The Role of Medical Evidence in Workers’ Compensation Cases
Workers’ compensation provides a safety net for employees who suffer injuries on the job. Workers’ compensation offers an opportunity for employees to recover benefits fast, but in return, employees have to forgo their right to sue their employers for negligence. When it comes to workers’ compensation claims, medical evidence plays a vital role. Compelling medical evidence forms the cornerstone of a successful workers’ compensation claim. Understanding the importance of medical evidence in workers’ compensation cases and the types of medical evidence in workers’ compensation cases can ensure workers receive the compensation they deserve.
Types of Medical Evidence in Workers’ Compensation Cases
Medical evidence comes in various forms, with each type of evidence playing a vital role. The following are some of the forms of medical evidence that play a crucial role in building a robust workers’ compensation case;
- Medical records, such as doctor’s notes, diagnostic test results, treatment plans, and documentation of treatment and progress.
- Expert medical opinions
- Testimonies from medical professionals
Why Is Medical Evidence Important in Workers’ Compensation Cases?
While workers’ compensation is designed to provide medical and financial benefits to employees who suffer work injuries, the system is not automatic. Injured employees have the burden of proving the key elements in their claim. This is where medical evidence comes in. Medical evidence can help prove the occurrence of an injury, establish causation, and demonstrate the extent of the injury. Below is more on the importance of medical evidence in workers’ compensation cases.
Proving the Occurrence of an Injury
The first key element you need to prove in a workers’ compensation claim is that you suffered an injury. Medical evidence plays a vital role in proving that an injury happened. After suffering a work injury, your first step should be seeking medical attention. After seeking medical attention, the doctor will examine you, diagnose you, and recommend a treatment plan. The doctor’s diagnosis, treatment notes, and other medical records will help you prove that your injury exists. Medical records are particularly crucial for injuries that are not immediately apparent, such as internal injuries.
Establishing Causation
In a workers’ compensation claim, you must establish causation (that your work directly caused your injury). Establishing causation without medical evidence can be challenging. A doctor’s statement, supported by diagnostic tests, can help demonstrate that your injury occurred as a result of your work. Without medical evidence, your employer or the workers’ compensation insurance company might argue that your injury resulted from non-work-related activities. They may claim that yours is a pre-existing condition.
Demonstrating the Extent of the Injury
After demonstrating that an injury occurred and your work directly caused the injury, you need to demonstrate the extent of the injury. The extent of your injury determines how much you receive and how long your benefits last. Medical evidence, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, can help show the severity of your injury and your level of physical impairment or disability. Medical evidence helps determine if you have suffered a temporary or permanent disability.
Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney
At Sluka Law Firm, our Vermont workers’ compensation attorney understands the importance of medical evidence in workers’ compensation claims. We are committed to helping injured employees navigate the complex workers’ compensation system. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
