INSURED – A metal fabricator with 26 employees that manufactures metal sign-holders for various retailers.
SITUATION – With no history of carpel tunnel issues, the insured experienced a rash of carpel tunnel injuries unexpectedly, with two in excess of $80,000. This drove the company’s Experience Mod up to 1.72 and resulted in the policy being canceled by their Workers’ Comp carrier.
ASSESSMENT – The first claim was a legitimate case and the employee required medical attention and physical rehabilitation. The following claims occurred so rapidly that they were deemed questionable. There was also no clear language in place in the employee manual to address the situation.
SOLUTION – After a detailed analysis, CWCAs designed and implemented a detailed and specific plan of action. The insured’s Return-to-Work program was replaced with a proper Recovery-at-Work plan and the outdated manual was rewritten. Injured workers were assigned appropriate transitional duty. The CWCAs conducted educational courses for medical providers, who previously had minimum knowledge of workplace injuries. Finally, the insured was placed with an insurance company who more fully understood Workers’ Compensation procedures.
RESULT – The first injury, a 57-year old woman who had to have both wrists medically treated, returned to work through the Recovery-at-Work program, and the claim remained a medical only claim. This saved the company over $40,000, and an estimated .40 points on its Experience Mod. Further declines in the Mod are expected as a result of the improved injury management practices.