By: Viraj Shah
If you have suffered an injury in the workplace, you must file a workplace injury claim with the help of a work injury lawyer. However, the success of this type of claim is contingent on the quality and variety of evidence that you can provide to bolster your claim. Whether you are an employee seeking compensation for your injuries or an employer defending against a claim, gathering pertinent information and documentation is crucial in resolving the case. Several different types of evidence may be used in a workplace injury claim, ranging from medical records to witness statements. This article will discuss some of the commonly used types of evidence in work injury cases.
Employment Records
Employment records are one of the first essential types of evidence that must be collected in a workplace injury case. These documents help to establish that the injured party was an employee of the company at the time of the accident. Several types of evidence can be used to include this, such as performance reviews and employee contracts. Additionally, work schedules can be used to confirm whether the employee was on duty when the injury occurred. Training records can demonstrate whether the employee was adequately trained for their tasks when the incident occurred.
Medical Records
Medical records are valuable and critical types of evidence that may be used in a work injury case as they provide insightful evidence into the extent and cause of the injury. Medical records include but are not limited to X-rays, MRIs, diagnostic testing, surgeries, treatment plans, medication, doctor’s notes, and medical bills. These records are beneficial in that they can help assess the financial and physical impact of the injury and establish whether any pre-existing conditions were present.
Surveillance Footage
Surveillance footage is also commonly utilized in proving work injury cases. Video footage is extremely valuable in that it can reveal the events leading up to, during, and after the injury, either confirming or refuting the details provided by the injured employee or the employer. Surveillance footage can especially come in handy in the event that no one witnessed the accident.
Photos and Videos
Photos and videos can also be utilized in workplace injury cases as vital pieces of evidence. These can be captured by the injured employee, co-workers, witnesses, or even first responders. The photos and videos will be examined to reveal important details such as whether there were hazardous conditions or if any equipment or property was damaged. Additionally, photos and videos are valuable in that they can help demonstrate the severity of the employee’s injuries.
Witness Statements
The last type of evidence that may be used in a workplace injury case is witness statements. Co-workers, supervisors, or even someone passing by who was present when the accident occurred can provide a first-hand account of what happened. They may be able to provide information about the events leading up to the accident, workplace conditions, or the employee’s behavior before the accident occurred. Witness statements must be collected promptly after the accident as memories can fade over time, thereby decreasing their reliability.
Disclaimer: “The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.”
Published by: Martin De Juan