How Should I Document My Workplace Injury?

When accidents happen, it is important to gather any information or documentation you will need in order to seek financial compensation for your losses. When a serious accident happens at the workplace that results in an injury, you should always take steps to document the accident and the resulting injury. You should know that documenting an accident and injury at work can mean photographing the area where the accident occurred or taking pictures of the physical injury, but it can also mean creating a record of the accident and your need for medical attention. Under Florida law, there are certain steps you must take in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, while other actions are simply recommended to help ensure you have adequate documentation for your claim.

If you have questions about documenting the workplace accident in which you sustained a serious injury, our South Florida workers’ compensation lawyers can help.

Take Photographs After the Accident 

While a debilitating injury at work might make it impossible to take photographs at the scene of the accident, if you are able to do so, you should document the scene visually. If you have your smartphone, you should photograph the accident site with multiple images that show the general area in addition to close-up shots where your injury occurred. You should also take photographs of your injury if you are able to do so. While the Florida workers’ compensation system does not require you to submit photographic documentation of the accident scene in order to be eligible for financial compensation, taking photographs can often strengthen your claim.

Identify Any Witnesses 

Were other employees at or near the scene of the accident when you were injured? Was an employer or supervisor nearby? It is important to identify any witnesses who may have seen the hazard in the area that resulted in your injury, or that may have witnessed the accident happen. Similar to photographic documentation, you can certainly obtain workers’ compensation benefits even if there are no additional witnesses. However, if there were witnesses to the accident, their reports may be able to strengthen your claim.

Report the Accident to Your Employer 

Florida law requires you to report the accident to your employer within 30 days of the accident (and ideally as soon as possible), but making this report is also an important step in documenting your workplace injury.

See a Healthcare Provider 

You will need to be sure you follow guidelines for seeking medical attention (and that you see an approved provider), but seeking medical attention is another important step in the documentation process. Your medical records will become critical in your workers’ compensation claim and can help to prove that the accident occurred in the manner you have described.

Contact a West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer 

If you have questions about documenting your workplace injury or need assistance with a workers’ compensation claim, an experienced West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney at our firm can discuss your case with you today. We can assist you with the initial claims process through to the appeals stage if your claim is denied. Contact the Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A. to learn more about how we can help with your workers’ compensation claim.

Resource:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/0440.html