In which claim log is an injury recorded if it occurs in late December but is reported in January of the next year?

• A. The year in which it occurred
• B. The year in which it is reported
• C. The fiscal year in which the injury occurred
• D. The fiscal year in which the injury was reported

Answer: (B)

The correct response centers around the standard practice for claim reporting. Claims should be recorded in the year they are reported, regardless of when the actual incident occurred. This aligns with accounting and insurance principles which emphasize the recognition of liabilities when they are first formally acknowledged, not when they took place.

When an injury occurs in late December and is reported in January of the following year, the claim is registered in January as that is when the insurance or self-insurance entity is made aware of the incident. This timeline is critical for effective claims management, forecasting potential financial impacts, and assessing risk accurately.

In contrast, options mentioning the year of occurrence or the fiscal year related to the injury's occurrence do not align with the established protocol for classifying claims based on the timing of reporting. Thus, the claim should be reflected in the records for the year it is reported to ensure accurate tracking and analysis of claims.