Technological advancement has considerably impacted many aspects of life throughout the past few decades. Currently, however, technology has taken on a role in workers’ compensation claims. It has been found to be helpful for personnel who have been hurt while on the job and it can even help prevent injury.
Simple tasks such as filling out lengthy paperwork can now be streamlined as the required legal documentation can be completed online. Some workplaces have integrated systems that are connected to employee records, which means that basic information can be already input for injured employees.
Personnel can now even monitor their claims for updates through smartphone applications, and training on proper conduct in regards to workman’s compensation claims can be completed through these applications. The technology can alert a patient when a prescription is ready to be picked up, and it can recommend which medical facility is preferred by the employee’s insurance.
Wearable technology can also play an important role in personnel going through worker’s compensation. These devices can send alerts when employees are expending too much energy, if they are becoming too hot, or if they are performing the same monotonous physical motions that could further their injury. Data received from the wearable tech can be helpful in wellness initiatives, can be implemented during training, and it can even be helpful in fraud exposure. Since devices that track exercise and activity have now been integrated into the workman’s compensation industry, information gathered from these pieces of technology could be included in a legal case.
Wearable technology is even being expanded to include helmets and vests that can signal to personnel if a hazardous situation arises. Large mechanisms such as forklifts and other pieces of equipment can either alert personnel or vibrate if safety is threatened.
“In the past, employees have said that they have had to report an injury several different times to the employer in various departments. This would result in inconsistent paperwork turned in by some employers regarding the same accident. For example, there were discrepancies in where an injury occurred as the employer might list an address whereas the employee would write the precise location in the facility. Now, there is a structured process and paperwork is much more streamlined,” stated David Bressman, a personal injury lawyer in Columbus.
Virtual appointments with teledoctors and telenurses are helpful for patients with normal health ailments but are especially accommodating in worker’s compensation cases as an appointment can take place at any location. A medical professional can assess the pain level of the patient and will listen to an explanation of any injury, and can then choose to refer them to a specialist or local provider who can offer further assistance.
Employers who are not utilizing technology in workman’s compensation may not be aware of the time and effort that it could save them. Not only can technology advance claims faster, but it can also play an important role in preventing accidents from taking place.