Claims Management Services

Return-to-Work

To reduce workers’ compensation costs and generate faster closing of claims, FFVA Mutual encourages all employers to implement an early return-to-work program. An early return to work program decreases the amount of indemnity paid on a claim, helps maintain productivity, and increases morale and motivation of injured workers to return to and remain at work.

An early return-to-work program should provide transitional jobs to injured workers, taking into consideration restrictions given by treating physicians, as well as skills and interests of the injured worker. The focus should be on the injured worker's abilities. The employer should facilitate the worker's transition from lost-time status to modified duty assignments back to their full-time regular job. Employer should have a plan on how to respond to injuries immediately and facilitate return to work as soon as possible.

• The claims adjuster should communicate with the employer regarding restrictions given by the treating physicians.
• The employer should provide the claims adjuster with a complete detailed job description listing all functions the injured worker will be required to complete. The claims adjuster will forward the information to the treating physician for approval.
• The employer should send a certified letter to the injured worker offering light-duty work and specifying when the injured worker is expected to return to work.
• Returning to the workforce in a timely manner benefits everyone involved.