Workers Compensation Injuries & Claims

Workers’ Compensation Claims

The purpose of workers’ compensation insurance is to provide benefits to workers that are injured on the job. Legally defined, benefits are provided if an employee “suffers an accidental injury or death arising out of work performed in the course and scope of employment.” Due to this definition, there are three elements which must exist to have a compensable injury. First, the injury must be an accident. Second, it must arise out of work performed and third, it must take place during the course and scope of employment. If the injury meets all three of these elements, then the employer must file a claim with the insurance carrier. If you do not have the company’s phone number, then please contact your insurance agency to have them file it. As an employee, if you are injured, please let your supervisor know immediately so the process can be as smooth as possible.

How Claims Affect Your Future Premiums

Claims directly affect your future workers compensation premiums through your experience modifier. For more information on this, please click that link or feel free to ask us any questions.

Preventing and Controlling Claims

As a business owner, it is very important to have a safe work environment and train your employees on ways to prevent workplace injuries. This will not only protect your workers, but also keep your costs down by lowering your workers compensation premium. Many insurance companies now have dividend packages available for large businesses as a reward for preventing and controlling claims. During a claim it is also important to your business that your insurance is with a company that will handle your claim properly by treating your employee with respect and allow them to quickly return to work.