Workers' Comp News

Quick Action in Filing Claims Saves Employers Money

A company's prompt reporting of worker injuries can have a considerable influence on the bottom line, according to the results of a new study by The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

The study found that claims filed five or more days after an injury cost an average of 15 percent more for medical and income-replacement benefits than similar complaints that were filed promptly.

Researchers noted that soft-tissue injuries, such as back injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), are particularly vulnerable to delays. In addition, nerve disorders such as CTS were found to benefit greatly from early reporting and claim-filing.

"Companies need to emphasize to their employees that all occupational injuries - no matter how minor - need to be reported promptly so they don't become major problems," a researcher said.