Frequently Asked Questions – Risk Management

Workers' Comp Help

Questions & Answers

What if my employee has a cut or scratch, something that only requires antiseptic and a bandage? Do I still need to complete the workers’ compensation claim filing paperwork?

No. You do not need to provide the claim form (DWC-1) and complete the employer’s report (5020) unless the injury results in lost time or the employee requires medical treatment.
Departments may require supervisors to complete incident reports documenting when, how, and what occurred. You should contact your department management to find out if they have an incident reporting policy.

What if the employee claims to be injured at work, but I do not think the employee was injured at work? Do I still have to provide the claim form (DWC-1) and complete the employer’s report (5020)?

If you have an emergency, which is defined as a medical condition starting with a sudden onset of severe symptoms that without immediate attention could place your health in serious jeopardy, go to the nearest healthcare provider regardless of whether or not it is in the County’s Medical Provider Network.
If your emergency injury is work related, advise your emergency care provider to contact your supervisor to arrange for a transfer of care to a provider in the County’s Medical Provider Network.

If the employee has predesignated a physician, can I refer the employee to a facility listed in the County provided Initial Treatment Center Directory first?

No. Unless it is an emergency, the employee has the right to go to the predesignated physician.

What if I am worried that the employee is not able to safely handle the normal duties after an injury?

If you have this concern, contact your workers' compensation third party administrator claims examiner. The claims examiner will assist you in obtaining clarification regarding the employee’s ability to return to normal duties.

What exactly is the role of the workers' compensation third party administrator?

The workers' compensation third party administrators are contracted to process industrial injury cases in accordance with County standards, State statute, and all applicable workers' compensation laws. This includes investigating workers' compensation claims, determining entitlements, issuing notices, and delivering benefits within with statutory timeframes.

Contractual requirements include: program development, claims management, monitoring medical treatment, assisting injured workers resolve workers' compensation issues, supporting County department return-to-work efforts, attending claim status reviews, and identifying and investigating potentially fraudulent workers' compensation claims.

What if I am unhappy with the services provided by the workers' compensation third party administrator?

You should contact the County Quality Assurance Evaluator, often called a County Monitor, which is headquartered at the workers' compensation third party administrator office, or contact the County Contract Administrator at (213) 738-2154.

What are department workers' compensation posting requirements?

All employers must post and keep posted in a conspicuous location a notice to employees that provide employees with useful and important workers' compensation information. This notice must be posted in English and Spanish where there are Spanish speaking employees. These notices must be posted at all County of Los Angeles locations frequented by employees during the hours of the workday.

Additional Information

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