Legal causation is an important part of a worker's compensation claim. When there is no legal causation, the claim might be dismissed. For example, if you are suffering from back pain, you will need to prove that the back pain was caused by your job. If you became injured due to another activity, your worker's compensation claim might be dismissed.

Doctor's Play a Crucial Role in Proving Causation

To prove legal causation, the most important thing you must do is to see a doctor. The worker's compensation insurance provider may wish to dissuade you from seeing a physician or send you to see one recommended by the insurance provider. If a doctor claims that your injuries were the result of work, the worker's compensation insurance provider will have a much more difficult time denying your claim.

Where you go to see a physician can affect your case. For example, in a city, you may be able to visit an occupational therapist. However, in a smaller town, you may need to visit a physician who has to become educated on how work activities can lead to injuries.

Communicate with Your Doctor

Your physician will likely want to help you, but may not understand how your job might have contributed to your injuries. You'll want to explain the responsibilities of your job so that your physician can understand why you have become injured due to work. For example, you might have a desk job, but your physician might not know that you also regularly engage in heavy lifting at your workplace.

A physician will likely look for other possible causes of your injuries. For example, if you had a previous job that is consistent with the injuries you suffered, this job might be seen instead as the cause. Pay attention to your doctor's note and any other medical documents that he or she supplies. If you believe that the doctor is mistaken, you may be able to raise the issue with him or her.

Speak with a Worker's Compensation Law Attorney

Proving causation is an essential part of receiving compensation for your work-related injuries. If you do not effectively prove causation, you might feel like you're forced to return to work even when it's not safe to do so. To overcome these obstacles, you'll always want to speak with a workers compensation law attorney before you file a claim. That way, you can make a case for why you were injured at work and deserve compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.