How to Win a Workman's Comp Case

Injured on the job? If so, you might be eligible for a workman's compensation claim. All employers are required to pay into workman's compensation so that if an employee is injured on the job, he can get paid for medical expenses and even lost time from work. So if you have been injured while doing your job, you are potentially eligible to receive some compensation. If you are meticulous and detailed when filing your claim, you will have a better chance of winning your case.

Instructions

1. Immediately tell your supervisor or the director of human resources of your company of the injury and fill out a report. Your employer should have a special procedure or form for recording injuries that occur on the job. It is best to report the injury right away, but if for some reason you cannot, then do not wait more than 24 hours before reporting.

2. Obtain a copy of that report from your supervisor for your own records. Make another copy to show to your doctor.

3. Write detailed notes of exactly how the injury happened. Enumerate the details of the events prior to the accident and after. This will help refresh your memory if for some reason you end up in court months or years later and need to recall the details of the accident.

4. Schedule a doctor's appointment. Have a doctor assess your injury and tell you what treatments are available. Be sure to tell the doctor that this is potentially a workman's compensation claim, show the doctor your workman's comp report written by your supervisor and obtain all copies of reports and lab tests from the doctor.

5. Create a file for your workman's compensation claim and put all reports and notes you have taken that are related to the injury in this file. That way all the information you need for the claims agent and/or lawyer is in one place.

6. Send the claims agent that contacts you all copies of medical reports. Alternately, take down the agent's contact information and have your doctor deal with her directly. Include information regarding the extent of your injury, the treatment that will be necessary and for how long you will undergo treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not wait for the injury to heal and then report it to your employer. Your claim will look more suspect and you might forget important details of the accident. If for some reason the agent denies your claim, you can appeal the decision. Think about obtaining a lawyer at this point to represent you.