Workers’ compensation is a safety net for employees who are injured on the job. The workers’ compensation 90-day rule is an important part of this system, determining how claims are handled during the initial stages of an injury.
Though many people are familiar with workers’ compensation in general, the specifics of the 90-day rule are often misunderstood. This rule governs the timeline in which certain benefits are available, and it has an impact on both employees and employers.
Knowing its details can help businesses work through the complexities of workers’ compensation claims, as well as avoid potential issues down the line.
The Basics of the Workers' Compensation 90-Day Rule
The workers’ compensation 90-day rule refers to the period during which an injured employee must report their injury or illness to their employer in order to qualify for full benefits. In many jurisdictions, a worker has up to 90 days to notify their employer about an injury.
If the employee fails to report the incident within this time frame, they may lose their right to claim workers’ compensation benefits, or at least face a reduction in the scope of the benefits available to them. The rule is designed to encourage timely reporting, so both the employee and the employer can handle the situation as efficiently as possible.
The main goal of this rule is to make sure that employers are aware of injuries quickly, which allows them to handle claims promptly. Reporting the injury early can also make it easier to establish the facts of the case and prevent any disputes about the nature of the injury or its cause.
Workers who delay reporting an incident might find themselves in a more challenging position when it comes to claiming benefits, especially if their injury becomes harder to prove over time.
How Does the 90-Day Rule Affect Employees?
For employees, the workers’ comp 90-day rule can feel like a strict deadline that might seem difficult to meet. However, the rule is in place to make certain that both parties have the necessary information to manage the claim effectively.
By reporting an injury as soon as possible, employees can help avoid unnecessary complications down the line. This also allows them to access hassle-free workers’ compensation solutions, so they receive the medical treatment and benefits they need as soon as possible.
The rule is also designed to protect workers. If an employee is unable to report an injury immediately due to severe pain or other reasons, most systems allow for some flexibility in the timeline.
In many cases, employees are still entitled to workers’ compensation benefits even if the injury is reported slightly after the 90-day window, provided they can demonstrate a valid reason for the delay.
However, to avoid potential problems, it is always best to notify the employer as quickly as possible. This not only helps guarantee that the employee’s claim is valid but also helps employers stay compliant with the law.
Employers and the 90-Day Rule
For employers, the workers’ compensation 90-day rule is an important component of their workers’ compensation strategy. Employers are responsible for making sure their employees are aware of the reporting requirements and the importance of following them.
Failure to comply with the rule could result in delayed claims, higher workers’ compensation premiums, or even legal action. It’s in the best interest of businesses to have clear procedures for reporting injuries and to encourage employees to report injuries immediately.
A company that makes reporting injuries a priority can help reduce the likelihood of prolonged claims and unnecessary legal disputes. Employers should also be aware that, even if a worker reports an injury late, it is still their responsibility to provide assistance in handling the claim. The sooner an injury is reported, the better it is for all parties involved.
Exceptions to the 90-Day Rule
While the 90-day rule is generally strict, there are exceptions. In certain cases, an employee might not be able to report an injury within the designated time frame.
For example, if an employee is injured and unable to work for a lengthy period, it may not be realistic for them to report the injury within the required 90 days. In such cases, most workers’ compensation systems allow for extended reporting periods.
In some instances, if an employee was not immediately aware of their injury or the injury worsened over time, the reporting period might be extended. However, these exceptions are usually limited and differ depending on state laws and specific circumstances.
Employers who know these exceptions are better equipped to handle claims in a way that benefits both the company and the worker. It’s important to have a policy in place that allows for flexibility while still making sure the claims are reported as promptly as possible.
HR Assistance and Managing Workers' Compensation Claims
Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated, and many employers find themselves needing additional support when handling claims under the 90-day rule. This is where HR assistance becomes necessary.
Having an HR department or an outsourced HR service that is well-versed in workers’ compensation can help businesses stay compliant with the 90-day rule and other related regulations. HR assistance helps manage the logistics of reporting injuries, so all necessary forms are completed and submitted within the appropriate time frame.
In many cases, HR professionals can also assist in making sure that employees receive the proper benefits and treatment throughout the duration of their recovery. This can reduce the administrative burden on employers, allowing them to focus on running the business while still meeting their obligations under workers’ compensation laws.
HR assistance can also provide valuable support when it comes to handling disputes or challenges to a workers’ compensation claim. An HR expert can guide the company through the process of handling these situations so that both the employee and the employer are treated fairly.
Risk Management and the 90-Day Rule
Risk management is another part of handling workers’ compensation claims. While the workers’ compensation 90-day rule is one element, it’s also important to realize that a complete risk management strategy can help minimize the chances of injuries occurring in the first place.
Safety training programs, regular safety audits, and promoting a culture of safety can all contribute to reducing the number of claims a company may experience.
Overall, proactive risk management can also make it easier for businesses to handle workers’ compensation claims when they do occur. A company with a strong risk management plan in place is better positioned to handle claims in an efficient and cost-effective manner. This can result in lower workers’ compensation premiums over time.
How COMPEO Helps Businesses with Workers' Compensation and HR Services
COMPEO specializes in hassle-free workers’ comp solutions that cater to businesses of all sizes. We know that the workers’ comp 90-day rule can be challenging for many employers. We provide a solution that simplifies the process, so your business stays compliant and your employees receive the benefits they need in a timely manner.
We offer HR assistance to simplify the management of workers’ compensation claims. Our team is here to make certain your business has the support it needs to handle claims from start to finish.
By working with us, your company can focus on growth and productivity. You’ll know that your workers’ compensation and HR needs are being managed with precision and care.
Our automated system simplifies payroll and HR management, making it easy for employees to submit claims, request certificates, and access other important services through our user-friendly mobile app. We believe that our approach can help businesses save time, reduce costs, and minimize risks, all while delivering high-quality support to your employees.
Our professional team is always ready to assist you with your workers’ compensation needs. We will help you understand how our services can benefit your business. Reach out today to learn more about how we can support your company’s growth and success.
