If a dispute arises about your workers’ compensation claim, then you are going to need evidence to prove why you are entitled to the benefits that you are seeking. You can—and should—begin collecting this evidence on the day of your accident, which may be long before you know whether or not a dispute will arise.
Evidence to Keep
In the aftermath of your work-related accident, it is important to keep:
- Pictures or videos from the accident scene. While you do not have to prove that your employer was negligent, you will have to establish that you were hurt in a work-related accident. In other words, you need to establish that you were acting within the scope of your employment at the time that you were hurt. Photos or videos can help prove that. Pictures and videos can also help establish working conditions if you are alleging that you developed an illness due to work conditions.
- Medical records from before your injury or illness. This will be useful if the insurance company tries to argue that you had a preexisting condition and that you were not really hurt at work.
- Medical records from the date of your injury to the present. This should include all dates of medical appointments, names of medical providers, diagnoses made, and treatments received. Additionally, it should include any assistive devices such as crutches that you needed.
- Mileage documentation. This may include photos of your odometer, written notes, or receipts from taxis, rideshares (such as Uber), or public transportation.
- Lodging and meal receipts. If the lodging and meals were made necessary by your medical treatment, then you may be compensated.
Your unique case may benefit from additional documentation. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you determine all of the different types of evidence that is needed to build a strong claim and can explain how an Iowa workers’ compensation claim works so that you can protect your rights. To learn more, please start a live chat with us or call us directly for a free consultation.
