A workplace injury can leave you dealing with pain, missed work and uncertainty about what happens next. Keeping track of what happened might feel like one more burden when you already have enough to manage. However, good records can help you explain your injury and support your Indiana workers’ compensation claim.
Here are the key records to keep.
Incident reports and witness information
Keep a copy of any incident report you submit and write down the names of coworkers who saw what happened. Indiana employers have reporting duties for certain workplace injuries, so keep a record of when you reported the incident and who received it.
Note the date, time and location of the injury, along with what you were doing when it occurred. These details can help you explain the events if questions arise later.
Photos and injury-related records
Photos of the accident scene, unsafe conditions or equipment involved can help show how the injury occurred. If you notice changes in your symptoms or daily activities, keep a dated record of those changes. Preserve original files and avoid editing photos that could serve as evidence.
Medical records and work restrictions
Save copies of medical reports, test results, treatment instructions and prescriptions related to your injury. Keep any written restrictions that explain what tasks you can safely perform. These records help show the care you received and how your condition affects your ability to work.
Wage and work-absence records
Keep pay stubs, work schedules and records of missed shifts or reduced hours after the injury. If your employer changes your duties or hours because of your condition, save any written notice. This information can help explain how the injury affects your earnings.
Employer and insurance communications
Save emails, letters and messages about your claim, including requests for information and decisions about benefits. After important phone calls, note the date, who you spoke with and what you discussed. Written records can help you track what each party said or agreed to.
Protect your right to workers’ compensation in Indiana
Keeping incident reports, photos, medical records, wage information and written communications organized can help you document your workplace injury and its effects. If you are unsure whether your records support your workers’ compensation claim, an attorney can review them with you, identify any gaps and explain what additional evidence could help.