"Assemble Your Defense: The Superhero Playbook for Catastrophic Claims"

Swift Currie attorney Thea Naton-Persaud recently authored an article for WorkersCompensation.com sharing insight on strategically navigating catastrophic claims with the right playbook and tools.

Thea examined how employers and insurers can identify and manage catastrophic workers’ compensation claims in Georgia, including the legal criteria for catastrophic designation and the importance of strong medical and vocational evidence in defending these claims.

“A catastrophic claim is challenging, but with the right tools you can keep your claim under control and limit your exposure,” said Nanton-Persaud. She highlighted four key tools to define, defend and manage your claim to keep it from becoming catastrophic, including:

• Always determine whether your claim meets the criteria for a catastrophic designation.
• If there is a question as to compensability, place the claim into litigation and develop evidence of the non-catastrophic nature of the claim through strong vocational opinions and medical opinions.
• If your claim has been designated as catastrophic ensure you are working with a good catastrophic rehabilitation supplier to help manage the medical and rehabilitation services associated with the claim to avoid unnecessarily inflated claim costs.
• Consider posturing the claim for settlement, which may involve the use of a Medicare set aside and/or a medical cost projection (to address non-covered expenses).

To read the full article, you may click here.