Following a workplace accident, employers can perform certain actions that may have an effect on the cost of the workers compensation claim they subsequently file. If you’re an employer and you’re trying to be cautious when it comes to employee injuries and filing claims, you may want to head our advice. Throughout the Massachusetts workers compensation process, a lot of things can happen so it’s important to understand the procedure to limit any errors.
1. Medical attention: When an employee is injured or suffers an illness, the first and most important thing to do is provide immediate medical attention. An injured employee is legally entitled to medical care such as hospital and doctor’s visits. The employee has the right to choose his or her own healthcare professional for treatment. Fast and efficient medical attention can reduce long-term employee disability and keep your insurance costs down.
2. Injury report: Fill out all forms that need to be filed and immediately notify your worker’s compensation insurance provider of all injuries sustained. If an employee is not capable of earning their full salary for five or more calendar days you must notify the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). There is a fine if you do not notify them right away or file the incorrect form.
3. Information: Keep in contact with the employee regularly as well as the insurance adjuster while keeping a record of all documents involved.
4. Return to work: One way you can reduce your worker’s compensation costs is by returning the employees to work as soon as possible. Job/tool modification can assist the employee in returning to the job sooner rather than later.

At Wolpert Insurance & Risk Management we’re here to help small businesses avoid any issues when it comes to filing workers compensation claims. For more information on this important subject, contact us today.