How Photos Can Help Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you suffer a work-related injury in Vermont, you may face challenges trying to prove your workers’ compensation claim to your employer’s insurance company. To prove your case by a preponderance of the evidence, you need strong evidence. While medical records and accident reports are crucial, they might not be enough. One of the pieces of evidence that can strengthen your Vermont workers’ compensation claim is photos of your injury and the accident scene. Clear and detailed pictures can provide undeniable proof of your injury, show how it happened, and help protect your right to benefits.

Below, we discuss in detail the specific ways photos can help your Vermont workers’ compensation case.

Photos Provide Clear Evidence of Your Injury

Describing your injuries with words can be hard, even with medical records. Photos provide a visual record of injuries that can be hard to dispute. If you suffered burns, cuts, bruises, or swelling, it can be easier for the workers’ compensation insurance company to understand your injuries in pictures. Time-stamped photos taken immediately after the accident can show the severity of your injury, making it hard for anyone to challenge your case.

Photos Support Other Evidence

While accident reports and medical records are important for workers’ compensation claims, they may not be enough. Photos can help support accident reports and medical records by showing the conditions or hazards that caused your accident, such as set floors, faulty equipment, or unsafe work areas. Visual evidence can help establish a clear link between the work conditions. Additionally, pictures can show the severity of your injuries immediately after the accident, complementing medical records.

Protects Against Disputes

Your employer’s insurance company may question how your accident happened or the severity of your injury, especially if your claim is worth a lot. Having pictures reduces the chances of your claim being delayed or denied. Time-stamped images of your injuries and the accident scene taken immediately after the accident can serve as compelling evidence if disputes arise. Additionally, follow-up images taken throughout your recovery period can demonstrate the impact of your injury on your life.

Tips for Taking Effective Photos

Taking pictures for a workers’ compensation claim may seem simple, but that is not the case. There are some rules that you must keep in mind when taking photos. Here are some tips to make your photos much more effective and persuasive:

• Capture multiple angles: Take pictures from different angles to show the entire accident scene and the full extent of your injuries.
• Use time-stamping: Use your phone’s or camera’s timestamp or write the date and time on the photos.
• Ensure good lighting: Clear, well-lit images are easier to see and less likely to be disputed.
• Take follow-up pictures: Take photos during your recovery to show how the injury heals or if it continues to affect your life.

By following these tips, your photos can serve as strong, credible evidence in your workers’ compensation case and significantly increase your chances of recovering the benefits you deserve.

Contact Sluka Law PLC

If you’ve suffered a workplace injury in Vermont, contact our experienced Vermont workers’ compensation attorneys at Sluka Law PLC today. We can guide you through the claims process.