Who typically holds the burden of proof in a workers' compensation claim?

In a workers' compensation claim, the injured worker typically bears the burden of proof regarding the compensability of their claim. This means that the worker must provide sufficient evidence to support their assertion that the injury or illness is work-related and therefore eligible for compensation under the workers' compensation system. The worker's responsibility involves presenting medical records, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation that substantiates their claim.

This concept is rooted in the framework of workers' compensation systems, which are designed to provide benefits for employees who suffer work-related injuries without needing to prove negligence. However, the worker must still establish that their claim meets the necessary criteria laid out by the governing statutes and regulations to qualify for those benefits.

Understanding this division of responsibility is crucial for both injured workers and employers, as it underpins the preparation of claims and defense against them within the scope of workers’ compensation laws.