We’re here to help you
navigate your workers’
compensation claim
It is often said in workers’ compensation that "the best workers’ compensation claim is the one that never occurs". Preventing injuries is the first priority but accidents happen and employees will be injured on the job. When an injury does occur, the best way to navigate a workers’ compensation claim is through good communication between the injured employee, the employer, the treating physician and the claims administrator.
The workers’ compensation system is difficult to understand at times. Keenan has designed this website to help injured employees by providing information about the system to eliminate confusion and to deliver efficient and compassionate service.
This site is intended for general information purposes only. While efforts are made to keep this website current; laws, rules and regulations, and best practices can change, and recent changes may not always be found on this site. If you are concerned about a specific incident or injury, we recommend reviewing your situation with your employer or your claims examiner, if you have filed a claim. Keenan is not a law firm and the content of this site is not intended as and should not be considered legal advice.
Injured at Work
Workers' compensation benefits are designed to provide you with the medical treatment you need to recover from your work related injury or illness, partially replace the wages you lose while you are recovering, and help you return to work. Workers’ compensation benefits do not include damages for pain and suffering or punitive damages.
Have a question?
For questions about an existing claim, the best person to contact is the claims examiner assigned to the claim. Employees and employers are also encouraged to maintain close communication throughout the claim process.
For questions regarding the workers’ compensation system in general or should you need further assistance, contact Keenan.
Filing a Claim
File a claim form (DWC-1) to protect your rights and start the workers’ compensation process. If your injury results in losing time from work or in medical treatment beyond first aid, your employer must give or mail you a claim form within one working day after learning about your injury or illness. If your employer doesn’t provide you the claim form and Keenan is the Claims Administrator, please contact us and we will provide you the form. Alternatively, you may download the form here or from the forms page of the DWC website. You also have the option of contacting the Information and Assistance Unit with the Division of Workers' Compensation.
Did You Know?
Medical Treatment
Within one day of filing a claim form, your employer or claims administrator must authorize appropriate medical treatment. While your employer is deciding whether to accept or reject your claim, you may receive up to $10,000 in approved medical treatment.
If Keenan is your administrator, you may find contact information here.
If you have filed a claim form and if your employer/claims administrator doesn’t deny your claim within 90 days, your injury may be presumed to be covered.
There Is Help
90 Days
Claims Status
Upon receipt of a completed claim form (DWC-1), claims administrators have 14 calendar days (plus five calendar days for mailing) to notify you if your claim is being accepted or if additional information may be needed.
If additional information is needed, you should receive an Explanation of Benefits Notice letter indicating that your claim is delayed, the reason for the delay, what additional information is needed, and the date a decision must be made.
While your employer is deciding whether to accept or reject your claim, you may receive up to $10,000 in approved medical treatment.
You should receive confirmation of whether your claim is accepted or denied within 90 calendar days (plus five days for mailing) from the date the claim form is given to your employer. If you do not, your injury may be presumed to be covered.
Do I need an Attorney?
You are not required to have an attorney but you are entitled to retain one. If you do retain an attorney, your attorney will be paid based on a percentage of any permanent disability benefits you may be entitled to.
Resolving a Claim
Thankfully, the vast majority of claims are resolved with employees fully recovering from their injury or illness without any permanent disability or need for future medical treatment. In those instances where injuries or illnesses result in permanent disability, or require future medical care, your claim is settled when there is an agreement between you and the claims administrator. In order to protect your rights, whether or not you are represented by an attorney, settlements must be reviewed and approved by a workers’ compensation administrative law judge to ensure they are adequate.
Contact Us
If you have questions regarding the workers’ compensation system, we want to hear from you!
Click here for a directory of our workers’ compensation branch offices.
If you would like to provide feedback, tell us about your experience, recognize someone that provided you with exceptional service, or share ways to better service you, please complete the form below and a representative will contact you shortly: