Does attorney involvement impact workers compensation claim costs?
Injured workers who hire attorneys to handle their workers compensation claims tend to stay on temporary disability longer, which can in turn drive up costs for insured companies. In California, for instance, the average total claim paid without attorney involvement was around $11,674. With attorney involvement, however, that cost jumps up to $84,244. In addition, litigation often leads to more lost time–as many as 284 additional days for injured workers, according to the same study.
What does this mean for your company? A good offense is the best defense. Providing support to your injured workers and keeping tabs on their activities can yield the sort of environment that encourages speedier returns to work. Overall, a good workplace environment is key. If all else fails, contracting with a licensed investigative firm can go a long way towards getting your employees back on the books.