How Do I Check My Workers’ Compensation Records?

Workers’ compensation provides financial and medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private industry workers in 2023, with workers’ compensation paying out a total of $43.5 billion for claims that year, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance.

This no-fault insurance program is mandated on a state-by-state basis. Laws ensure that employees can heal from workplace accidents without having to prove employer negligence. In exchange, employers are generally protected from lawsuits related to these injuries.

It’s essential that every worker knows how to check their workers’ compensation records, especially if they’ve filed a claim or are navigating the workers’ compensation process. These records show you your claim’s status, the benefits you’ve received, and the medical documentation that’s been submitted.

Accessing and reviewing your records ensures that everything is accurate and up to date, which can help avoid potential delays or disputes.

Why Review Your Workers’ Compensation Records

Workers’ compensation records serve as the backbone of your claim. They include detailed information about your injury, medical treatments, wage benefits, and communication with the insurance company.

Reviewing these records lets you:

Confirm that the insurance company’s information about your case is correct
Make sure that all of your medical treatments and expenses have been recorded
Track benefit payments and see that you’re getting the appropriate benefits
Find and correct any errors promptly

It’s not uncommon to find errors in workers’ compensation records. Miscommunication between healthcare providers, employers, and insurance companies often results in incomplete or incorrect personal information, which can adversely affect your claim.

By regularly reviewing your records, you can ensure that your case progresses as efficiently as possible.

Steps to Access Your Workers’ Compensation Records

The process of accessing your workers’ compensation records can vary depending on your state’s laws and the insurance provider.

For most workers, however, these are the general steps to obtain their records:

1. Contact Your Employer or Insurance Carrier

Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier is usually the first point of contact for accessing your records. Contact your claims adjuster or the insurance company’s customer service department. Request a copy of your claim file, including all relevant documents.

2. Request Documents from Your State Workers’ Compensation Agency

Local workers’ compensation agencies typically maintain records of individual claims. Depending on your state, you should be able to request copies directly from the agency. Some states also offer online portals to view the details and status of your claim as well as related documents.

3. Consult with Your Attorney

If you’re working with a workers’ compensation attorney, they can request and review your records on your behalf. Attorneys often have direct access to the insurance company and state agency records, which can speed up the process.

4. Request Medical Records from Providers

Medical records are a critical part of your workers’ compensation file. You can request copies of your treatment records, test results, and billing information directly from your healthcare providers. These records help ensure your file includes all necessary medical evidence.

What To Look for When Reviewing Your Records

Once you’ve accessed your records, be sure to review them carefully. Pay close attention to the following details, confirming that your records are accurate and complete in each:

Claim Details: Verify that your personal information, injury details, and employment information are correct. Any errors in this section can cause delays in processing your claim.
Medical Reports: Review your medical records to make sure that all of your treatments, diagnoses, and referrals have been documented correctly. Any missing medical evidence can result in time-consuming disputes regarding the extent of your injuries or how necessary specific treatments were.
Payment History: Check the benefits you’ve received, including wage replacement and reimbursement for medical expenses. Confirm that payments match the amounts outlined in your workers’ compensation plan.
Correspondence: Look for any communication between you, the insurer, and your employer. This documentation can give you valuable insight into the progress of your claim and highlight any potential issues.

Common Issues with Workers’ Compensation Records

Even well-maintained records can sometimes contain errors or omissions. Here are some common issues to watch out for:

Incomplete Medical Documentation: Missing records of treatments can substantially weaken your claim or benefits
Incorrect Payment Calculations: Your benefits may be miscalculated if your average weekly wage isn’t accurately recorded and documented
Discrepancies in Injury Details: Any errors in the description of your injuries or how they occurred can result in disputes about the validity of your claim
Missed Deadlines: Delays in filing medical reports or other required documentation could result in claim delays or denials.

If you notice any problems, address them immediately with your claims adjuster or attorney. Resolving errors early helps avoid complications down the line.

When To Seek Legal Help

Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be a confusing, frustrating, and overwhelming experience, especially when you have to deal with errors or disputes. Working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can make it easier for you to access important records, resolve claim issues, and protect your legal rights.

This assistance is critical in cases that involve:

Denied claims
Disputes over benefits
Retaliation from employers
Complex medical evidence

By working with a knowledgeable attorney, you can ensure your claim is handled fairly and efficiently.

Checking your workers’ compensation records is a vital step in managing your claim making sure that you’re getting all of the benefits you deserve. By knowing how and where to access and review your records, you can proactively identify any potential issues, correct time-consuming errors, and stay informed about the details and progress of your case.

If you’re wondering how to contact your workers’ compensation board, here’s a list of state workers’ comp commission websites.

Whether you’re navigating the system on your own or working with an attorney, staying proactive and organized will help you get the best possible outcome and benefits from your workers’ compensation claim.