What must a claimant provide to prove a work-related injury has occurred?

To demonstrate that a work-related injury has occurred, the claimant must provide medical evidence that establishes a direct link between the injury and the workplace incident. This requirement is crucial as it helps to substantiate the claim and provides a clear indication that the injury did not arise from unrelated activities or conditions.

Medical evidence typically includes documentation from healthcare providers detailing the diagnosis, treatment received, and any medical opinions concerning the cause of the injury. This type of evidence is essential for the adjudication process, as it ensures that the claims for workers' compensation are grounded in verified medical fact rather than hearsay or personal accounts alone.

While witness statements, photographic evidence, and personal statements can contribute to a claim, they do not have the same level of weight as medical evidence when it comes to establishing the legitimacy of an injury in relation to work. Medical documentation is recognized as the most authoritative source for proving the nature and cause of an injury in workers' compensation cases, making it the most critical piece of evidence a claimant must provide.