Ways employers and insurance companies minimize costs

When South Carolina workers are injured on the job, it is important for them to understand some of the tactics their employer and the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier may take. It is common for both employers and insurance companies to try to either dispute claims or minimize the amount they pay on a claim.

Some employers have nurses who will triage the matter at the accident scene. The nurse will then make an initial determination regarding whether medical treatment is necessary or if the person can self-treat and avoid going to a doctor. If a person is injured, it is still a good idea to get an examination from a doctor. Employees should also be aware that they should take care during their initial interview about their injury, as what they say may come back later to harm their case if it is disputed.

Many insurance companies do such things as review the social media accounts of injured employees. They do this to see if the person is posting information about activities the insurance company believes they shouldn’t be able to do. Similarly, insurance companies often conduct surveillance on injured employees, sometimes installing video cameras in public locations around the person’s home.

Workers who are injured on the job may want to meet with an attorney about their cases. An attorney may be able to provide advice about the things the worker should and shouldn’t do or say. Legal counsel may also help the client with filing the claim for benefits. In the event the insurance company or the employer tries to dispute or deny the claim, the attorney may then advocate for the client before the administrative board responsible for determining the case’s outcome.