The Workers’ Compensation Process Your Business Should Enact

Although most business owners are proactive about providing workers’ compensation insurance in accordance with their state laws, many need to pay more attention to the importance ofto establishing a defined process for managing these claims and responding to workplace injuries. Creating and publishing workplace injury reporting and response processes will ensure that employees feel heard and injuries receive prompt attention.

Workers’ Compensation Claims Require Timely Reporting

Every state has specific guidelines for reporting workplace injuries. Some states require injury reports within as little as 30 days, while others allow for at least a year. Employees need education about timely reporting and the types of injuries that require notification. The sooner employees report injuries, the easier documentation becomes.

Take an Active Role in Workers’ Compensation Claim Filing

As the employer, you are responsible for guiding your employees through the claim process, including informing them of their rights and responsibilities and providing the claim forms. You can also provide information to help employees understand the claim forms. Most employers include fundamental employee rights and coverage details within new –hire paperwork. Consider offering refresher information periodically so employees remain well-informed about their rights to a claim.

Communicate With Your Workers’ Compensation Insurance Company

Once you receive the claim form from your injured employee, you must file that claim with your insurance carrier. The process for filing claims varies by state and carrier, so ensure you understand the requirements when purchasing your policy. Your employee’s medical care provider may also have to submit information once you open the claim.

Wait for the Workers’ Compensation Claim Determination

After filing the claim, your insurance carrier will evaluate all of the information, conduct their claims investigation, and then determine coverage. In most cases, legitimate claims receive approvals, and the employee receives compensation for the injury. In those cases, the employee has the option to accept the settlement offer or counter the offer. Your employee may also take the case to court if they feel the settlement is unreasonable.

Denied claims happen less frequently, but employees should know that they have options in the event of a denial. Reconsideration requests send the claim back to the insurance carrier to review again, sometimes with further details if they are available. Otherwise, an appeal with the state workers’ comp board may help.

Work With Employees Returning After Workers’ Compensation Claims

When your employee recovers enough to return to work, you may need to modify their roles and responsibilities until they reach full recovery. Work with your employees to help them return to work as soon as they can to help minimize your claim costs. The sum of your claims affects your workers’ compensation coverage costs, so support your employees in their return to work, even when it means making modifications or concessions.

What workers’ comp process does your business need? It needs a straightforward, well-defined process that supports your employees’ needs, your business’s interests, and the legal requirements for workers’ compensation.

About Byrnes Agency 

At Byrnes Agency, we offer insurance solutions that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for personal policies or commercial coverage, we have the right coverage for you. To learn more about our products, contact us today at one of our two locations.

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Dayville Office

Phone: (860) 774-8549

394 Lake Rd

Dayville, CT 06241

United States

info@byrnesagency.com

Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Norwich Office

Phone: (860) 886-5498

6 Consumers Avenue

Norwich, CT 06360

United States

info@byrnesagency.com

Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Keywords: Workers’ Compensation, Workers’ Comp, Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Audience: Businesses