When you’re injured on the job, you’re suddenly in the middle of doctor’s appointments, treatment regimens, medication schedules, talking to managers and HR reps at work, and also trying to get better. And while you’re in the middle of that, the clock is already ticking on the timeline for you to get your workers’ compensation claim filed. You have enough to handle during this busy and stressful time — help yourself out by hiring an experienced workers’ comp attorney to help you navigate the process. It’s important to get started right away with organizing your evidence and making your case so that you have the best chance of success in your claim — and there are several ways that a great workers’ compensation law firm can help get you on the right track with your claim.
Document Your Injury Correctly
Beginning immediately after your injury, the rush to collect proper documentation begins. Your first task is to get to the doctor. At the doctor’s office or the ER, there may be scans, x-rays, tests, reports — all kinds of paperwork that will help you document the timing, severity, and possible prognosis for your injury (though it may be too early yet for a prognosis). This is the essential first step in documenting your injury. After you see your doctor, follow all of their advice — take the medications they recommend, rest as much as they suggest, follow the course of the treatment plan you are given. This helps to clarify that you are taking your injury seriously, and that you aren’t skipping any steps on the path to your own recovery.
In addition to medical advice, try to document the conditions around your injury in any way that you can. Take photos of the place the injury occurred, if possible, or at least take detailed notes. Take note of any equipment malfunctions, spills, safety violations, or other conditions that existed at the time of the incident. Collect witness statements from anyone who was present at the time of your injury, or anyone who came to your aid afterwards.
Having an experienced workers’ comp attorney in your corner can really help during this phase of the process. Not only can we advise you on the kind of documentation you will need from your doctor to present for your claim, we can help you collect witness statements and other evidence relevant to your injury. We’ve done this before — we know what the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) will be looking for, and we can help you get ahead of the curve by collecting the correct documentation right from the beginning.
Meet the Filing Deadlines
It’s not an exaggeration to say that you’re racing against the clock when it comes to a workers’ compensation claim. From the day of your injury, you have 14 days to file your claim (here in Ohio, at least). That’s not a lot of time, especially when you consider that those first few days will be pretty busy with the work of getting yourself to the doctor and focusing on your recovery. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may even be hospitalized for some or all of that first 14 days. Having a workers’ compensation attorney working for you means that we can take care of the paperwork while you take care of getting well again.
Communicate Effectively with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
We’ve done this before. We already know what type of documentation will be successful, and how to word your claim to give you the greatest chance of success. It’s far better to have your initial claim accepted than to have to get wrapped up in the appeals process (though we’re always happy to help with that, too). Having a workers’ comp lawyer on your side can increase the chances of success the first time — we speak the language of the BWC and we can help things go as smoothly as possible for you.
If you’d like our help with filing or appealing your claim, we’re here for you as your Cincinnati worker’s compensation law firm. We can help the process proceed as easily as possible, make sure your documentation is all in order, and increase your chances for success. Our experience will help us to maximize your settlement award and reduce the risk of your initial claim being denied. Let us help you with the legal side, while you focus on recovering.