Taking the “I” Out of the Workers’ Compensation Team

It is a common saying that there is no “I” in team.  This same principle applies to the workers’ compensation claim management “team.”  All interested parties have an important role in the management of a clam.

Implementation of effective teamwork will pay dividends in the long run, reduce the cost associated with a claim, and promote efficiency.

Who Are the Work Comp Team Members?

There are many members of the “workers’ compensation team.”  Each team member has an important function.  If one team member does not do their job properly, they will only impair the other members from being successful.  As the old saying goes, “a chain is only as strong as the weakest link.”

• Insurance Brokers. A broker is important as they guide the client to the best insurance carrier or third-party administrator.  They need to understand the unique needs of the client and match them with the party that best suits their needs.  They also need to understand what innovative features a carrier or administer brings to the client.

• Employer. In workers’ compensation, the best offense is a strong defense.  Employers need to evaluate constantly their policies and procedures.  It is simply not enough to comply with state and federal safety regulations.  They need to be proactive and look out for the safety and well-being of the people who work in their facilities.  Having a proactive injury response is also important.

• Claim Management Team. All team members need to be on the same page and have the interests of the clients they serve in mind.  This goes beyond being knowledgeable in workers’ compensation statutes and regulations.  Part of their job includes being an effective communicator with all interested stakeholders such as the injured worker, employer representatives, doctors, and vocational experts, defense counsel, and members of applicable state/federal agencies.

• Defense attorneys. Attorneys need to be zealous advocates for their clients at all times.  This includes a number of different factors.  For starters, attorneys need to understand the law and timelines.  They need to know how to evaluate the claim and keep their client(s) advised.  It is necessary to offer suggestions on defending a claim and to provide innovative options for resolving the case.  If a case cannot settle, they must believe in their case and never be afraid to go to hearing or trial. 

This post is one of the series on Step by Step Process to Master Worker’s Compensation:

• Workers Compensation Management Starts With Assessment and Training

• What to Say After an Employee is Injured at Work

How Can These Members Work Together?

Effective teamwork starts with trust and agreement on a clear vision and destination. This concept must also include a willingness to keep an open mind and learn from other members on the team.  Workers’ compensation claims are highly emotional and fast-paced.  Failure to work together as a team can cause a number of problems:

• Delays in settlement;
• Increased litigation costs;
• Excessive medical care and treatment;
• Failure to make an injured worker “whole;” and
• Fine, penalties and adverse legal decisions.

Effective and efficient communication is also important.  This goes beyond returning calls or e-mails in a timely manner.  It requires everyone to listen and devise a plan to mitigate exposure, provide proper benefits to the injured worker, and close files in a timely manner. 

What are the Benefits of Team Work?

The benefits of effective teamwork by members of the workers’ compensation “team” are endless.  It is important for all interested parties to understand their role and contribute to a unified effort to reduce unnecessary costs in the life of a workers’ compensation claim.

Author Michael Stack, CEO Amaxx LLC. He is an expert in workers’ compensation cost containment systems and helps employers reduce their workers’ comp costs by 20% to 50%.  He works as a consultant to large and mid-market clients, is a co-author of Your Ultimate Guide To Mastering Workers Comp Costs, a comprehensive step-by-step manual of cost containment strategies based on hands-on field experience, and is the founder & lead trainer of Amaxx Workers’ Comp Training Center , which offers the Certified Master of Workers’ Compensation national designation.

Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.

Workers’ Comp Roundup Blog: http://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/

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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker, attorney, or qualified professional.