The outcome of a workplace injury can be overwhelming due to medical bills, lost wages and a long road to recovery. Thus, preserving evidence can be crucial to building a claim. If you are an injured worker, what steps must you take to gather evidence to support your compensation claim?
Documenting the incident
Injured employees should document the incident as soon as possible. Vital information includes the date, time, location and details of what happened. This is essential for reporting the incident in a timely manner.
Some types of physical evidence may be relevant to your workplace injury case. The following are some tips on what to preserve:
- Photos and videos: Secure photos and videos of your injury, any equipment involved and the accident scene.
- Equipment and machinery: Preserve any equipment or machinery involved in the incident. Doing so may be necessary to examine it for defects or malfunctions.
- Medical records: Maintain a record of all your medical treatments. This can include test results, doctor’s notes and prescriptions.
- Witness statements: Gather statements from those who witnessed the incident. This can include coworkers, supervisors and bystanders.
Further, digital evidence can be just as important as physical evidence in today’s digital age. Employees should also preserve relevant digital communications related to the incident, such as emails and text messages.
Why evidence matters
In workplace injury cases, evidence can be the deciding factor in determining fault. Without proper preservation, crucial evidence can be lost, destroyed or compromised. As a result, this may weaken a workplace injury claim.
Aiming for fair compensation
Knowing the importance of documentation and preservation may help you build a solid foundation of evidence for your claim. However, the process of seeking justice may be challenging and daunting. By seeking legal guidance, you may empower yourself and make informed decisions as you aim for fair compensation and strive to protect your rights and interests.
