Continuing Workers Comp Subrogation Crisis – Money Still Being Left Behind
In our claim file reviews, one area that claims adjusters seem to constantly miss is the subrogation aspects of a file. If I did not see this as a Workers Comp subrogation crisis, I would not write so many articles on the subject.
Check out the list of links at the end of this article on some of my subrogation articles.
The claims adjusters are not necessarily to blame for this current situation. Read on to see why the adjusters are not necessarily responsible for the near-misses.
This article, by Attorney Gary Wickert, reminded me of how complicated subrogation can be in some Workers Comp files. The article is worth a read if you want to see how things may not work out on certain case settlements.
Subrogation Definition
Let us start with my definition of subrogation. When an employer purchases workers comp coverage, the carrier provides them with first-party insurance. The policy covers the second party – the injured employee.
A third party that is not named in the policy may become responsible for the injured employee’s injuries. The workers comp carrier can pursue the third party and their insurance carrier for reimbursement for the benefits paid to the injured employee.
Subrogation allows this pursual of the third party to occur if the workers comp adjuster realizes that responsibility for an accident could have resulted from a third party. If the adjuster passes over this reimbursement opportunity, a reduction in payouts and future premium reductions will not happen on the file.
I sometimes hear that “we have a subrogation specialist contractor” where files are referred to in case of a subrogation situation. However, if the subrogation is not identified, having a specialist does not matter.
See the links at the bottom of this article for subrogation examples.
Ending The Workers Comp Subrogation Crisis With Training
I was trained as an all-lines claims adjuster many years ago. Bringing in an attorney to discuss subrogation for an hour provides a 30,000-foot view.
The insurance world, as in many professions, has become more of a group of specialists than generalists. As Workers Comp claims handling became more complicated, adjusters were trained and licensed in only one line of insurance.
I am still a huge proponent of the Associate in Claims designation. My encouragement to obtain the AIC is not based on the fact that I have the designation. The AIC comes the closest to the old school all lines claims training. Some carriers will reimburse the costs as the adjusters pass each test.
A simple letter (certified return receipt) to the third party’s insurance carrier or to the injured employee’s attorney, if they are represented, preserves the subrogation interests in a Workers Comp file.
How Do Insurance Carriers and TPAs Provide Training on Subrogation?
Subrogation training could occur as part of the initial training process for new adjusters. Is that being done with most carriers? How about the experienced WC adjusters?
I do not have all the answers on how to train adjusters to avoid an upcoming workers comp subrogation crisis. Please put any suggestions in the comments.
Other articles on this subject: (also search for subrogation in the search box)
Subrogation Letter Can Recover File Funds
Three Concerns With Subrogation
Subro Online Access Nets Insured $85,000 Subro Recovery
How To Pursue Subrogation With Vehicle Accidents
Subrogation Recovery Claims Services
