Workers Compensation
Cambridge, Easton, Ellicott City, Federalsburg, Nottingham

Farm Creek Insurance can enhance your workers compensation management program.

With knowledgeable support, aggressive claims management, and competitive pricing, our workers compensation resources and services set us apart.

Workers Compensation

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What You Need to Know About Workers Compensation

What is Workers Compensation Insurance? 

Workers compensation insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages for employees who are injured or become ill at work. This coverage is required by most states and can be the most expensive line of insurance for most employers. 

Who Needs Workers Compensation Insurance? 

Trick question – every business does. Many business owners feel that if their employees are independent contractors because they get 1099’s instead of W-2’s. This does NOT matter. What matters is whether they do this type of work for anyone else (like a contractor who has their own insurance, vehicle, and tools), and the issue of “control” where the employer tells them how and when to do their job. 

Workers Comp Insurance Requirements 

Some states require workers compensation insurance if you have a minimum of three to five employees, while other states, such as California, require workers compensation even if you have only one employee. All states agree that even if you aren’t required to carry workers compensation insurance, you are required to pay for medical and disability expenses incurred by any “employees” who are injured while working for you. If there is disagreement on the issue, a determination is made by the Department of Labor in your state after the injury has occurred. 

What is an e-Mod factor? 

An e-Mod factor is a rating number that is calculated based upon your workers compensation premiums and workers compensation claims payments and is designed to show what risk level your company is based on similar companies in your industry and location. There are many factors that are gathered and used in the calculation of this factor, but the two specific factors that a business owner or executive can manage and affect are the workers compensation premium and the workers compensation claims payments. 

Finding The Best And What To Look For

Every workers compensation company must conform to state statutes on coverage terms, limits of liability and benefits. To this extent, you’ll get the same insurance policy from any company you choose. Beyond that, however, there are many variables that determine the value you get for the premium you pay. As a policyholder, you benefit the most when you select a carrier that acts as a partner, invested in the success of your business. Work comp is required, but it can be an advantage that protects your people and your bottom line.

Customer Service

Your provider should be easy to access when you have questions or concerns about claims, premium payments, workplace safety or anything else. 

Accessible experts 

You should have the option of online self-service, but you should also be able to easily reach a real person to help you when you need it. Your carrier should have a customer service line that you can call any time with questions. The customer service representative may connect you with another internal expert who can help. 

Expertise

To get the most value for your premium, choose a company that specializes in workers compensation insurance. 

A specialized insurance provider can save you money in the long run. Its experts should understand the region’s work comp laws and will better equip you to avoid lawsuits associated with workplace accidents. 

Support services 

A valuable carrier will provide access to a specialized safety and risk management teamThis team should be easy to reach with questions you have about your company safety. This might include an in-field safety professionals who visit your workplace and a support center phone line to speak with safety consultants.

Claims Management Support

A valuable carrier should have resources to help you plan for an injured employee’s return to work. 

Return to work: If an injury takes your employee out of commission, your insurance provider can help you plan for their return to work. This might include transitional work. An earlier return to work is associated with better outcomes for the employee and your business. 

Telehealth: If an employee is injured, getting them medical care is an important step. An unwarranted ER trip to the hospital can make claim costs increase significantly, impacting your e-mod. Choose a work comp provider with services to help you make sure that any injured worker gets quick and quality care. This could be telemedicine services or a comprehensive telehealth program.