Four Steps to Handling Worker’s Compensation Claims

May 1, 2022

The National Safety Council reported that a single worker’s compensation claim could cost as much as $42,000 on average. This figure represents just how expensive injuries are to employers and employees alike. No company wants to pay for the expenses of an injury, and no employee wants to jeopardize their health. Consider these four steps if you’re wondering how to approach a workers’ comp claim.

Complete Necessary Reports

Thoroughness is the best strategy for approaching workers’ claims reasonably, and thoroughness starts with documentation. A company must complete all necessary reports, including an injury report with reports collected from any witnesses to the accident. Details are essential when corroborating the circumstances that led to the injury. These reports will be necessary to file a claim with your worker’s comp carrier.

Coordinate Medical Care

An employer’s role in coordinating medical care will depend on the business location. In some states, a company can choose the physician that an employee sees after an accident, but the employee can select their own medical care in other states. In either case, though, an employer should provide whatever resources are necessary to help the employee access care. Employers should also ask for the employee’s medical bills and files so that expenses can be accurately assessed and paid.

Contact Worker’s Comp Insurer

Employers will need to formally file a workers’ compensation claim with their insurance carrier. It will typically involve contacting the insurance agent. Then, the agent will assist in filing the claim and maintaining contact until a resolution. The insurer will typically require all medical documentation and bills involved in the case, and the injured employee will also usually need to complete paperwork for the insurer. The information requested may include the number of workdays lost, the employee’s wages, and other details that are relevant to the claim.

Create Timeline for Work Return

Once an injured employee has received medical care and the worker’s compensation claim has been filed. The employee must establish when they plan to return to work. Employers should base this on the employee’s projected recovery time and any accommodations they may need as they continue recovering. In many cases, an employee might be able to come back to work in a light-duty capacity, meaning that they cannot do any physically intensive work. Still, they can resume earning wages. Employers should consult their insurance carriers to see whether there are any resources to assist with this process. ◼