When an employee gets hurt on the job, the workers' compensation claim process can feel a bit overwhelming. As an HR department, you want to handle it smoothly and efficiently — not just for the company, but for the employee's well-being, too.
Here are 3 simple steps to make the process a little easier for everyone involved.
Get Immediate Care And Report The Injury
The first thing to do when an employee is injured is to make sure they get the medical care they need. Whether it is a minor injury or something more serious, getting them checked out by a healthcare provider is key.
Once the employee is getting care, make sure the injury gets reported to your insurance provider and any other necessary parties. Different states have different rules about when claims need to be filed, so don’t wait too long.
Stay On Top Of The Claim And Keep Communication Open
Once the claim is filed, HR’s job is to track how it is progressing and keep the lines of communication open with the employee. It is important to stay organized — keep tabs on medical appointments, monitor if the employee’s condition improves, and confirm whether they are ready to return to work.
You also need to stay in touch with the insurance company to ensure everything is moving along smoothly. If there are any delays or issues, like a dispute over benefits, HR can step in to help resolve things. If the employee feels things aren’t going right, they may want to talk to a workers compensation lawyer Chicago, IL (or wherever you are located). A lawyer can be a huge help if there is a lot of back and forth or if the employee needs guidance navigating the legal side of things.
Make sure they know they are supported, ask how they are doing, and see if there is anything you can do to make the process easier for them.
Plan For A Smooth Return To Work
When the employee starts to recover, it is time to think about how they will return to work. It is not just about giving them their old job back; depending on the injury, they may need accommodations or a gradual return. Work with the employee, their doctor, and possibly even a rehabilitation specialist to figure out what adjustments might be needed — like modifying their schedule or easing them back into their regular tasks.
Once they are cleared to come back, HR should make sure everything is in place for a smooth transition. Keep an eye on how things go after they return, check in to see if any other adjustments are needed, and make sure you document everything related to the claim.
By following these 3 steps — your HR department can handle the workers' compensation process in a way that is organized, efficient, and supportive. This helps not just the employee, but the company, too.
