If an employee claims an injury from a workplace incident, who should verify the claim's legitimacy?

• A. The employer
• B. The employee
• C. The insurance provider
• D. The WCAB

Answer: (A)

The legitimacy of an employee's claim regarding a workplace injury is primarily verified by the employer. This is because the employer has direct involvement with the incident and has access to relevant information about workplace safety conditions, employee behavior, and the circumstances surrounding the injury. Employers are responsible for establishing and maintaining safety protocols and are often the first point of contact when a claim is made. They conduct initial investigations, gather statements, and collect documentation that may support or challenge the claim.

In contrast, the role of the employee involves reporting the incident and providing their account of what happened, but they do not have the authority or responsibility to verify the legitimacy of their own claim. The insurance provider typically becomes involved after the claim is made, working with the employer to assess liability and coverage, rather than being the primary verifier of the claim’s validity. The WCAB, or Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, is a legal entity that reviews disputes and claims that cannot be resolved at lower levels but does not initially verify the legitimacy of claims. This highlights why the employer is the key party in establishing the validity of the workplace injury claim.