Over the past few weeks, we have discussed workers compensation fraud, from what it is to how it can negatively affect your Massachusetts workers compensation premium. This week, we have a few tips to share that may help you stop fraud once and for all! • Report injuries immediately. This will make sure there is a speedy recovery process. If this process is followed quickly, the possibility of a fraud claim is much less likely. • Train managers and supervisors on how to take care of injuries and workers compensation claims. Micro-managers may know and understand the employee much better … Continue reading Massachusetts Workers Compensation: Stop Fraud with These Tips!

As a business owner, you have a lot on your plate. Between having to look out for your employees and overseeing all operations, it may not always be easy to recognize when something is not right. Consequently, you may not be able to recognize when an employee is taking advantage of the company. Are you aware of Massachusetts workers compensation fraud? This type of scam happens every day; and if you are not on guard, it could happen to you! As your workers comp experts, we have put together a quick list of tips to recognize workers compensation fraud: • … Continue reading Tips to Recognize Massachusetts Workers Compensation Fraud!

Accidents happen, no matter what type of business you run. As a result, you are required by law to provide Massachusetts workers compensation to employees in the event of an accident or injury. If an employee is injured, it would be simple to just say “okay, take as much time off as you need to get better and workers comp will cover you.” However, it is not that simple! If the system worked this way, employers would be facing workers compensation fraud and scams on a weekly basis. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to investigate any accidents … Continue reading Massachusetts Workers Compensation: Understanding the Accident

Last week, we discussed the various claims that some employees will make to receive Massachusetts workers compensation. While the majority of your employees are honest and hard-working, it is best to always be on your guard. There may be one dishonest employee who is unsatisfied and looking for a way to make quick cash without working. If your company allows employees to take advantage of your business, there are sure to be consequences. The price of workers compensation fraud is no joke! Here are five costly consequences: #1: A higher premium. This may be the most damaging consequence out of … Continue reading The Price of Massachusetts Workers Compensation Fraud

As a business owner, you want to trust your employees 100%. While the majority of your employees are most likely honest, do not be fooled! There may occasionally be a case where you find out that an employee is taking advantage of the company’s Massachusetts workers compensation policy. Fraud is a common issue of the workplace. While most employees are sincere about their injuries, all it takes is one dishonest worker to cause enormous damage to your premium. Why do employees do this? Money is a powerful motivator, or even extra vacation time. Since an employer may end up paying … Continue reading 5 Massachusetts Workers Compensation Scams to Beware of!

As your Massachusetts workers compensation experts, we have been taking it upon ourselves to answer your frequently asked questions. This week, we are focusing on this question: Can an employer lay off an employee on workers compensation? The answer: Yes and No. Allow us to break both answers down for you… Yes: If the employer was planning on laying off this employee even if they were still on the job, the fact that they are on workers compensation leave does NOT prevent the employer from laying the employee off. There is NO law that requires employers to give special treatment … Continue reading Can an Employer Lay Off an Employee on Massachusetts Workers Compensation?

Last week, we discussed how layoffs work in conjunction with Massachusetts workers compensation claims. This week, we have two frequently asked questions about stress claims. #1: Are stress claims due to fears of being laid off compensable? Many states will NOT allow employees to collect workers comp because of layoff fears. It has been ruled that a worker could not be reimbursed for stress caused by the company’s bankruptcy and failing stock price. This tension is NOT related to “events of employment.” #2: What about stress claims resulting from termination? Are they covered? Due to the enormous number of layoffs … Continue reading Massachusetts Workers Compensation: Stress Claims

It is not uncommon for our clients to have questions about Massachusetts workers compensation and how it works. Because of this, we at Wolpert Insurance have taken it upon ourselves to answer a couple of the most common questions asked. #1: Can employers require an employee to sign something affirming they are not injured when laid off? Yes, but it will not prevent a workers compensation claim. No employer can require an employee to waive their workers comp rights. Sure, it may assist in creating a defensible position later if a claim is filed but it will not necessarily preclude … Continue reading A Couple Massachusetts Workers Compensation FAQ

Last week, we went over the first half of costly return-to-work mistakes. Again, a return-to-work program is designed to benefit your company by getting injured employees back to work as soon as possible and keeping your Massachusetts workers compensation premium as low as possible. However, these simple mistakes may end up costing you! Here are another five mistakes you should avoid: #1: Employers do not differentiate “light duty” from “transitional work” from “reasonable accommodation”. It is important for the injured employee to ease their way back into the swing of things. If employers ignore this, the employee will most likely … Continue reading Costly Return-to-Work Mistakes, Part 2

Has your business considered implementing a Return-to-Work program? While one of the many benefits includes a lower Massachusetts workers compensation premium, employers still find it hard to see the benefits of RTW. However, between the recession, the changes in the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) and changes in the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), RTW may be a saving grace for employers! Since many employers find it hard to recognize the benefits of RTW, they often make 10 common mistakes. Allow us to share the first five with you, in hopes that you will avoid them as best as you … Continue reading Costly Return-to-Work Mistakes, Part 1