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Injured Employee – To File or Not To File a Claim?
When an employee is injured, what is the appropriate protocol for reporting injuries if the employee refuses to file a workers’ comp claim?
Four days ago, Andy, one of your employees, fell down the stairs. You asked Andy if he wanted to file a workers' compensation claim, but he refused. Andy said that he was fine and did not need to see a doctor. Andy worked the remainder of his shift without further incident and went home. Andy then called in sick the next three days.
This morning, Andy came to work on crutches and wearing a neck brace. He told you that, after work, his neck was bothering him, so he went to Urgent Care for treatment. Andy hands you a doctor's note, which excused him from work for the past three days and places him on light duty for the rest of the week - a request that you grant.
You again ask Andy if he wants to file a workers' compensation claim. Once again, Andy refuses, saying that his problems are resolved and he does not want to be a bother.
How should you handle an employee refusing to file a workers' comp claim?
Whether or not Andy likes it, your obligation is to report his injury (as with all injuries beyond first aid) to your workers' compensation carrier immediately, regardless of what an employee requests. If the employee still refuses to write anything, you should complete the claim form for him as best you can.
Why should employers proactively report an injury?
Not only is it an employer’s legal obligation, injuries can be exacerbated if medical attention is not provided at the onset, resulting in a worsened injury and a more expensive claim. The sooner the carrier is involved, the easier it is to control the costs of the injury. Proactively reporting an injury also protects you in the event an employee claims they were discharged for filing a workers' compensation claim.
What employers should know about workers' comp
Workers’ compensation is governed at the state level. Most states require employers to report any employee injury that occurs in the workplace beyond general first aid. Failure to do so may result in fines and penalties.
Injuries resulting in three days of missed work and medical attention should be reported by the employer to the carrier. Employers should have a policy requiring employees to report injuries, no matter how slight, immediately to a member of management. However, once an employer is aware of a possible injury, it is the employer’s responsibility to report it to the carrier immediately.
If the employee refuses to file a claim, you should contact your workers' compensation carrier. Once contacted, the workers' compensation carrier will open a claim on the employee’s behalf and attempt to work with the employee throughout the remainder of the claims process. The workers' compensation claims adjuster will handle any issues that arise from an employee refusing to cooperate.
Keep in mind, employers cannot determine if an injury is accepted, denied, or whether the injury is fraudulent. This determination must be made by the workers' compensation claims adjuster to avoid litigation.
For more information or help with your risk management program, book a consultation.
Source: EPLIpro.com
Reposted with permission
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