An injury that you suffer in the workplace or in the course of work is likely covered by workers’ compensation. As such, proving such an injury ought to be pretty straightforward. However, an injury that occurs over time or as a result of exposure to certain conditions while at work may be denied if you do not have strong evidence to link your injury to your work.
Under Minnesota law, you are entitled to compensation if you are hurt or fall ill due to the nature of your work. However, you must prove that your work had something to do with your injury or illness before you can receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Here are the strategies you can use to prove that your injury or illness resulted from your work.
Expert testimony
Expert testimony from a health care professional is perhaps the best and most effective way of proving that your illness or injury resulted from your work or exposure to certain conditions within your work environment. This may involve one or more professionals overseeing your treatment that will speak of the extent of your illness or injury and demonstrate how the condition resulted from your job. For instance, if you are suffering from mesothelioma, you can rely on your doctor’s testimony to prove that your condition resulted from exposure to asbestos at your place of work.
Eyewitness testimony
Witness testimony may not be as reliable as medical testimony. However, co-workers who witnessed the accident that resulted in your injury can testify in your favor and help you prove your case. The more eyewitnesses you line up to testify in your favor, the more likely your claim will be validated. Your claim can also be further substantiated if other employees exhibit a similar condition as yours and have medical proof that their condition is work-related.
One of the main requirements of a workers’ compensation claim is for the claimant to prove that their injury or illness is directly linked to their occupation. While this should be straightforward, it is not unusual for an insurance company adjuster to dispute the cause of the employee’s injury or illness to avoid taking financial responsibility for the resulting damages.
