What should be done if an injured worker files a claim without proper documentation after termination?

• A. Deny the claim
• B. Accept the claim
• C. Delay and investigate
• D. Close the file

Answer: (A)

In situations where an injured worker files a claim without proper documentation following their termination, denying the claim is considered appropriate. This is because a lack of documentation often indicates that necessary supporting evidence —such as medical records, incident reports, or proof of connection to the workplace— is missing. Without this documentation, the claim cannot be sufficiently substantiated, which is fundamental in meeting the requirements for compensation or benefits.

Accepting a claim without the necessary documentation would not align with standard practices in claims management, as it may lead to unjustified payouts and exposure to liability. On the other hand, delaying and investigating could be an option, but it generally requires some level of initial acknowledgement or indication that the claim has merit, which isn't applicable here due to the absence of proper documentation. Closing the file might overlook the fact that the claim was filed, and it could lead to issues in the future, especially if new evidence comes into play. Therefore, the best course of action in this scenario, given the context of missing documentation, is to deny the claim.