English 
Spanish It is difficult to overstate the role of documentation in strengthening your workers’ compensation claim. When a manufacturing sector worker is hurt at work or receives a diagnosis of an occupational illness, they will need to show their injuries occurred at work to receive benefits that could include medical care, temporary or permanent disability benefits, supplemental job displacement benefits, and/or death benefits.
A Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyer can help you gather workers’ compensation documentation and fight a denial of your claim. To learn more, most law firms provide free consultations. Reach out to our team if you suffered injuries in a manufacturing accident in the greater Los Angeles area.
What Is the Role of Documentation in Manufacturing Sector Workers’ Compensation Claims?
Sometimes, injured workers need documentation to prove their workers’ compensation claims and receive the benefits they deserve. This may be more common if the insurer denies your initial claim or requests proof as a part of looking closely at your case.
One of the best ways to ensure you have the necessary documentation to prove your manufacturing sector claim is to hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you in your case. When it comes to challenging a workers’ compensation denial or strengthening compensation claims to get approval, your attorney will know what is needed and where to find it.
While workers’ compensation is not a fault-based benefit, you will need to show that your injuries occurred at work or that you have a work-related illness. This could require you to provide documentation to strengthen your claim. Examples could include:
- Written statements from eyewitnesses
- Relevant medical records from your doctor
- Employment and pay records
- Any official reports filed about the incident
- Documentation of missed time at work
- Records of communication-related to the claim, such as emails with insurance adjusters
In addition to documentation, there are other types of evidence available to support a workers’ compensation claim in the manufacturing sector. Almost anything that can show what occurred, when, and where may be important. For example, if there is a video of the facility that captured your injury, you will want to ensure the company preserves a copy to support your claim.
What Is the Workers’ Compensation Claims Process Like in the Manufacturing Sector?
When you suffer occupational injuries in a factory accident, you will file a workers’ compensation claim and may be asked to prove to your employer and workers’ compensation insurance company that you qualify for benefits. Once you receive care for any emergent injuries, it is time to begin this process.
In California, filing your claim begins with notifying your employer of your injuries. When this occurs, they must provide you with the necessary paperwork to file a claim. You will complete the employee section and return the documents to your employer. They will finish the forms and submit them.
According to the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), once the insurer receives your claim form, you may have up to $10,000 of coverage for your medical care costs related to the injury. This allows you to continue treatment while the insurance adjuster determines the outcome of your claim.
When it comes to documentation importance in a workers’ compensation case, your medical records for treatment and rehabilitation of your accidental injuries will be essential. Your doctor will diagnose your condition as a work-related injury or illness, track your progress, and approve you to return to work when you reach an appropriate level of recovery. These records will show that you deserve benefits and how long you should continue to receive them.
How a Workplace Injury Lawyer Can Help With Documenting Your Case
Many injured workers in the manufacturing sector file their claims and receive benefits without having difficulties. Many others, though, have to document their injuries and treatment to their insurance companies and employers to get and keep their benefits.
If you run into any issues in the compensation claim process, it is time to hire an attorney to represent your best interests and handle the claim while you focus on healing. This could include:
- Gathering and providing requested documentation
- Ensuring you follow all necessary steps to get and keep your benefits
- Challenging a denial
- Negotiating for a settlement
Some injured workers also qualify to pursue additional compensation through a third-party negligence lawsuit. Your attorney may be able to offer advice and guidance on this topic if you suffered injuries because of someone else’s carelessness or recklessness.
Discuss Your Manufacturing Sector Injury With Our Workplace Injury Team
KJT Law Group represents clients in the greater Los Angeles area who suffered workplace injuries. We understand how injury claims in the manufacturing sector work and what it takes to get compensation for your injuries.
Contact us today using our online contact form or call (818) 507-8525 for your free case review.
