It is important that all employers know their rights and obligations towards their workers in relation to workers compensation claims.
Employers should carefully consider whether to accept or challenge any claim which is made against them. If the claim is legitimate the worker should be fully supported back to work as quickly as possible. If the employer is not able to provide suitable duties to the injured worker then a decision needs to be made at an early stage about retraining and whether the rehabilitation should focus on finding a new job with another employer.
If on the other hand the employer is not satisfied that their insurer has properly investigated the claim or if they do not believe the claim should be accepted then the claim should be vigorously defended. The employer is also entitled to challenge provisions within a rehabilitation and return to work plan that they consider is unreasonable.
In many cases the employers is entitled to recover legal costs if they instruct a lawyer to represent them.
Contact Kathleen Chambers for more information or to arrange an appointment.