Avoid higher costs through prompt workers’ comp reporting
Prompt reporting of an incident is key to keeping claims costs down, having satisfied employees and reducing the chances that the accident will result in a lawsuit. A recent study found that claims reported two weeks after the injury cost 18 percent more than those reported earlier. Four weeks later, and costs almost double. This ultimately translates to higher premium costs and lost productivity for the employer.

So why are claims not reported promptly? There are many reasons, but most can be attributed to a lack of knowledge and confusion about the process, and who is to be contacted.

To encourage prompt reporting at the workplace, here are some simple steps you can take:

• Establish a claim or accident reporting procedure.
  Everyone in the organization should know what to do in case of an accident or loss, and how to report a claim. Keep the procedures simple and post them in highly visible areas.
   
• Provide annual training and emphasize prompt reporting.
  Training should be provided to all supervisors and employees that emphasizes immediate reporting of injuries.
   
• Have a direct, easy-to-use claim reporting process.
  Penn National Insurance offers direct reporting of claims, completing the first report of the injury based on the information gathered in the call, with copies of the report distributed to the employer, insurance agent and any required regulatory agency. This process greatly simplifies matters for you.

Remember, by reporting claims immediately, you can:

• Save money through reduced medical and legal costs, reduced loss of productivity and reduced premium payments.
   
• Save time by recalling details and expediting the claim process.
   
• Save relationships with employees by maintaining employee morale, and assuring that injured workers get the appropriate care and information needed to allow for the appropriate rehabilitation and recovery from their injuries.

Gain control of rising Workers’ Compensation claims costs: report claims promptly.
Notify Penn National Insurance immediately following an accident or loss at (800) 374-4990.

Please call us even if you do not have all of the claim information. This allows the adjuster and others to be most effective in getting the injured worker comfortable with the unfamiliar process of making a claim, the follow-up care needed, and, if lost time is involved, the required payment of indemnity wages.

If you would like more information about Penn National Insurance’s loss control programs, please contact your independent agent or loss control representative.