The claim process

Managing claims is a key aspect of the workers' compensation system. To be successful, claims management must involve WCB-Alberta, the employer, the injured worker and the health care provider in a cooperative relationship aimed at getting the worker back to work safely, as soon as possible.

1. Reporting - WCB-Alberta requires reports from:
   • You – employer’s report of injury
   • Your worker – ensure your worker has a worker handbook (pdf, 619KB)
   • Your worker’s doctor
2. Classification - WCB-Alberta registers your injured worker’s claim as:
   • No-time-lost (NTL) claim
     If your worker did not miss work past the day of injury, a claim process team (see below) will monitor medical treatment. You are responsible to pay your worker for the day the accident occurred and the transportation cost of getting the worker to emergency medical treatment.
     • Claim processing teams:
       • send a letter within 7 working days informing you of the status of the claim and benefits
       • approve medical costs and treatment (such as physical therapy, chiropractic)
       • review letters, reports and modified work to determine whether a claim may require more complex adjudication
     • For more information please reference our No-time-lost claim processing fact sheet (pdf, 491KB)
• Time-lost claim (TL)
  Your worker’s claim will be assigned to an adjudicator who makes the initial benefit decisions. If the worker needs additional rehabilitation support to return to work, their claim may be transferred from an adjudicator to a case manager.
3. Benefits and Rehabilitation
   Each claim is reviewed individually to determine the benefits and services your worker will receive. Any necessary rehabilitation needed to get your injured worker ready for their pre-accident occupation will be taken.
4. Return to work
   If medical information suggests your worker is ready to return to the pre-accident job, we will confirm the return-to-work date with you.
   If medical information suggests your worker will likely return to the pre-accident job, but has temporary restrictions, the possibility of modified work will be discussed with you.