Workers' Compensation Claim Reporting Tips

Should I always file a workers' compensation claim?

Even if it’s just for reporting purposes only, it is important to file workers’ compensation claims immediately. Claim filing for reporting purposes does not affect your workers’ compensation premium unless you have an experience modification factor (which is based on your loss history). Please keep in mind that any claims filed (whether for record purposes or not) do impact your state’s overall loss experience. Another reason to file claims promptly is that if a condition worsens at a later date, you’ll have a record of the injury that can help expedite the claims process. Late or non-reporting may jeopardize insurance benefits. And as a practice owner, immediate reporting affects your bottom line. Studies indicate that injuries cost more when medical attention or claim reporting is delayed. According to The Hartford, claims reported one week after the incident were 6% more costly, and claims reported two weeks after the incident were 19% more costly.

Information about the injured employee/claimant

• Employee's ID/social security number
• Employee's name
• Employee's address
• Employee's date of birth
• Employee's home telephone number
• Employee's job title
• Employee's hire date
• Hours/days of the employee's regular work schedule
• Full-time or part-time
• Employee's rate of pay
• Employee's gross wages per week

Information about the policy and the insured

• Employer's name
• Address where the accident occurred
• Employer's telephone number
• Employer's mailing address
• Employer's federal identification number (FEIN)
• Date the employer was first notified of accident
• Nature of the employer's business
• Employer's specific products (if applicable)

Information about the accident

• Date of the accident
• Time of the accident
• Did the employee die?
• Was the employee unable to work at least one full day after the accident?
• Date the employee last worked
• Probable length of disability
• Has the employee returned to work?
• Date the employee returned to work
• Description of the injury
• Description of the accident
• Location of the accident (street address)
• Department and work process involved in the accident
• Names and addresses of any witnesses
• Did the injured employee see a doctor?
• Name, telephone number and address of doctor
• Did the injured employee go to a hospital?
• Name, telephone number and address of hospital
• Length of initial hospitalization
• Name and title of individual reporting the loss