Monthly Archives

January 2018

Jan 25
6
Steps to Take During a Worker’s Compensation Claims Investigation, essential elements of a workers compensation claims investigation

Steps to Take During a Worker’s Compensation Claims Investigation

By | Archive, Uncategorized | No Comments

An employee injury can happen anywhere at any time.  If an accident happens in your place of business, then an investigation is sure to follow.  Not familiar with the different steps of a claims investigation?  Then learn more about the essential elements of a workers compensation claims investigation.

Interviewing the Injured Employee

One of the first things that will take place in an investigation is an interview with the injured worker.  Because they were directly involved in the incident, they can provide valuable insight to help a claims investigator evaluate the case.  Some of the common questions asked include:

  • How did the injury occur?
  • What activities were you doing just prior to the accident?
  • How did you report the injury?
  • What is the extent of your injuries?
  • Did you receive medical treatment immediately after the incident?

Determine Witnesses

The next step in a claims investigation is finding out who else was a witness to the accident.  Witnesses include those who saw the incident, but also those who know the injured employee’s habits and conduct.  Some of the important information to gather includes:

  • Activities and interest of the employee outside of work
  • Where they received medical treatment in the past
  • Any other organizations they belong to
  • The employee’s background (work and education)
  • Whether they have been involved in other workers compensation claims or personal injury lawsuits

Reconstruct the Site of the Accident

Finally, investigators will try to recreate the scene where the injury supposedly took place.  This can provide the necessary evidence to corroborate an employees story or disprove it.

These are the essential elements of a workers compensation claims investigation.  Unfortunately, you cannot completely eradicate the chances of an employee injury in your workplace.  To get the right coverage to address your needs, contact the team at Contractors Insurance Agency.

Jan 11
6
Handling an employee injury

What to Do If an Employee Is Injured at Work

By | Archive, Uncategorized | No Comments

Do you know what to do in the event that an employee in injured in your workplace?  If you are a business owner, then you definitely should.  Even with the most intensive safety training and the strictest security protocols, it’s impossible to completely eradicate the risk of employee injury.  From having the proper business insurance protections to investigating the accident, you should be prepared for the worst.  Here’s what you need to do to if an employee is injured on the job.

Prevention

You should do everything you can to prevent your chances of an employee injury.  This means educating your staff on the best safety practices, properly training them on how to handle various tasks and to use equipment, and having the proper safety protocols in place.  Additionally, you should be sure that you have the proper workers compensation insurance so you’re ready if an employee is injured on the job.

Medical Attention

If, despite your best efforts, an employee suffers an injury during work, then the first thing you should do is get them the proper medical attention.  Even if the employee insists they are fine or if their injuries seem minor, it’s always better to be overcautious.  Oftentimes minor injuries can become more serious due to negligence or improper treatment.

Investigation

The next thing you will have to do is conduct and investigation of the accident.  Generally, this will require you to collect written accounts from the injured employee and any witnesses.  Additionally, you should take pictures of the scene of the accident.  These photos might reveal previously unnoticed hazards that might have contributed to the incident.  If you notice any dangers, then make an effort to remedy them.  Document the changes that you make.  Not only will this help prevent injuries in the future, but it will help you prove that you have made the necessary adjustments.

Insurance Claim

Finally, you will need to file a workers compensation claim.  Your insurer should be able to walk you through the claims process.  Keep in mind that you should never attempt to bypass this step.  If the employee’s injuries worsen or if they decide to sue, you will need your insurance policy to rely on.

These are the steps you should take to handle an employee injury.  Remember, the best way to protect your employees is by having the proper business insurance protections in place.  To get the right coverage to address your needs, contact the professionals at Contractors Insurance Agency.  Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.

//Function generates a current year and adds language for copyright notice. var currentYear = function() { var d = new Date(); var n = d.getFullYear(); document.querySelector(".copyright-text").innerHTML = '© Copyright ' + n + ' Contractors Insurance Agency'; }// ~end copyright currentYear();