Workers’ compensation laws vary by state. The following is a general overview of the workers’ compensation claims process common to most states.
If you are injured while on the job, get appropriate first aid or medical treatment as soon as possible. To report a work-related injury, please follow the steps below.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
- Immediately report the incident to your employer. Your employer will report your claim to us.
- Seek immediate medical or first aid treatment. In some states, your employer may require you to obtain initial treatment from a designated medical provider. If your employer does not have a designated medical provider, we ask that you seek treatment for all non-emergencies with one of our preferred medical providers. For life- or limb-threatening injuries, please seek initial treatment from the nearest medical facility.
- Inform your treating physician that you were injured in a work-related accident and tell the physician your employer is insured with WCF Insurance.
- Seek ongoing treatment at the designated medical provider or at one of our preferred medical providers, if available. If you are considering seeking care outside of a designated medical provider, please contact your adjuster for additional information
- Promptly provide information we request and cooperate with our investigation of your claim.
- Contact your claims adjuster to determine which medical services must be preauthorized by your physician.
- Keep your claims adjuster and your employer informed of your progress and when you will be able to return to work. Keep them updated on any changes in your employment status, address, or telephone number.
- Be honest in reporting your injuries and capabilities. We work to protect you and your employer against fraud. Collecting workers’ compensation benefits through fraudulent pretenses, misrepresentations, or omissions is illegal and the penalties for doing so can be severe.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
- We will set up a claim upon receipt of either the employer's or the physician's report of injury.
- We will send you a letter acknowledging receipt of your claim. This letter contains important information, including your claim adjuster's name and phone number and your claim number. Include your claim number on all correspondence.
- If it appears you will need time off work to recover, your adjuster will contact you within two business days of receiving your claim.
- We will conduct a fair and thorough investigation of your claim in a timely, professional manner. As a normal part of our investigation, we regularly request you provide us with a recorded statement and a signed release authorizing us to obtain your prior medical records.
- We will process your benefits in a fair and timely manner. If your doctor has you temporarily off work and provides us appropriate documentation, you will be compensated pursuant to state law.
- We will periodically contact you to see how you are progressing.
- We will monitor your medical treatment and progress to ensure you are receiving appropriate care for your injury. We may assign a nurse case manager to aid in the process.
- If the law in your state provides for vocational rehabilitation and you qualify, we will assign a vocational rehabilitation counselor to aid you in returning to work.
We understand this is an unfamiliar experience for you and that you will have many concerns about your claim and recovery. Your claims adjuster is available to answer any questions you may have.