Filing an insurance claim is inevitable. The ability to do so is why people purchased the insurance policy from you in the first place.
The question is, do your customers know how to file a claim? When the time comes are they going to scramble to uncover what to do? Or can you make it easier by providing step-by-step tips that educate them on the process in advance?
The section between the lines provides a quick and easy guide you can post on your website or in your email communications with your employer clients.
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Employer Tips for Managing Workers’ Comp Claims
As a business owner, you hope you never have to rely on your workers’ comp insurance policy. But similar to a fire drill, it is important to understand what you’ll need to do when the time comes to file a workers’ comp claim.
Knowing your employer responsibilities in advance can save you time while helping to reduce liability, potential lawsuits, and potential employee repercussions.
Take time to these fundamental steps now. When the time comes to file a claim, you can easily navigate the process. You’ll also keep your business financially stable while ensuring your employee can easily recover.
Report Claims Immediately. Thoroughly fill out a “First Report of Injury” form. Failing to report your claim promptly and accurately could result in fines and penalties. Studies have shown that the longer a company waits to report an injury, the higher the damage costs. You can keep costs down by acting as soon as you learn an employee is in need of workers’ compensation benefits.
Document the Details. Create a paper trail that documents the details about the employee’s situation. Capture the who, what, when, where, why and how information. Interview the employee and any witnesses as soon as possible. It is important to capture details while it is fresh on the minds of those involved. Get signed statements. Take photos, as appropriate.
Contact Your Claims Representative. Be prepared to share the details and documentation surrounding your employee’s injury or illness. Have your employee’s contact info, wage history and claim history on hand. After you’ve provided the details, your claims representative will submit the required paperwork you shared.
Share Your Return to Work Plan. To prevent claims from escalating, share your company’s return to work plan with the employee and your claims representative. If possible, be prepared to facilitate modified work restrictions. If your employee’s responsibilities cannot accommodate modified duty, make sure all parties involved know this up front. Sharing this details from the beginning creates a clear game plan while setting expectations regarding productivity impact and overall team morale.
Keep in Touch. Out of sight, does not equal out of mind. It is critical that you consistently communicate with your employee about their status and progress. Studies have found that injured workers who feel their informational needs met also return to work faster. Let your employee know you are concerned about their recovery.
By making yourself familiar with these five steps, you can easily navigate the workers’ comp process when the time comes.
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Remember, while selling insurance policies keeps your independent insurance business going, it is only one facet of your job. To ensure repeat customers, you need to find ways to strengthen your employer client relationships. The more you can share helpful insights like this with your existing client base — the easier it is for customers to stick with you.