When you get hurt on the job, paperwork can pile up fast. Medical bills, treatment notes and claim forms may arrive from different sources. Keeping the right records organized supports your claim and makes it easier to track your benefits and document what care you received.
What initial injury reports should you save?
The first records you receive after a workplace injury help build the foundation of your claim. Your employer should give you the workers’ compensation forms you need after learning about your injury. Keep copies of those forms and any incident reports you file with your supervisor or safety officer. These early records can help show when and how the injury occurred.
Which treatment records should you keep?
Records to keep after a work injury:
- Incident reports and workers’ compensation claim forms
- Doctor’s notes and treatment plans from each visit
- Diagnostic test results (X-rays, MRIs, lab reports)
- Billing statements and explanation of benefits statements
- Payment receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
- Correspondence with your employer and the insurance carrier
Maintaining these documents helps protect your rights and simplifies the claims process.
How long should you keep these records?
Workers’ compensation record retention periods vary by state, but a general practice is to keep all your workers’ compensation records for at least three to five years after your claim closes. Some injuries may require you to keep records longer if complications develop or benefits continue. If you are unsure what to preserve, an attorney can help you decide which records matter most.