What are the Records to Keep in Your Workers' Compensation Case?

Injured workers are entitled to certain benefits from the insurance company as worker’s compensation. Therefore it is essential to keep detailed and accurate records of your injury and treatment in order to file a successful claim. These records will prove invaluable if you face a dispute with the insurance company. A Greenville, Mississippi worker’s compensation lawyer such as Richard Schwartz (https://www.1call.ms/) would be able to help if in case of any dispute.

No one wants to steal money from their employer but if you signed a contract with them and they owe you money for ethical purposes, they should make the payments.

Keep Records of Out of Pocket Expenses

You might have to travel to get treatment on a regular basis and are therefore eligible to claim for any travel expenses incurred. The standard rate is 0.56 per mile. However, this varies state to state. It is prudent to maintain records of all your travels and keep track of distances that you have covered to get treatment. In addition, you can also be reimbursed for public transportation expenses, parking lot fees, and tolls.

Greenville, MS worker’s compensation attorneys recommend that you keep a detailed record of visits to the doctor, counselors, physiotherapists, hospitals for examinations as well as other treatment related travel. Keep notes of the date of travel, mileage that you have covered, tolls, the address of your destination and other out of pocket expenses.

Keep Track of the Time when You were Unable to Work

If injuries have prevented you from joining work temporarily, you are eligible to receive benefits under worker’s compensation. In states like Mississippi the amount is usually two-thirds of your weekly wage although the amount can vary state wise. Temporary disability is also available when you are able to join work after an accident but you can only accept light duty because of the injury.

Even though your employer will keep records of your absence from work, it is always wise to keep your own notes. Compare notes to see if there is any discrepancy in the records.

Maintain a File for Your Paperwork

Mississippi worker’s compensation attorneys such as Richard Schwartz reiterate that you will have to submit a whole set of medical reports, forms, and other paperwork to substantiate your claim. You will also receive notices relating to the compensation from your employer as well as from the insurance companies. These documents must be filed with due diligence. Make sure to keep copies of the paperwork that you have submitted to get a claim. This will prove useful if the insurance company refuses to reimburse you.

The other important documents to be copied and filed include reports from doctors, medical bills, accident reports from your employer, claim forms, contact information such as phone numbers and addresses of witnesses, any written correspondences with your employer and insurance companies, letters of denials or acceptance from the insurance company and claim forms that you have submitted to the worker’s compensation agency.

Even keep records of phone calls that you might receive from the insurance company intimating you of any error in paperwork. Note the date and gist of the conversation. If there is an error in your claim then note what is the error and how can it be rectified.

Maintain a Pain Journal

You must keep records of the pain that the injury has caused. For instance, if you experience severe pain note how this affects your normal day to day activities. Have the doctor’s records available to corroborate your discomfort. If the injury has caused permanent damage and you lose your ability to work permanently then you might be able to receive compensation for permanent disability.

When the insurance company disputes the severity of the injury your Greenville, Mississippi worker’s compensation lawyer can produce the journal as evidence. One of the best in the industry is Richard Schwartz. Not only does he know the legal system in this entire region he know the judges and key players in the legal community. He has won many cases for past clients and his record is terrific.