Once an employer has confirmed that an injury arose out of employment, the workers’ comp carrier is supposed to pay the claim and work with employer and claimant to get the worker back to work quickly. Unfortunately this doesn’t always happen, if the injured workers don’t think they’re being treated fairly.
When injured workers think they are not getting the care they need or the benefits to which they are entitled, they call a lawyer. Lawyers can double and triple the cost of any claim and possibly increase the premiums your staffing firm pays. In some states, such as California, the law itself can be so byzantine that a lawyer is almost required. That doesn’t have to be the case with all or even most injuries. Here are some tips to avoid litigation.
- Maintain communication at all times. These are your employees and they are valuable. Check in with them on their case and care, and respond to their concerns and questions.
- Make sure benefits are being paid in a timely fashion and that the worker is getting all approved care including prescriptions paid for.
- Assure the injured worker that he will return to work and discuss how and when that will happen.
The laws regarding medical treatment, benefits and return to work requirements can differ by state. Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) can keep track of the workers’ comp requirements helping provide a valuable source of information to your injured workers. Please call us for a FREE workers’ compensation quote at 202-302-1212. Or visit us at www.StaffingCompSolutions.com.
All the best
David Schek
President-Work Comp Staffing Solutions