What documentation will I need when filing a workers’ compensation claim?

When you’ve been injured on the job in Virginia and you are filing for workers’ compensation benefits, different documentation will be needed at different times. While the days and weeks following an injury can be difficult, it’s important to gather and protect this vital paperwork as you receive it. Some of the documents are simply used to identify you and your place of employment, while others are meant to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and nature of the accident or condition causing your illness or injury.

When you first report the injury to your employer, you will probably need to complete an incident report. It is best, if you can, to keep a copy of this report.

When you file your Claim Form with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, you will need to include the medical records related to your treatment with your claim. If you do not have the complete set of records, you can just file what you have at the time but be sure that you get the additional records before you go to a your hearing, as more will be needed at a hearing.

The additional records you will need include:

• medical reports and records to show that the work injury caused your medical condition and to show you have work restrictions due to the work accident;
• your employer’s contact information and witness information;
• pay stubs or other proof of your earnings from one year prior to the work accident and continuing;
• if you have been able to work since the injury and are suffering a wage loss, all pay stubs or proof of all of your income since the work injury;
• proof you have been looking for employment if you have work restrictions and your employer cannot accommodate the restrictions; and
• receipts and documents for reimbursements for mileage and prescription.

Each case is different so additional documentation may also be needed.

Remember the injured worker has to prove everything.