As a small business owner, you need to understand workers’ compensation claims.
Although the world of workers’ comp claims can be difficult to navigate , we’ve put together a few tips to give you a crystal clear picture of the claims process.
- Create a worksite plan so that you and your entire team know what should happen in the event of a workplace injury.
- If an employee is seriously injured at work, get immediate emergency medical attention. If a worker has a minor injury, let them leave work to see a doctor.
- Once the employee is being cared for, submit a first report of injury form to your workers’ compensation insurance provider.
- Within 24 hours of the injury (or according to your state’s laws and insurer’s guidelines), give your employee a workers’ compensation claim form, instructions for filing the form, and information about their workers’ compensation rights and benefits.
- Make sure you and your employee follow your state’s timelines for reporting work-related injuries.
- File the employee’s completed workers’ compensation claim with your insurance carrier and notify your state workers’ compensation board of the injury (according to state laws and insurance company procedures).
- Find out from your insurer whether your injured employee also needs to have the doctor file a medical report, and if so, notify your employee.
- Be sure you’re familiar with workers’ rights under workers’ compensation laws, and don’t violate any of your injured employee’s rights.
- If your workers’ comp insurance provider or the insurer’s attorneys follow up with requests for additional information, site visits, or interviews, help facilitate the process.
- Know your rights as well as your employee’s rights regarding claims decisions. Claims may be approved, denied, or appealed. If approved, employees may accept the offer or negotiate for a larger structured settlement or lump sum. If denied, the employee can request a review or appeal the decision.
- Allowyour employee to return to work upon recovering (to the acceptable level of duty and hours determined by all parties involved).
- If you suspect an employee has filed a fraudulent workers’ compensation claim, notify your state workers’ compensation board.
To learn more about workers’ compensation claims for small business owners, visit our resources on:
What small businesses should know about filing workers’ comp
When to file a workers’ comp claim
How does workers’ comp benefit employers?
*These are general guidelines, follow your state laws and insurance company’s claims procedures. And be sure to consult an attorney if you have questions.
Remember, every situation is different and state workers’ compensation laws are subject to change, so be sure to do your research and speak with a trusted advisor.
Thanks for reading! Please note that this content is intended for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, you should refer to your state legislation and/or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more about workers’ compensation insurance or check your current rate in 3 minutes.
