5 Ways to Save Money on Worker's Comp

Carly Wright — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 10:02:14 EST

In an office, danger lurks around every shelf, machine and desk. Of course, some businesses are more susceptible to the falls of workers compensation than others. In the end though no one is immune and accidents happen. And if the unthinkable does happen, your company will take the hit. Works Comp insurance is a necessary part of the corporate world, but in general, businesses spend way too much on insurance for multiple reasons ranging from errors to ignorance. Thankfully there is something you can do about it.

Set up a Safety plan

Being prepared is the best way to prevent and properly handle a work related accident. Having a well-designed safety plan not only decreases the amount of incidents, but having a recorded safety procedures can help in lowering premiums with most insurance providers. Some ideas for your safety plan:

Provide a written explanation and detailed plan for every employee.
Ensure the completed plan is plainly visible and accessible.
Conduct annual safety trainings
Perform scheduled inspections and safety drills
Offer emergency training such as CPR and first aid to employees.

Create an Incident Report plan

If your company is a higher risk environment, creating an incident report plan can lower the severity of injuries and help employees from being exposed to potentially dangerous situations. The main things to focus on in an incident report plan are:

Proper procedure for a first responder
Establish relationships with healthcare providers for fast and proper employee care.

Establish a Drug Free Workplace

Did you know that according to the substance Abuse Health Services Administrations, "employed drug abusers cost their employers about twice as much in medical and worker compensation claims as their drug-free coworkers." It is crucial for any business looking to save money and ensure the safety of their employees to be a drug free environment. Ways this can be achieved is through screening new hires and conduct random drug testing on current employees.

Outsource Dangerous Jobs

In some cases, it makes better financial sense to outsource the most dangerous operations. The main thing to consider with this is making sure the outsourced vendor doesn't cost more than what you're saving. Between a high amount of premiums and multiple claims, sending the danger somewhere else is your best bet.

Take Proper Care of Claims

Errors, both human and machine, are always a risk and can cause you a fortune if big enough. Anything from not closing the claim on time, an oversight or simple data entry error can cause extra money. While you may think you can stay on top of it, using a third-party company like Brown & Theis, LLP can help ensure that your claims are filed in a timely, accurate manner.

Employee safety is the most important thing and should never be taken lightly. That being said, there is no reason you should spend unnecessary money when you shouldn't have to. Being prepared and having the proper knowledge will help keep your employees safe along with saving your company money.

5 Things to Do Before Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Carly Wright — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 09:46:38 EST

When searching for the right attorney, do these five things before you take your case to court.

Life is full of unexpected surprises. If you've been injured through no fault of your own, you are entirely within your rights to seek justice for your misfortune and seek reparations as you recover from your injury. However, many people are unfamiliar with the intimate workings of the legal system and, more often than not, have never needed a lawyer to settle a dispute before. When searching for the right attorney, do these five things before you take your case to court.

Learn How Your Attorney Communicates

Maintaining a reliable channel of communication between you and your attorney is paramount. Pay close attention to the method of communication your attorney uses to keep in contact with you. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may need to get in touch with your legal counsel at a moment's notice. Be sure you find an attorney that communicates on your level and is easily accessible when questions or concerns arise.

Ask About Their Case Load

The amount of work an attorney takes on varies throughout the year. Some might have such a light docket that they're actively looking for cases, while others will take on as many clients as possible. During your first meeting, ask your counsel how many cases they have pending on their schedule and carefully analyze their body language and response. If you feel that their hands are full and they're spreading their resources too thin, you may want to browse a Professional Attorney Directory to find another lawyer who has time for you and your case.

Examine Their Track Record

Before you hire an attorney to tackle your personal injury suit, take time to check their past successes and failures. Think about it: Would you hire a plumber who has a history of causing damage? Or would you visit a restaurant known for its poor hygiene standards? Lawyers provide a service, and just like any trained professional, you want to know whether they have the experience to tackle the problems you're facing.

Ask About Money Matters

It shouldn't come as a surprise. Lawyers are expensive, especially if you're new to the world of legal services and their nuanced layers of "fees" and "consultations." Lawyers work in a high-stakes realm of six and seven-figure sums, so naturally there might be a disconnect between what you and your attorney consider to be a "significant expense." Before you take your case to court, ask your attorney for a reasonable estimate. It's good to hire one on contingency, which means you won't have to pay for legal services unless you secure a settlement or win in the courtroom.

Evaluate Their Sincerity

Last but not least, a good lawyer is one who has a vested interest in your case. Ask them about their inspiration for taking on your case. Look for attorneys who draw sincere inspiration for your troubles from past experiences with friends and family, and avoid those who are solely looking for more money.

Your injuries are important and should be handled by a trained professional. Explore your options before choosing an attorney.

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