9 Steps to Effectively Manage a Workers’ Compensation Claim

The workers’ compensation process can be intimidating, messy, and confusing. Our hope is that you don’t have to deal with it often, but you need to be prepared should a workers’ compensation claim happen.

Serious workplace injuries are costing businesses more than $58 billion per year.

Even businesses that do everything right (safety training, proper equipment, a culture of safety, etc.) see accidents happen. So how do you handle it when it happens? You want to ensure your employee receives proper care and is able to return to work quickly (and in good health), and you also want to ensure your business is being smart and following the right procedures.

Follow these steps in the case of a workers’ compensation claim:

1. If the injury is life-threatening, obtain emergency medical help by calling 911.
2. Allow the employee to choose a doctor from your posted panel of physicians.
3. Insist that the employee is drug tested upon arrival at the medical facility.
4. Send a supervisor with the employee to the doctor.
5. Report the workers’ compensation claim to your insurance carrier.
6. Have the supervisor complete a claim report.
7. Present the employee with the workers’ compensation bill of rights.
8. If at all possible, find light duty work for the employee to come back to so the claim remains medical-only and there is no loss of time.
9. Enter the claim in your OSHA-300 log data.

It’s important to note that many states have laws regarding the manner and extent of communication regarding the employee’s care. The above steps are general and you need to be cautious of all laws.

Have questions about a recent workers’ compensation claim or want to make sure you’re prepared? Reach out to us here.