When it comes to claims management, time is money.
When an employee is injured at work, your business goals and those of your insurance company coincide. This ensures that the injured employee is receiving the best possible medical treatment and returns to work as soon as possible.
These mutual goals help control claim costs and ultimately the rates you pay for workers' compensation coverage. Studies show that claims reported immediately to the insurance company had settlement costs significantly lower than those in which reporting was delayed.
Managing an employee injury begins the moment the employer gains knowledge that an employee may have been injured at work. Workers' compensation regulations establish specific timeframes that employers and insurance companies must follow.
Regulations define the employer as not just the business owner, but also a manager, supervisor or anyone holding a position of authority in the business. When the employer learns of an employee injury or alleged injury, the clock starts ticking for specific actions that must be taken.
The employer can learn or gain knowledge of the injury directly from the employee, fellow employee, family member or medical facility. Once you have knowledge of a work related injury, you have one business day to provide the employee with an Employee Claim for Workers' Compensation Benefit form (Form DWC-1).
You have five business days to report the injury or illness to the insurance company, but the sooner the injury is reported the better. Ensure managers and supervisors understand the claims reporting process.
When an employee is injured at work, follow these steps:
1. Initiate medical treatment. Transport the employee to the nearest hospital or medical facility if appropriate. For emergency or life threatening injuries, immediately call 911. In non-emergency situations, initiate first aid treatment, if necessary, and work with your insurance company to find the nearest medical provider, preferably one that is in the insurance company's Medical Provider Network.
2. Call your workers' compensation insurance company to report all work-related injuries and complete the Employers First Report of Injury form.
3. Provide the injured worker an Employee's Claim for Workers' Compensation Benefit form.
4. Start planning for your employee's return to regular or modified work and stay in contact with your claim representative.
Selecting an insurance company that is financially secure, specializes in workers' compensation and is knowledgeable of California's insurance environment can reduce the anxiety and stress that can follow an employee injury. These companies generally have a disciplined approach to workers' compensation that is evidenced by strong relationships with medical providers, comprehensive injury management procedures and communication with you, the injured employee and medical provider.
For more information or to obtain a free, four-step injury reporting poster, call (888) 656-5678.
When an employee is injured at work, your business goals and those of your insurance company coincide. This ensures that the injured employee is receiving the best possible medical treatment and returns to work as soon as possible.
These mutual goals help control claim costs and ultimately the rates you pay for workers' compensation coverage. Studies show that claims reported immediately to the insurance company had settlement costs significantly lower than those in which reporting was delayed.
Managing an employee injury begins the moment the employer gains knowledge that an employee may have been injured at work. Workers' compensation regulations establish specific timeframes that employers and insurance companies must follow.
Regulations define the employer as not just the business owner, but also a manager, supervisor or anyone holding a position of authority in the business. When the employer learns of an employee injury or alleged injury, the clock starts ticking for specific actions that must be taken.
The employer can learn or gain knowledge of the injury directly from the employee, fellow employee, family member or medical facility. Once you have knowledge of a work related injury, you have one business day to provide the employee with an Employee Claim for Workers' Compensation Benefit form (Form DWC-1).
You have five business days to report the injury or illness to the insurance company, but the sooner the injury is reported the better. Ensure managers and supervisors understand the claims reporting process.
When an employee is injured at work, follow these steps:
1. Initiate medical treatment. Transport the employee to the nearest hospital or medical facility if appropriate. For emergency or life threatening injuries, immediately call 911. In non-emergency situations, initiate first aid treatment, if necessary, and work with your insurance company to find the nearest medical provider, preferably one that is in the insurance company's Medical Provider Network.
2. Call your workers' compensation insurance company to report all work-related injuries and complete the Employers First Report of Injury form.
3. Provide the injured worker an Employee's Claim for Workers' Compensation Benefit form.
4. Start planning for your employee's return to regular or modified work and stay in contact with your claim representative.
Selecting an insurance company that is financially secure, specializes in workers' compensation and is knowledgeable of California's insurance environment can reduce the anxiety and stress that can follow an employee injury. These companies generally have a disciplined approach to workers' compensation that is evidenced by strong relationships with medical providers, comprehensive injury management procedures and communication with you, the injured employee and medical provider.
For more information or to obtain a free, four-step injury reporting poster, call (888) 656-5678.