Why You Should Keep All Medical Records After a Work Injury
If you have sustained a work-related injury, one of the most vital steps you can take, besides seeking prompt medical attention, is maintaining thorough and organized copies of your medical records. Maintaining medical documentation when dealing with a work injury might seem like a burden, but keeping these records can be crucial for the success of your workers’ compensation claim. But why should you keep all medical records after a work injury? Here’s why;
- They Serve as Evidence That the Injury Exists
Medical records are the most credible proof that your injury exists and is not imaginary or exaggerated. Medical records can help prove that a pre-existing condition is not to blame for the symptoms you are experiencing or that your pre-existing condition has worsened. Medical records detail your diagnosis, treatment, progress, and any injury-related limitations. Without thorough and organized medical records, proving that your injury is legitimate can be challenging if your employer or their insurance company disputes your claim.
- They Link the Injury to Your Job
In Vermont, you can only qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if your injury is work-related. Proving this is not as easy as you might think. Employers and workers’ compensation insurance companies often dispute whether an injury truly occurred because of an employee’s job or if something else, such as a pre-existing condition, is to blame. Without medical records, it could be your word against theirs.
- Maximizing Your Benefits
After suffering a work-related injury in Vermont, you may be eligible to recover several types of injuries, including;
- Medical benefits
- Wage replacement benefits (TTD and TPD benefits)
- Permanent disability benefits (PTD and PPD benefits)
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits
Thorough and organized medical records can help you maximize your workers’ compensation benefits by proving the severity of your injury, the length of your recovery, and whether you have a disability and the severity of the disability.
- Dealing With Disputes
As hinted already, disputes are pretty common in workers’ compensation cases. If, for instance, your employer or their insurance company challenges the cause or severity of your injury or the need for ongoing treatment, your medical records can help you prove your case and support your claim during the dispute resolution process.
- Appealing Denials
It is very common for workers’ compensation claims to be denied. Your claim could be rejected for various reasons, such as disputes over whether the injury is work-related. If your Vermont workers’ compensation claim is denied, you may have the right to appeal to the Department of Labor. Having detailed medical records can make the appeal process easier. Without medical records, it can be hard for you to argue your case effectively.
Tips for Managing Your Medical Records
Here are some tips for managing your medical records;
- Ask for copies each time you see your doctor
- Arrange the documents according to dates for easier tracking
- Maintain records of everything, including doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and test results
- Create a digital backup
Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you have suffered a work-related injury, contact a skilled Vermont workers’ comp lawyer at Sluka Law PLC for help navigating the claims process. We can help you recover the benefits you deserve.
Source:
labor.vermont.gov/about-us
