A serious workplace injury can greatly affect your day to day life, making life difficult financially and emotionally, or even affecting your mobility. Because of the impact an injury can have on your quality of life, you should file a claim if you have been injured.

Filing a claim can be overwhelming or confusing. Many people try to wade through the process themselves, or try to work with their employer to determine who is at fault. This can waste valuable time, and put you at a distinct disadvantage. By working with a personal injury lawyer, you will gain an invaluable ally who will work to get you what you deserve, and help you navigate the process.

To maximize your chances of winning a workers’ compensation claim, top personal injury lawyers recommend the following steps:

Our memories get less sharp as time goes by, so keep a written log concerning your injury and the treatment you receive. Don’t be afraid to include personal details; for instance, if you couldn’t walk your daughter down the aisle on her wedding day because of the pain in your leg, that’s a vivid representation of how your injury has affected your life.

Also keep track of all of your doctors’ names, symptoms, and treatment schedules. Your lawyer will need this information for your claim. Be sure to follow your doctors’ instructions for treatment and recovery.

Finally, file your claim in a timely manner. In many states, a statue of limitations dictates a deadline for your claim to be filed. If you do not file within this time frame, you lessen your chances of winning, or even having your claim heard.

These above tips can help you and your lawyer the best chance of winning your workers’ compensation claim, getting you the results you deserve.