When an employee is injured on the job, they can file a worker’s compensation claim. This will allow them to collect compensation to cover the damages associated with the injury, including medical bills and lost wages. To qualify for this type of coverage, the employee must be able to provide what’s known as prima facie medical evidence (PFME). Discover what this entails and how it can affect a claim below.

What Is Prima Facie Medical Evidence?

Prima facie is Latin for “at first sight,” and is a legal method for establishing facts. The Workers’ Compensation Board for New York State defines PFME as the finding that a medical report is sufficient for proceeding further in a hearing process. In other words, PFME is found when the injury has been attributed to a work incident by a medical professional. 

How Can It Influence the Outcome of Workers’ Compensation Cases?

To be eligible for compensation, PMFE must be established for the injury in question. For example, if an employee hurt their back lifting something heavy at work and their doctor provides a report confirming the injury occurred on the job, there will likely be sufficient PMFE to award the employee compensation for the medical costs and lost wages associated with the back injury. 

Yet, in some cases, an employee may attempt to claim that additional injuries were sustained at work. For example, if an employee is suffering from a hand injury in addition to ankle problems because of a fall, it may be challenging to establish PMFE for both sites. While the worker’s compensation may be approved for the primary ankle injury, any additional sites may be called into question. For this reason, it’s important to document your injuries as thoroughly as possible and explain them in detail to your doctor.

To ensure you’re compensated fairly for the injuries you’ve sustained on the job, turn to Vincent J. Criscuolo & Associates. Serving Rochester, NY, this trusted law firm stands up for the rights of injured workers and helps them navigate worker’s compensation claims. Find out more about how they can help maximize your benefits online or call (585) 232-3240 to schedule a consultation.