When you suffer a work injury, proving its severity is one of the most important steps in a workers’ compensation claim. Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts. They may question how serious your condition is or whether it really prevents you from working. Solid evidence helps you protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.
Get Medical Treatment Right Away
The first step is seeking medical care as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can raise doubts about your claim. A doctor’s records provide the foundation for proving the seriousness of your injury. Make sure you tell your provider exactly what happened at work and explain all of your symptoms, even if they seem minor at first. Early documentation creates a clear timeline and connects the injury directly to your job.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Insurance adjusters will check whether you follow medical advice. Skipping appointments or ignoring restrictions can hurt your claim. If your doctor limits lifting, standing, or other activities, respect those limits. Keep copies of medical notes and work restrictions. They can show how your condition affects daily tasks and why you cannot perform your usual job duties.
Keep Detailed Records
Strong documentation goes beyond medical records. Maintain your injury journal. Write down your pain levels, mobility issues, sleep problems, and how the injury affects your ability to work or care for your family. Consistent notes can support your doctor’s findings and show the ongoing impact of the injury.
You should also keep copies of all medical bills, test results, prescriptions, and travel expenses for treatment. These records demonstrate the financial cost of your injury.
Gather Witness Statements
If coworkers saw your accident, ask them to provide written statements. Their testimony can confirm how the injury occurred and how severe it appeared at the time. Family members can also describe how the injury has changed your daily life. First-hand accounts help paint a fuller picture of your limitations.
Understand Independent Medical Exams
In many cases, the insurance company will require an independent medical exam (IME). Doctors chosen by the insurer conducts these exams. Be prepared for the possibility that the IME doctor may downplay your injury. Bring your own medical records to the exam and answer questions honestly. Afterward, review the report carefully. If it conflicts with your treating doctor’s opinion, an attorney can help challenge it.
Work With Expert Opinions
For more complex cases, additional medical experts may be necessary. Specialists can explain how an injury affects your long-term health or ability to work. Vocational experts may testify about your reduced earning capacity. Their input can strengthen your case, especially if the insurer argues that you can return to work sooner than expected.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Proving the severity of a work injury is not simple. Insurance companies have their own doctors and legal teams working against your claim. A workers’ compensation attorney understands what evidence carries the most weight. An attorney can gather medical records, secure expert testimony, and ensure deadlines are met. With legal help, you can focus on healing while knowing your claim is being handled correctly.
Take the Next Step
Your health and your financial stability matter. If you are struggling to prove the severity of your injury in a workers’ compensation claim, you do not have to face it alone. The attorneys at Shugarman & Mehring can guide you through the process and fight for the benefits you need. Contact us today to discuss your case and protect your rights.
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