Why an Injury Report Matters in Your Workers’ Comp Case

If you are injured on the job, you may be worried about your future and be unsure of what to do next. Directly after seeking medical attention, you should file a workers’ comp injury report with your employer. If you do not know how to properly do this, your supervisor or human relations (HR) department should be able to help.

Our Ohio workers’ compensation lawyers can help you with your claim after being injured on the job. Whether you need to file a workers’ comp claim or a third-party personal injury case, Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA can assist you and help you receive a favorable outcome. Call us today at (419) 625-7770 for a free consultation.

What Is a Workers’ Comp Injury Report?

A workers’ comp injury report or a First Report of Injury (FROI), is an official form published by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Comp (BWC). This form should be completed and submitted to your employer and the BWC. It is important to note that your employer may have additional forms for you to fill out as well.

In your workers’ comp injury report, make sure to include as much information as possible. You should write what you remember from the accident and ask any witnesses for a written statement. Additionally, pictures, videos, and sketches can be helpful to your case.

Why You Should Complete a Workers’ Comp Injury Report

Your workers’ comp injury report is essential and can significantly impact your case.

To ensure that you have a successful case, you should record what happened right away after sustaining an injury. Evidence can quickly disappear, and your memory of the accident can fade. Thus, a workers’ comp injury report is vital so that your employer and the BWC have your statement of the incident.

Additionally, filing a report can help:

  • Determine liability – Although fault does not matter in a workers’ comp case, the cause of the accident can also determine what type of claims you will make in the future. Your injury report may also indicate that someone else or another company was to blame. If your employer or a coworker were to blame, your only recourse might be a workers’ comp claim. However, if someone else is found liable, you may also file a personal injury claim. A skilled work injury lawyer can help you determine who is at fault and who should be held responsible.
  • Establishing the Extent of the Injury – Understanding the origin of your injury can give clues to the extent of your harm. If your accident involved a large piece of heavy equipment, you might be more likely to have extensive injuries. However, your initial indication of injury may not clearly show the extent of your damages. Some of your symptoms may develop over time, so it’s important to keep your injury report up to date and supplement it as necessary.

Contact a Workers’ Comp Lawyer for Help with Your Claim

If you or a loved one suffered an injury on the job, you should immediately call a workers’ comp lawyer. We can assist you in filing a workers’ comp injury report and any other evidence necessary for your claim. Contact our skilled attorneys at Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co. LPA today at (419) 625-7770 to schedule a free, initial consultation.