For many organizations, workers’ compensation claims can be costly, especially if the claims are not managed well. Here are three tips for employers on managing workers’ compensation claims both correctly, and cost-efficiently.
1. Promptly Report All Claims.
Effective case management begins with timely reporting of your workers’ compensation claim. Generally speaking, the faster an injured employee reports a claim, the smoother the claims process will be. When claims are reported in a timely manner, evidence can be preserved and the claim can be better resolved; workers can start treatment sooner; fraudulent claims can be identified more quickly; and you can avoid potential monetary fines/penalties for failing to report claims.
In addition, to avoid delays in obtaining medical records and delaying the compensability decision, employers should have the claimant sign a medical release, if possible, at the time of the injury.
2. Collect Detailed and Precise Information About the Accident
Having complete notes and information on the circumstances of the injury is key for your workers’ compensation claims process. We suggest gathering the following information:
- Date of the accident
- Time of the accident
- Was there a fatality?
- Was the employee unable to work at least one full day after the accident?
- Date the employee last worked
- Probable length of disability
- Has the employee returned to work?
- Date the employee returned to work
- Description of the injury
- Description of the accident
- Location of the accident (street address)
- Department and work process involved in the accident
- Names and addresses of any witnesses
- Did the injured employee see a doctor?
- Name, telephone number and address of doctor
- Did the injured employee go to a hospital?
- Name, telephone number and address of hospital
- Length of initial hospitalization
- Name and title of individual reporting the loss
3. Communicate With All Parties Frequently
Throughout the claims process, you should have access to up-to-date information on the status of the claim. It is important that your claims representative/case manager communicates with you, as well as the injured party on things such as when the worker can expect benefits, how to return to work (if necessary), and who to contact with important questions. A partnership should be formed with the claim representative/case manager in order to reach proper resolution of all issues. Ensure that there is agreement on targets for stay at work, modified duty, regular duty, and completion of medical care for your employee.
