Filing a Workmans’ Comp Claim?
The most important thing to know about filing a Workers’ Compensation claim is that you should do it as soon as possible when a workplace illness or injury happens at your business. Millions of Workers’ Comp claims are filed every year in the United States and their costs can be significant. Billions of dollars of medicals bills and compensation for lost wages are paid by Workers’ Comp Insurance programs nationally.2 That’s why most states require businesses to have Workers’ Comp Insurance to protect their employees and their businesses from the potentially devastating costs of work related injuries and illnesses. If one of your employees is injured while working on the job, it is important that you report the incident to your workers’ comp carrier as quickly as possible and cooperate with them on completing the documentation required for filing the claim and investigating the matter. Different states impose different time limits on how long an employer has to report a claim, so make sure you are clear about the requirements in your state.
Report workplace injury or illness if:
- The injured person is an employee of your business.
- The employee was hurt because of job-related duties.
- The employee was hurt while at work.
- The employee became ill due to the nature of their work.
Workmans' Comp Insurance typically does not cover:
- Purposely self-inflicted injuries.
- Stress or psychological injuries.
- Injuries caused while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Injuries that happen on the commute to or from work.
- Injuries that happen while employees were conducting themselves in a way that violates company policy.
When Do I File a Workmans’ Comp Claim?
The first thing you should do when an employee becomes injured or ill on the job is ensure that they get the proper medical treatment. Do not hesitate to call an ambulance or take them to an emergency room. If an employee needs time off to recover or heal, make sure they get it. Report the matter to your insurance carrier as soon as possible.
The process for filing a claim may differ slightly depending on the state where your business resides and your insurance carrier. Generally, the process begins when an employee notifies you of a work related illness or injury – or you simply witness the matter first hand. After ensuring the employee gets the immediate attention they need, it is the employers’ responsibility to report the matter to their workers’ comp insurance carrier within the statutory timeframe required by their state. For example New York requires reports to be filed within 30 days. Your insurer will require your and your employee’s cooperation in completing necessary documentation and as they investigate the circumstances related to the claim. Once this part of the claims process is completed, your insurance provider will make a determination on the claim.
What Information Do I Need to File a Workers’ Comp Claim?
Employers submit workers’ comp claims to their insurance providers. The information required when reporting a claim may vary depending on the state in which the claim is being made, but generally employees and employers will need to provide the following information:
Company Information
- Account number and location code (if applicable)
- Parent company name (or program name)
- Policy number
Injured Worker Information
- Name, date of birth, address, phone number
- Social Security number
- Age, gender
- Marital status, number of dependents
- Hire date, years in current position
- Current wage information
Details of Incident
- Date of incident
- When was the accident reported to you (the employer)?
- Who reported the accident and when?
- Address where the injury occurred on your business premises?
- Type of injury (burn, cut, etc.)?
- Exact body part injured?
- What was the cause of the accident (slip & fall, struck by object, etc.)?
- Do you have any reason to question this injury?
- What is the estimated number of days the employee will lose due to the injury?
- What is the anticipated date of return to work?
- Did anyone witness the accident? Who?
- Where was the injured employee treated (name, address, phone number of medical provider of facility)?
Where Can I Find My Workers’ Comp Phone Number?
It’s important that you file your Workers’ Comp claim as quickly as possible. If you have a workers’ comp policy with The Hartford, You can call us to file a claim at 1-800-327-3636.
How Does Workers’ Comp Insurance Work?
Workers' Compensation Insurance can help provide benefits to employees who become injured or ill from their job. These benefits can include coverage for medical payments and lost wages. In the unfortunate event that an employee dies because a work related illness or injury, Workers’ Compensation Insurance can help provide benefits to the deceased worker’s beneficiaries.