It's Trending: Here Are a Few Workers Compensation Trends to Look out for in 2019

How well do you really understand your company's workers compensation policy?

Many of us don't take the time to know the policy until the unfortunate event that we end up needing to use it. And then, we might be surprised by parts of the policy that we overlooked.

This can lead to big mistakes in filing a claim, which can cause your claim to be denied entirely.

Even if you do know your company's policy inside and out, the world of workers compensation is constantly changing. Technology has introduced dozens of new advantages—and challenges—and companies are trying to keep up.

Here are a few workers compensation trends you should be aware of.

There's no denying the popularity of wearable technology. Experts expect there to be 140 million smartwatches in use by 2022. Fitness trackers like Fitbit are even more commonplace.

But wearables aren't just for checking text messages and tracking your run.

They can also be used to manage workers compensation cases. Wearables can be used to monitor a patient's overall health throughout treatment, which can catch adverse reactions to medication or sudden turns.

Wearable tech can also be used to prevent potential accidents.

A company-provided smart device might be able to identify conditions that lead to workplace incidents, such as fatigue or overstress.

These devices may also be used to verify workers comp claims.

Until recently, if you needed to see a doctor, you would need to go visit the doctor in person. And if you're recovering from a workplace injury, you know how difficult it might be to leave the house.

But with advancements in video conferencing technology and wearable tech, you may be able to have a virtual doctor's appointment from the comfort of your own home.

Faster internet speeds and clearer cameraphones have made it easier than ever for a doctor to check on a patient remotely. And if you're wearing a device like a smartwatch, they can even keep track of your vitals in real time.

It's faster and easier than an in-person checkup, and it can give mostly the same results. And because it's faster, it's less expensive, saving your company money.

No one wants to think about the possibilities of losing a limb due to a workplace accident. But unfortunately, it can happen. In 2015, OSHA reported 2,644 amputations due to workplace accidents.

Suffering the loss of a limb carries an enormous burden. On top of the physical and emotional trauma, there's also an enormous financial weight.

A prosthesis can cost as much as $50,000. Even the cheapest is over $5,000. And even worse, they need to be replaced every few years.

But thanks to advancements in 3D printing, prosthetics don't need to be a fiscal burden. 3D printed prosthetics are significantly cheaper than conventional prosthetics, which makes them invaluable in third-world countries.

One of the biggest concerns of the worker's compensation industry is fraud prevention. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, worker's compensation fraud costs American businesses $30 billion every year.

So it's no wonder that so many companies take such care in reviewing a claim.

But reviewing a workman's comp claim is not a simple feat. There are dozens of factors to consider. On top of this, there can be a high emotional toll as injured workers might feel like they are being accused of fraud.

To help sort through these issues, many companies are turning to AI.

While artificial intelligence once seemed like it only existed in the realm of science fiction, AI is now commonplace. You probably even carry an assistant in your pocket.

Some insurance companies now use AI in a number of ways to gather and assess data in workers compensation cases.

Chatbots can transcribe conversations and use that information to fill out a claim form. Since most people speak more naturally than they write, this can provide more accurate information than the same worker writing down the event.

AI chatbots can also search for signs of lying, such as long pauses and changes in vocal tone. If the bot picks up on verbal queues that might indicate that a person is lying, they can signal a real-life person to follow up with more questions.

But the real benefit is that these chatbots allow insurance companies to process more claims in a shorter time.

While these workers compensation trends are becoming commonplace now, even more advances are still coming.

Some of these advances may even allow injured workers to continue working after a devastating accident.

As human beings, we crave a purpose. After a debilitating accident, many people slip into a depression because they aren't able to do anything productive.

However, a number of medical advances are making ways for people to regain their movement after a disability.

One of these advancements is the LifeHand2 , a cybernetic prosthetic that actually allows users to feel. In 2016, a company called SuitX created an exoskeleton that allows people who are paralyzed to walk again.

While these technologies are still expensive and experimental, as they become more advanced and less expensive, you can expect to see them used in workers compensation cases.

No one wants to think of the possibility that a workplace injury could leave them disabled. But thanks to these workers compensation trends, these types of injuries can be rectified faster and more completely than ever.

In the meantime, if you've suffered a workplace injury and need legal help to make your case, contact us today. We're here to make sure you get the care and compensation that you deserve.