- April 26, 2023
If you’re an Ohio resident who has recently suffered an injury at work, you may be wondering what the steps are to file a workers compensation claim. We want to offer some insight into how to properly document your workplace injury so that you get the financial and medical support you need.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be intimidating, but with some preparation and organization, you can ensure your case is as strong as possible. We will lay out everything from what documents you should have ready to tips for ensuring your claim is complete and accurate. We’ll also tell you what to do if the process becomes difficult along the way.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
It’s no secret that workplace injuries can be debilitating. But if you’re a worker in Ohio, it can also be expensive if you don’t take the right steps to ensure your Ohio workers’ compensation claim is properly documented.
The first and most important step is to seek medical treatment immediately after the injury and document it along the way.
Medical evidence is crucial in proving your workers compensation claim in Ohio and can include anything from a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment records to prescriptions, notes, and even pictures. Make sure to keep copies of all medical documentation related to your injury—including bills—so you have an accurate record of your injury’s impact on your life.
Report the Injury to Your Employer
Reporting your workplace injury is an essential part of the process when filing for Ohio workers’ compensation. To qualify, you must notify your employer of the injury within one year of the incident.
It’s important to document your injury in writing so that you have a record of reporting it. You should consider sending this notification via certified mail so that you can track receipt and ensure that it’s properly documented. This will help ensure that all the facts are stated and everyone involved knows the situation.
When notifying your employer, be sure to include details such as:
- Date, time, and location of the injury
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- A description of how the injury occurred
- The nature and extent of your injuries
- Any medical care received immediately following the incident
If your workplace injury requires more extensive treatment or if you have a permanent disability, be sure to make that clear in your report so that your claim has a higher chance of being approved by Ohio workers’ compensation.
Document the Details of the Injury
No matter how you were injured, there are a few key pieces of information that you’ll need to document to get the compensation you deserve.
Incident Report
First and foremost, you’ll need an incident report. This report includes the date and time of the incident, as well as details of the injury and any resulting medical treatment. Ensure to include all relevant information on the report even if it doesn’t seem important – it could be useful.
Doctor’s Notes
Lastly, get doctor’s notes documenting any treatment or exams related to your workplace injury. This includes visits with doctors or specialists, physical therapy sessions, or diagnostic tests like MRIs. Documentation from healthcare professionals can go a long way in proving your case.
Take Photos of the Injury and the Scene
If you are injured on the job, the first thing to do is to take photos of the injury and the scene. Photos can provide a visual record of what happened and if there were any hazardous conditions or anything that contributed to causing your injury.
You should also take photos of any equipment, tools, or materials involved in your injury. If you have an Ohio Workers’ Compensation attorney, they may be able to use these photos as evidence.
Also, be sure to document all the details of your injury. Make sure you write down the following:
- When your injury occurred
- Where it occurred
- How it occurred
- Who was involved in the incident
- A brief description of your injury
- What type of treatment you received
Get Witness Statements
When you get injured on the job, one of the most important things you can do is to be proactive about getting witness statements. The more details you can provide about your workplace injury and the incident leading up to it, the better.
Getting witness statements doesn’t just mean asking people who saw the incident — it’s also worth reaching out to anyone who witnessed it. Such as if someone saw you limping afterward or heard the loud noise that caused your injury. All of this information will help back up and bolster your claim.
Here are a few tips for getting witness statements:
- Contact anyone near the accident as soon as possible while the details are still fresh in their minds.
- Ask them to write down their recollection of what happened and sign it — a simple letter or email is fine!
- Have them include relevant information like dates, times, and other key details they might recall.
- Be sure to get contact information for all witnesses in case the Workers’ Compensation Board has questions later.
Keep Track of Your Medical Records
It’s critical to keep track of all medical records related to your workplace injury. These documents are essential for your workers’ compensation claim and can also help you with any future legal proceedings.
What Records Should You Keep?
You should maintain an extensive collection of records, including:
- Any paperwork you receive from your employer, such as incident reports and witnesses’ statements
- Medical bills, prescriptions, and receipts related to the injury
- Records of lost wages or changes to your earning potential due to the injury
- Copies of any correspondence with insurers or the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation
- Medical documentation that explains the diagnosis and treatment plan for the injury
- Records if a third party is liable for your injury
It’s also important to ensure all documents are kept in an organized way. The more organized they are, the easier to refer back to them when needed. Plus, having well-organized documents can reduce any confusion when submitting a workers’ compensation claim in Ohio.
Book a Free Consultation With Us Today!
When filing for a workers compensation claim in Ohio, you need to have all the facts and details organized. Not sure where to start or if you’re doing it correctly? We can help! Our team at the Ohio Workers Compensation law firm is here to ensure that your paperwork is accurate and that your claim goes off without a hitch.
We will work with you every step of the way. From helping gather witnesses to ensuring that your medical documents are properly prepared, we are here to provide peace of mind and our expertise so that you can focus on recovering from your injury.
Plus, we provide free consultations. That’s right — no charge for an initial review of your workplace injury documentation and legal advice about the best course of action for you. All you have to do is call us today at (833) 406-0060 or book an appointment online.