Behind the success of every company, there are hard working individuals that devote endless time and effort to servicing clients more effectively. For this newsletter publication, Seitlin focuses on associate Barbi Schoepp.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
A: I began my career in 1982 with Lumbermen’s Underwriting Alliance as a multi-state claims adjuster for 10 years. In 1993, I joined Continental Insurance in Ft. Lauderdale where I was employed as a multi-state claims adjuster; subsequently supervising a staff of adjuster’s. I left the insurance carrier side in 1995, and joined Interim Services Inc., a large staffing employer as a claims manager for 5 years. Taking my claims experience and knowledge from the perspective of the employer and the insurance carrier’s perspective, I joined Seitlin in March of 2000.
Q: What is your role at Seitlin?
A: I am the Senior Claims Consultant for Seitlin. My primary role is acting as an advocate for the employer to effectively manage workers’ compensation claims. I provide ongoing counseling and advice to employers on how to best manage difficult or questionable workers compensation claims. I also attend State Mediations with the employer’s and provide claims analysis on large open claims. In addition, I provide education and training to employer’s on return to work policy and procedures. Part of my role is to oversee the insurance carriers performance to verify the adjusters are providing prompt and proper claim closures and organize claim reviews.
Q: What are a few important issues companies overlook when dealing with a WC injury, which may cost the employer in the long run?
A: 1. Not utilizing a medical history questionnaire to determine if they have had prior injuries after an offer of employment has been extended to the applicant.
2. Too many employers allow their involvement in the workers' compensation claim to end after they send the employee to the doctor. Stay in contact with the injured worker and the claims adjuster who is handling the claim.
3. Not staying informed when the claim is litigated. They should attend Mediations and be involved in pre-settlement discussions.
Q: What are 3 things companies can do to be more proactive with it comes to mitigating WC claims and indirect costs?
A: 1. Promptly report and investigate all claims. Strive to adhere to a 0 - 3 day lag time reporting policy.
2. Offer transitional duty as soon as the injured worker is released to return to work. This will mitigate the indirect hidden costs such as lost time from work, productivity and hiring and training.
3. Notify the claims adjuster if you believe the claim is suspicious or that the worker may have had a prior injury.
Q: What are the benefits of having a designated Workers Compensation consultant on hand?
A: Assist employer's with managing their workers compensation claims. Having someone available to offer guidance when you have a difficult or questionable claim. Helping employer's decide when to offer transitional duty or attempt settlement of a claim. Review the current open claims for reserve accuracy. The most important date is eighteen months after the inception of the policy. You want to be sure the claim reserves are not too high or you may be overcharged for this policy year.
For more information, please contact
Barbi Schoepp
Sr. WC Claims Consultant
Tel: 954.267.8607
Email: bschoepp@seitlin.com
