Workers Compensation Return to Work Claim Professional - Metairie, LA

Workers' Compensation Claims Manager

Manage Workers' Compensation claims with lost time to conclusion and negotiate settlements where appropriate to resolve claims. Coordinate medical and indemnity position of the claim with a Medical Case Manager. Independently handles assigned claims of low to moderate complexity where wage loss and the expectation is a return to work to modified or full duty or obtain MMI with no RTW. There are no litigated issues or minor to moderate litigated issues. The claim may involve minor sprains/ minor to moderate surgery The injured worker is working modified duty and receiving ongoing medical treatment. The injured worker as returned to work, reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and is receiving PPD benefits. File will close as soon as the PPD is paid out. With close to moderate supervision, may handle claims of greater complexity where Injured worker (IW) remains out of work and unlikely to return to position. Employer is unable to accommodate the restrictions. The claim involves moderate to complex litigation issues IW has returned to work, reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), and has PPD. File litigated to dispute the permanency rating and/or causality. IW has been released to work with permanent restrictions and there has been a change in the current position. IW is receiving Vocational Rehabilitation. Claims that have been reopened for additional medical treatment on more complex files. Injuries may involve one or multiple back, shoulder or knee surgeries, knee replacements, claims involving moderate to complex offsets, permanent restrictions and/or fatalities. Claims on which a settlement should be considered.

Conduct investigations, including, but not limited to assessing policy coverage, contacting insureds, injured workers, medical providers, and other parties in a timely manner to determine compensability Establish and update reserves to reflect claim exposure and document rationale. Identify and set actuarial reserves. Apply knowledge to determine causal relatedness of medical conditions. Manage files with an emphasis on file quality (including timely contact and proper documentation and proactive resolution of outstanding issues). Achieve a positive end result by returning injured party to work and coordinating the appropriate medical treatment in collaboration with internal nurse resources where appropriate. Work in collaboration with specialty resources (i.e. medical and legal) to proactively pursue claim resolution opportunities, (i.e. return to work, structured settlement, and discontinuation of benefits through litigation). Develop strategies to manage losses involving issues of statutory benefit entitlement, medical diagnoses, Medicare Set Aside to achieve resolution through the best possible outcome. Collaborate with our internal nurse resources (Medical Case Manager) in order to integrate the delivery of medical services into the overall claim strategy. Prepare necessary letters and state filings within statutory limits. Pursue all offset opportunities, including apportionment, contribution and subrogation. Evaluate claims for potential fraud. Proactively manage inventory with documented plans of action to ensure timely and appropriate file closing or reassignment. Effectively manage litigation to drive files to an optimal outcome, including resolution of benefits. Understand and apply Medicare Set Asides and allocations. Negotiate settlement of claims within designated authority. May use structured settlement/annuity as appropriate for the jurisdiction. In order to perform the essential functions of this job, acquisition and maintenance of Insurance License(s) may be required to comply with state and Travelers requirements. Generally, license(s) must be obtained within three months of starting the job and obtain ongoing continuing education credits as mandated. Perform other duties as assigned.