The top priority for small business owners is to provide a safe and secure work environment to keep employees safe at all times. Unfortunately, workplace injuries occur regardless of best safety practices, and it happens among even the most conscientious employers. So, here’s what you can do to make the process more efficient.
Step 1: Take Care of the Injured Worker
According to Phil Puckett, AmTrust’s Vice President of Claim Operations, the answer is simple. Take care of your injured employee.
“First and foremost, take care of your employee! It’s about having integrity and doing the right thing. View the situation from a human standpoint, not a business standpoint. Reach out to the injured worker immediately. Also, take the time to listen to their worries and concerns, and stay in close contact with them throughout the process,” Phil said.
“Express empathy and concern, just like you would an injured friend or family member. Without hesitation, you would send a card or call a friend who was sick or got hurt, so why wouldn’t you do the same for someone who works for you?” Phil recommends.
He added that small business owners must act immediately, keeping the wellbeing of the employee, from the day the incident happens, through the recovery and back to work process—front and center at all times.
Step 2: Make Sure the Claim Number Is on Everything
Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage has rules and regulations that vary by state, and our website has access to
Workers’ Compensation Claim Kits tailored to the submission requirements of each state.
“Each state has its own forms, regulations and rules. The employer is responsible for timely reporting, and that means providing all of the required information, which includes SS#, date of hire and any other personal information that is required,” Phil stated.
“To avoid delays, it is vitally important for employers to fill out the required data completely and accurately—and make sure the claim number is on everything. If we have the claim number, everything is easier to track and that lessens delays,” Phil said.
Though the forms vary by state, all states require filings from
both the employee and the employer. After those filings have been submitted, the insurance carrier files with the state.
Our benefits to you
Many filing options
Aside from the previously mentioned online Claim Kits, AmTrust provides other methods of filing, including contacting our 24/7 Toll Free Claims/Loss Control Call Center, email, fax and even snail mail.
“We do accept and process handwritten forms that are sent through the mail or faxed. However, if the writing is illegible it can hold things up. Make sure the writing is clear to avoid errors or delays. Like anything else, the process is quicker by calling or submitting online,” said Phil.
However you choose to submit your Workers’ Compensation insurance claim, Phil reiterated the importance of always having the claim number ready for reference.
Experienced staff
The average AmTrust claims adjuster has more than 20 years of claims and industry experience.
“AmTrust has a highly experienced claims staff, including a medical director program. We want to make sure our policyholders, and their employees, are taken care of quickly and the right way,” said Phil.
“We have great representatives at our Call Center, just make sure you have all the proper information ready and also, have your claim number ready for reference purposes, they’ll be able to expedite everything much easier,” he said.
Key Takeaways
Use common sense and have a heart when it comes to caring for your injured employee. Help guide them through the Workers’ Compensation insurance claim process and make sure you submit claims in a timely, accurate way.
What comes around goes around, so take care of your employees and they will take care of you.