Blogging live – Ethics in Workers Compensation
Ethics in Workers Compensation is still very important. This presentation covered ethics in claims handling very thoroughly. Many states now require adjusters to have three hours of ethics at time of license renewal. I think the ethics component should be even larger with some of the events I have seen in my WC career.
Ethics for HR Specialists, Risk Managers & Claims Adjusters
Presenter -Eugene F. Keefe, Esquire
From Merriam‐Webster, Ethics is defined as:
• A discipline dealing with what is good and bad along with moral duty and obligation
• A set of moral principles; a theory or system of moral values
• The principles of conduct governing an individual or a group
• A guiding philosophy
• A consciousness of moral importance
No Side Deals or Dealings
• Managers and Claims Adjusters must not pay, offer to pay or agree to pay any remuneration, compensation or benefit to a person who is not a valid and legitimate representative of any party in your claim, except where permitted by law
• Always seek initial proof of standing to represent – until you have it, no dealings other than to seek needed documentation
• You may have to report someone who is not being forthcoming about their status
Takeaways Discussions Today
• When Do You Start or Stop the Money Pump in Claims?
• Handling Claims Ethically is Good for You, Your Employer, Your Vendors
and Your Accounts
• No Side Deals or Dealings
• Your Files are Being Constantly Monitored—Be the First to Report any Anomaly
• Concerns in Dealing with Family and Friends of Claimant in Non‐Litigated Claims
• How Do You Insure Someone Contacting You is An Attorney?
• What If a Lawyer Starts to Act Unlike a Lawyer to You?
• What if a Plaintiff Lawyer suggests an Expert to handle a claim issue?
• Avoid Conflicts of Interest
• Always Tell the Truth‐‐Never, Ever Lie
• Keep Your Claims to Yourself, Client and Company
• Avoid Bad Faith
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