Workers’ Compensation Claims Handling Guidelines o Large Loss Reporting: The Workers' Compensation Claim Specialist shall complete and report all Initial reports due as soon as possible but no later than 30 days of receipt of the claim and then every 90 days after that or pursuant to the client claim handling instructions. o Large Loss Notification or Request: The Workers' Compensation Claim Specialist shall complete and report all large loss notifications and requests to their Unit Manager within 10 days of identifying the need for the report. The Unit Manager shall approve the request or notification within 48 hours of receipt and forward it to the appropriate parties. Communication: • All inquiries must be responded to within 24 hours, whether written or verbal. • The Workers' Compensation Claim Specialist will follow up with the injured worker frequently, in less than 30- day increments, while the claim file is active unless otherwise documented. • The Workers' Compensation Claim Specialist will follow up with the employer in no less than 45-day increments while the claim file is active unless otherwise documented. • All new mail must be labeled, addressed, worked, and moved to the appropriate folder within 3 business days. • Care cards are to be utilized to send to injured workers at the appropriate times, including but not limited to lost time and post-surgery. • A closing note is required, with communication to all parties as appropriate. Settlement Evaluations – Authority – Payments: • The Workers' Compensation Claim Specialist must complete a settlement evaluation within 10 days of receipt of any settlement demand and/or when the claim reaches settlement maturity, whichever comes first. The evaluation must be detailed, accounting for future indemnity, medical, and litigation expenses. • The Workers' Compensation Claim Specialist will request settlement authority from their leader and client if the amount needed is more than the individual's authority limits. The Workers' Compensation Claim Specialist should document the method and/or calculation required to support the settlement evaluation. At that time, the Workers' Compensation Claim Specialist will message the leader and client that authority is needed. The Unit Manager and client's approval should be documented in the file notes, or when required, the Unit Manager should inform the Director. • The Workers' Compensation Claim Specialist will document the file and follow a detailed and appropriate negotiation strategy. • The Workers' Compensation Claim Specialist will issue settlement payments within 2 business days from the receipt of notice of approval. This document contains North American Risk Services – Workers’ Compensation proprietary information that is privileged and confidential. It is to be used exclusively by the individual to whom it was given and is not to be copied in full or in partial or the information herein communicated in any manner to anyone who is not employed by North American Risk Services.