Witnesses can support your claim by backing your statements and providing extra information, which will be accounted for when your claim is being processed.
If you were injured while performing work-related duties, you are likely eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. This system is designed to protect employees who are hurt on the job, covering their medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.
Work accidents can happen in any industry, from slip and falls to operating faulty heavy machinery. If you are injured on the job, then you need to report the accident to your employer as soon and as accurately as possible. However, this won’t always be sufficient in order to receive the amount you are entitled to.
Workers’ comp claims have to be backed by evidence, and some cases don’t involve a lot of it. If you are unfortunate enough to not have any witnesses when you’re hurt and there is no video surveillance at the scene, you might have a tougher case.
Why Are Eyewitnesses Important?
Witnesses of your work accident can provide crucial information about what happened. They can also mean the difference between life and death in very serious accidents.
Witnesses can support your claim by backing your statements and providing extra information, which will be accounted for when your claim is being processed.
What to Do If There Are No Witnesses
If there are no co-workers around when you have a work accident, you might be less confident in filing a workers’ compensation claim. A lot of employees are worried they might lose their job if they take legal actions in order to obtain compensation, but this hesitation can lead to a much worse situation for them.
Even if there are no witnesses at the scene of the accident, you should collect evidence right away. Take photos of the scene of the accident and your injuries, notify your employer, and seek medical attention as directed by your employer.
If needed, expert witnesses can be hired to provide a statement on how the accident has affected your health and income, and how the accident might have occurred.
Speak With a St. Louis Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Even with no eyewitnesses, it’s your right to claim workers compensation for your work injuries or illness.
If you are facing a hostile employer because of your workers’ compensation claim, it’s definitely a good idea to speak with an experienced attorney if you have not done so already. Protecting your rights is a lawyer’s main objective since their fees will be paid from the settlement they fight to get for you.
Have you been injured in a work-related accident with no witnesses? The sooner you seek legal help and build a strong case, the better.