Self-Insured Workers' Compensation Programs

Mr. Underdown is experienced with self-insured workers' compensation programs in a variety of industries, from banking to large grocery stores (i.e. meat cutters, night stockers and bakery).  He also has experience with public entities including police, fire, and public works employees.

The area of public employees presents some unique challenges because of the typical statutory requirement for full salary replacement for injured workers. In addition, there is the difficulty of management of workers' compensation claims for public safety employees with the possibility of disability retirements with full pay.

The most important aspect of any self-insured workers' compensation program is the design of the interface program with injured workers. In an effectively designed program there is a routine contact with the injured employee to prevent the "they have forgotten about me" syndrome. It is also important to make a home visit with each off-work employee routinely.

The financial benefits of a self-insured workers' compensation program are great; however, it is important to design a well managed program. That includes maintaining adequate reserves for claims and expenses.