At Nixer Comp, we strongly advocate that staffing companies report employee injuries within 24 hours of occurrence. Following is the claims-handling process that ideally should transpire and the benefits of reporting an incident within this time frame for staffing companies and their employees.

Initiate the Process Immediately

Once an injury occurs, the on-site supervisor or host employer/client should assess the situation to determine whether immediate attention is needed. If it is, call 911. Notify Nixer Comp within 24 hours of the incident. A Triage NCM will evaluate the injured employee’s symptoms and how the injury occurred to recommend the appropriate care. The recommended course of action may involve urgent care, an ER visit, or even self-care. Throughout the entire claims process, the claims adjuster will work together with the injured employee and the staffing company to ensure ongoing communication and a positive outcome.

In addition, the injured worker is issued a Nixer Comp Rx First Fill Pharmacy card to get the needed medication without any out-of-pocket spend. We will also send a “Get Well Soon” card on behalf of the staffing company demonstrating that it cares about the employee’s well-being and recovery. 

Keep Employees in the Loop on Claims Process

We will provide all workers with a Claims Reporting Wallet Card as part of their employee orientation so that they understand the claims process and the proper steps to take if an injury occurs. The card includes claims contact information, including the names, phone numbers, and emails of the claims coordinator and job site coordinator along with instructions. 

Why Report Workers’ Compensation Claims Within 24 Hours?

Timely Medical Attention

Reporting a claim promptly ensures that injured employees receive immediate medical attention. Early medical intervention can lead to faster recovery and minimize the severity of injuries. 

Compliance with Legal Requirements

Many jurisdictions have strict regulations and deadlines for reporting Workers’ Compensation claims. Failing to report within the specified time frame may result in penalties and fines.

Effective Claims Management, Lower Costs

Early reporting enables the staffing company and insurance carrier to promptly initiate the claims management process. This includes gathering the necessary documentation, coordinating with healthcare providers, and establishing communication channels with the injured employee. Certain processes must happen within the first 7, 14, and 21 days. For example, when a claim is properly reported and the adjuster begins the process within 24 hours, he or she ensures everyone is on the same page as to the required treatment. If the process is delayed, the cost of the claim increases.

In addition, with early reporting, the staffing company maintains the direction of care where allowed, ensuring employees get the best treatment with shorter recovery times. If the injury is reported late, the staffing company runs the risk of injured employees seeking treatment from providers out of network resulting in higher claims costs. 

Approved physicians with a Workers’ Comp occupational center understand workplace injuries to make the appropriate recommendations. They are also equipped to provide medication dosages better aligned with the injury to manage pain and avoid overmedicating. Providing the Rx First Fill Pharmacy card also ensures that prescriptions are filled through the Workers’ Comp benefit plan, which could provide potential savings on medications. 

Mitigates Disputes, Attorney Involvement

If a claim is not reported immediately, the injured employee becomes unsure of the process and how he or she will continue to pay expenses if out of work. If the employee seeks legal counsel, claims costs increase. Early reporting, keeping the employee abreast of the process, and an advocacy approach help prevent legal intervention. 

Make Early Reporting the Staffing Company’s Mantra

Ensuring that every single claim is reported within 24 hours, communicating with the host employer and adjuster, and touching base with the injured employee throughout treatment and recovery can drive claims costs down.