Workers’ Compensation

Employee Report of Injury Packet (click here)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When should I report an injury that occurred on the job?

Immediately report it to your supervisor and designated on-site Workers’ Comp coordinator. Complete an Employee Report of Injury packet right away to avoid potentially losing benefits, even if you don’t think you need medical care.

When and where can I get medical treatment?

After you complete the Report of Injury packet, your on-site Workers’ Comp coordinator or supervisor will contact the HCS Workers’ Comp office to get treatment authorized and an appointment scheduled. The Workers’ Comp specialist will book the first available appointment with the provider you chose from the Panel of Physicians and send them authorization. You’ll receive an email with the appointment information and link to activate your digital prescription card. Please wait to receive this email before heading to the doctor, as Workers’ Comp will not pay for unauthorized treatment.

What if it’s an emergency?

Calling 911 or seeking treatment at an emergency room is at your and your supervisor’s discretion using best judgment. Some examples are:  severe bleeding that won’t stop, bone through skin, loss of consciousness, condition threatening to life or limb, etc.  Workers’ Compensation will not pay for treatment at an ER for non-emergency conditions.

Who pays for my medical treatment?

Workers’ Compensation will pay for your authorized medical treatment; therefore, you should not pay out of pocket or use your personal health care insurance for authorized medical treatment. After you have activated your digital prescription card, you can provide that to the pharmacy for your work-related injury prescriptions. If treatment is provided at an ER, the hospital might expect payment from you at the time of service. Workers’ Compensation will not pay for treatment at an ER for non-emergency conditions.  

When will I receive benefits for lost wages?   

The State Board of Workers’ Compensation provides that you may be entitled to income benefits of two-thirds (2/3) of your average weekly wage (not more than $800.00/week) if an authorized medical provider determines you’re unable to work for more than seven (7) consecutive days due to a work-related injury.

What if I’m unable to work for fewer than 7 days?

You would not be eligible for income benefits for lost wages during this time and would need to use your accrued sick or vacation leave or leave without pay for those days missed.

Do I have to use my sick leave for doctor and therapy visits?Workers’ Compensation doesn’t provide paid leave for periodic doctor or therapy visits. Although you are not required to use your sick leave, doing so allows you to receive 100% of your salary while off of work. Sick leave is a benefit provided by Henry County Schools to assist ill or injured employees. If your sick leave expires, you can use your vacation leave or go on leave without pay. We suggest you schedule appointments related to your injury outside of your normal work hours whenever possible.

How will my injury-related absences be handled?

It’s your responsibility to communicate with your designated on-site Workers’ Comp coordinator, on-site leave entry personnel, and your supervisor about related absences to ensure your attendance record is accurate. Valid absences related to your work-related injury will be recorded as related to Workers’ Comp.     

What if my doctor places restrictions on returning to work or directs me not to work at all?  

Upon receipt of your Work Status Report from the authorized medical provider, the HCS Workers’ Compensation Department will contact your supervisor to verify the restrictions can be accommodated or notify your supervisor if you have been directed not to work.

In either case, it is your responsibility to contact your on-site Workers Comp coordinator and your supervisor as soon as possible and provide your work status report.

What happens to my employee benefits while I am out of work due to a Workers' Compensation injury?

Your benefits will continue as long as you pay your monthly premiums (premium rates will remain the same). If you elect to use your sick or vacation pay, your benefit premiums will be taken from your check. If you receive weekly Workers' Compensation benefits at any time, you will be responsible for contacting the HCS Benefits Department to keep your employee benefits current to avoid cancellation of coverage.

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