Workers' Comp Claim — Retail Employee Injury

Industry: Retail

A stock room associate at a small hardware store suffered a back injury while lifting boxes. The injury required 3 weeks off work and physical therapy. GUARD's workers' comp policy was in force for the employer.

Claim amount: $18,500

Outcome: GUARD's workers' comp nurse case manager was assigned within 48 hours. Medical case management coordinated care, reducing total medical costs. Claim paid: $7,200 in medical expenses, $6,300 in temporary disability (3 weeks), $5,000 in physical therapy. GUARD's return-to-work program had the employee back on modified duty at week 2, reducing total indemnity cost. Total: $18,500.

Lesson: Early nurse case management is a key GUARD differentiator on workers' comp claims — it reduces both medical costs and indemnity duration. Employers who encourage immediate claim reporting and participate in return-to-work programs benefit most.