America’s small and medium-sized businesses try to ensure a safe and productive environment for employees. Sometimes workplace injuries are unavoidable and a worker’s compensation claim must be filed.
When that happens it’s important to seek medical care for the injured worker immediately. It’s also important to file a worker’s compensation claim as soon as possible. This may seem like little more than an administrative task but it’s so much more important than that.
Here are a few reasons why it’s so important to file a worker’s compensation claim as soon as an employer is notified of an injury.
Assist in Injured Employee’s Recovery
Filing a worker’s compensation claim immediately notifies the carrier of the incident and allows them to assist the injured worker through the recovery process. This gives the carrier the opportunity to ensure the injured worker gets all the medical care necessary to begin the healing process. It also ensures the injured worker has access to all the benefits they’re entitled to.
If the employee will need to delay returning to work to heal, then the carrier will have the opportunity to explain the process and the benefits available to them. Delayed reporting can interfere with the benefits due to the injured worker. It prevents the carrier from working alongside the medical staff to ensure the most appropriate and cost-effective care at an in-network provider.
Gather Appropriate Information for Benefits
Filing a worker’s compensation claim immediately after a workplace injury allows the carrier to gather appropriate information to support the claim. It gives them the opportunity to speak to witnesses while things are still fresh in their minds and gather any supporting documentation necessary to ensure the injured worker gets all the benefits they’re entitled to.
It also ensures the claims process goes smoothly and efficiently. Delayed reporting can interfere with the claim itself because supporting documentation can be lost. The opportunity to take pictures is lost and as time passes witnesses can forget details.
Minimize Claims Costs and Protect Employers
Immediate reporting of worker’s compensation claims helps minimize claims costs and some carriers even offer a premium discount for immediate reporting. It also helps protect employers by allowing the carriers to investigate the claim while information and facts are fresh.
Most Worker’s compensation claims are valid and carriers want injured workers to get all the claims they’re entitled to but sometimes unscrupulous individuals attempt to file illegitimate claims. An immediate investigation is the easiest way to uncover these scams and keep costs low for employers.
Each state has different reporting guidelines, some being stricter than others. Immediate reporting of worker’s compensation claims ensures employers are compliant with state laws and regulations as well.
Immediate Reporting of Worker’s Compensation Claims is Best
It’s always best to report workplace injuries immediately. First, ensure the injured worker receives the necessary medical care from the appropriate provider. Then report the worker’s compensation claim to your insurance carrier and let them handle the rest. They will help ensure the injured employee gets all the benefits they’re entitled to and be able to gather the appropriate supporting documentation. Immediate reporting of worker’s compensation claims is the best way to protect yourself and ensure your premiums stay low.
