Now That you Have Workers' Compensation, Let's Take A Moment to Plan for a Claim                  

In any given year only about 22% of home care agencies have a workers' comp claim, but it pays to be prepared!

Checklist: Planning for Workers’ Compensation Claims

Make contact with at least one local provider. Visit in person, provide workers compensation coverage information and let them know you will send injured employees.  They will be very happy to see you (if they’re not, find someone else!)

Is my state mandated notice of coverage form posted?  The proper poster can be found HERE

Do I have all my forms available?  Forms include:

a.Employer’s First Report of Injury (HERE)

b.Employee Statement (HERE)

c.Witness Statement (Same link as b. above)

d.Supervisor Statement (Same link as b. above)

Access the Checklists in Word HERE

Checklist: What to Do After a Workers’ Compensation Claim

If it is an emergency, call 911 and get immediate help.  Err on the side of caution.

If it is a non-emergency injury, escort your employee to your designated clinic.

If the employee calls in hurt from a client’s home, ask if they are capable of transportation and direct them where to go.

If the employee is at a client’s home and incapable of transportation, call an ambulance.

In either case consider driving to the employee and providing transportation, or meet them at the clinic.

At some point during the treatment process, have your employee complete a statement detailing the injury.  When this occurs depends on the situation; often the waiting room of the medical provider is a good time.

Complete the Employer’s First Report of Injury form.  The form varies by state; forms for all states are posted HERE

If applicable, obtain supervisor and witness statements. Forms are available HERE

Submit the Employer’s First Report of Injury form to your insurer, ideally within 24 hours of the injury.

If the employee can work with restriction, make a position available.  The single best way to reduce the overall cost of the claim is to get the employee back in the office.

Show nothing but care and concern for the employee. Even if you think that the employee is committing fraud, fake it and be nice anyway. 

Monitor the claim. Make regular contact, at least monthly, with the employee and claims adjuster for updates.

Pennsylvania Employers Click HERE   for info on PHYSICIAN PANELS

Virginia Employers Click HERE   for info on PHYSICIAN PANELS