What should injured workers provide to support their claims for benefits?

Injured workers must present medical reports and evidence to support their claims for benefits because these documents provide objective, professional evaluations of their injuries and the treatment they have received. Medical reports serve as a critical foundation for establishing the nature and extent of the injury, correlating it to the work-related incident, and affirming the necessity for benefits such as medical care and lost wages.

Medical documentation can include hospital records, doctors' notes, treatment plans, and diagnostic imaging results. This information not only helps to substantiate the injury but also assists the workers’ compensation adjuster in making informed decisions regarding the claim. By validating the condition and detailing how it affects the worker's ability to perform their job, these medical records play a pivotal role in the claims process.

Other options, though they may have some relevance, do not offer the same level of substantiation. Witness testimonies can be helpful, but they are subjective and do not provide the same reliable evidence as medical documentation. Social media activity is not typically considered valid evidence in a claims process and can even be detrimental if it contradicts the claim. Public employer statements can give context but are not standalone proof of an injury or its severity. Thus, the need for robust medical evidence is essential for a