care. Write down when you had medical appointments, who you talked to on the phone about your injury and the content of the conversation. This will serve as a simple reference log if you ever have to confirm when and who you spoke to about specific aspects of your injury case.
Specifics From Doctor And Lawyer – You should also write down any information that was conveyed when you talk with your treating physician or your workers’ compensation lawyer. They’ll probably take in information and dole out some advice or recommendations during these examinations and consultations, so keep a record of what took place at these appointments. It will also act as a helpful reference if you need to lean on their advice now or in the future.
Symptoms – Many people find it helpful to document their symptoms throughout their injury case. Not only can this help them understand how their healing is progressing, but we don’t always have a good recollection of pain when trying to remember how we felt in the past. Detailing your symptoms, your pain levels and the challenges these issues are causing you can also make it easier for your lawyer to build a strong case that lays out all the ways you’ve been impacted by the accident.
Witness Contact Information – Write down the names and contact details of any witnesses or co-workers who can verify your claims.
Receipts/Reports/Results – Finally, consider making copies of any results, reports or expenses you incur as a result of your work accident. Keeping medical documents, receipts or reports from your employer in the same location will ensure you never have to go far to reference key bits of information about your case.
**Bonus Tip** – Consider taking pictures of each page in your journal or keeping digital records in the event you lose your physical notebook!
Documenting key details of your injury case can make it much easier to ensure you not only win an award, but maximize your claim. Let the team at Hey Workers help guide you through the process and get you the money you deserve. For more information, connect with our team today at (844) 439-9675.
