While most employers understand that they must have workers' compensation insurance, it is less understood how to correctly file a workers' compensation claim. Let's go over a checklist for filing a timely and comprehensive claim if the occasion arises.
Workers' Compensation Claim Checklist
1. Seek immediate medical attention.
If an employee gets hurt on the job, it's important to act immediately to get the medical attention they need.
2. File a claim quickly.
Once you know that your employee is being taken care of, it's time to start reporting the claim.
Make the claim as soon as possible. It's best to do so within 24 hours of any work-related injury that occurs. Down the line, if there is an investigation, this will show that you were on the ball and acted swiftly.
3. Provide comprehensive details.
All workers' compensation filing procedures will be different. So, follow the procedure that is specific to your insurance company. Just be sure to be comprehensive and detailed.
You will need to include things such as:
- The location of the injury
- The date and time that the injury occurred
- What exactly happened to cause the injury
- Details about the injury
- What you did to provide medical attention
- Whether there were witnesses who saw the accident
- If witnesses, their names and contact information
4. Explain benefits to your employee and/or their family.
Employees may not know about the workers' compensation you have, so take the time to explain the benefits to your employee. If they are unable to receive the information, you should relay it to the employee’s family. In many states, you must post a notice in a conspicuous area that you have this coverage. For example, you might place the insurer's information in the break room.
5. Stay current with your insurance company.
Your insurance company may ask for more information as they work on the claim. Stay in contact with them and provide them with everything they need to follow through with the claim and get your employee the help they need.
As an employer, you need to have workers compensation insurance for your employees. This is required by law in almost all states, and certain industries must absolutely carry workers' comp for their employees.
Workers' compensation insurance helps protect you and your business and takes care of your employees should they require medical attention and time off because of a work-related injury or illness. If you don’t currently carry this type of insurance, contact a Herbert L. Jamison & Co., L.L.C. agent today to get on board.
Also Read: Top 5 Benefits of Having General Liability Insurance