Impact through Empathy:
Understanding Your Injured Worker

According to a plaintiff/claimant attorney, who has been practicing for over 17 years, the #2 reason that an injured worker seeks his advice and services is that the injured worker had little to no contact with their employer. (The number one reason is that their claim has been denied.) Another interesting point is that some experts believe that an injury involving a sprain/strain is often 10% pain driven and 90% influenced by psychosocial issues. Considering these points, the need for an employer to have a positive effect on the rehabilitation of an injured worker is obvious.

The Injured Worker: In order for an employer to have a positive effect on an injured worker, they must first understand the effect the injury has on the injured worker. The injured worker will or may have the following feelings after a work injury:

1. Uncertainty - as they now have concerns about medical bills and possible lost wages
2. Loss of Identity/Self Worth - often we define ourselves by what we do
3. Peer Pressure - to get back to work and full duty
4. Economic Pressure - due to the loss of earnings and the different timing of payment from the insurance company
5. Family Pressure - due to the added financial burden as well as the burden of needed care
6. Loss of Relationships - with coworkers and/or clients
7. Mental strain - of the illness itself

How an Employer Can Have a Positive Effect on an Injured Worker

1. Get immediate care/medical attention to the injured worker.
2. Report the claim immediately to the insurance carrier.
3. Genuinely explain to the injured worker that you and the organization are concerned for their own well being.
4. Genuinely explain to the injured worker they are a valuable asset to your organization and that you and the organization want them back as soon as they are physically able.
5. The employee needs assurance that quality medical help will be provided for their work injury.
6. Explain to the injured worker how workers' compensation works. The more they understand the less fearful they will be.
7. Provide the injured employee with the claim number and contact information for the claims representative that will be handling his/her case. Tell the employee that if they do not hear from the insurance company within two working days they are to let you know.
8. Make sure the injured worker knows who to contact if they are frustrated with the claims handler.
9. Inform the injured worker that their medical privacy will be protected.
10. Ensure the injured worker that the accident will be investigated and measures will be taken in an effort to prevent the incident from happening again.
11. Follow up with the employee after doctors appointments to see how they are and if they need anything. If the employee's appointments are more than one week apart, make sure you call between appointments to see how they are doing.
12. Provide Light Duty - statistics prove that light duty can provide up to 40% savings in workers' compensation costs.