5 steps to recover costs after a workplace injury

Subrogation is a crucial but often-overlooked aspect of the claims process that can significantly impact a customer’s workers’ compensation policy. At Pinnacol, our dedicated subrogation team, comprised of attorneys, paralegals and subrogation representatives, plays a pivotal role in seeking reimbursement for workers’ comp benefits when a third party is responsible for a worker’s injury.

When a worker is injured, seeking medical attention is the priority. However, when possible, the injured worker should gather evidence from the scene if a third party may be at fault. Pinnacol’s right to recovery relies on supporting evidence for the reimbursement claim. Immediate documentation, including photographs and materials from the scene, improves the likelihood of successful recovery.

To assist Pinnacol in building a case against a third party, your businesses and njured workers can take these five steps after a workplace accident:

1. Capture photos of the scene and surrounding areas, especially in slip or fall cases.
2. Obtain witness names, statements and contact information; license plate numbers; and insurance details.
3. Preserve all equipment, vehicles and materials involved in the accident.
4. Provide any relevant contracts or documents associated with the third party.
5. Supply a police report or any other reports made.

Subrogation not only reduces claims costs but also contributes to overall insurance expenses. Recovery received within three years of the workplace accident can positively affect your experience modification (e-mod) rating, subsequently affecting their premium and potentially lowering coverage costs.

Pinnacol’s subrogation team consistently outperforms the national average in recovery rates and continues to exceed recovery expectations. Their efforts contribute to effective and timely claims resolutions when a third party is responsible.

Understanding and being proactive about subrogation can help you manage claims and insurance costs. The Colorado workers' compensation claims process can be cumbersome without useful knowledge to navigate the experience. Pinnacol has broken down all you need to know about the Colorado workers' comp process.