Getting hurt at work can trigger months of recovery, financial hardship and uncertainty about your future. Workers’ compensation benefits can provide unparalleled support as you recover and plan your return to work.
Prior to collecting benefits, you will need to file a claim with your employer. The accounts of people who may have witnessed your accident can play an integral role in supporting your claim.
Witnesses add clarity
Seeing that your accident resulted in an injury, you may experience an onslaught of emotions. Given the seriousness of the situation, you may struggle to make sense of what happened. Trauma, shock and confusion may interfere with your ability to describe what happened. This is where witnesses can provide invaluable support.
Witness reports may help you recall the situation in more detail. The insight of your coworkers or anyone else who saw what happened can add clarity to your story. Drawing upon the accounts of others, you can articulate a more detailed timeline of events.
Witnesses add context
Often, the stories of multiple people can hold deeper meaning than an individual account. Witnesses can add context to your story with the inclusion of information that improves understanding. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an accident investigation can aid your employer in recognizing deficiencies, hazards and shortcomings that may have contributed to your injuries. Witness accounts can aid in the accident investigation to hopefully improve workplace safety and prevent future incidents.
The sooner you can file a claim with your employer, the better your chances are of getting approved for workers’ compensation benefits. Relying on the support of witnesses may also improve the likelihood of effectively describing your situation so you can get the help you deserve.
