Workers' Comp Search

Employers have become very aware of the high costs of workers compensation claims. The loss to American business from both fraudulent claims and re-injury causes many employers to want to know whether a job applicant has a history of filing workman’s compensation claims.

VeriScreen offers a database scan by state (for participating states) to see if your applicant has the propensity to file workers’ compensation claims. 

At the same time, the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as numerous state laws, seek to protect job seekers from discrimination in hiring as a result of filing VALID claims. The ADA also seeks to prevent the discrimination against workers who, although suffering from a disability, are nevertheless able to perform essential job functions as long as there are reasonable accommodations.

The bottom line is that an employer cannot request workers’ compensation records in order to have a policy of not hiring anyone who has made a claim. It is discriminatory to penalize a person who has exercised a lawful right and filed a valid claim.

Employers are well advised to contact a labor lawyer before seeking to obtain workers’ compensation records. A labor law expert can assist an employer in preparing company policies, job descriptions, forms, and procedures necessary to comply with the ADA, such as a conditional job offer and medical review form.

Employers: How to obtain workers’ compensation records

• There are wide variations between the states in the availability of these records. In a few states the records are not available to the public, period. In other states it can take two to three weeks to obtain a record. In some states there are special requirements before obtaining the records, such as a notarized release. Because they are familiar with state regulations, background screening firms can assist employers in obtaining these records.

• Under the ADA, an employer may not inquire about an applicant’s medical condition or past workers’ compensation claims until a conditional job offer has been extended, subject only to a job related medical review. According to the U.S. Department of Justice: “Under the ADA an employer may only ask about an applicant’s disability or give a medical examination after the employer has made a job offer. The job offer can be conditioned on successfully passing a medical examination. Thus, if the person with a disability is denied the job because of information obtained from the medical examination or because of the applicant’s disability, the reason for this decision is out in the open. This procedure should limit impermissible consideration of disability.”  See: http://www.ada.gov/copsq7a.htm

• Any questions in a job interview should be restricted to whether the person can perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. That is another good reason to have well written job descriptions so it is clear in an interview exactly what the job entails.

• If a candidate discloses a disability then there should not be any follow up. Questioning should be limited to whether that applicant can perform the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• If a history of filing workers’ compensation claims is found POST OFFER, there is an argument that the offer may only be rescinded under very limited circumstances. A best practice may be to have an attorney review the matter before taking an adverse action.

• If the applicant has lied on a medical questionnaire or to a doctor performing a pre-employment physical, then the employer may be justified in rescinding the job offer based upon dishonesty. If an applicant has a history of multiple claims that have been denied, then an employer may be justified in rescinding the offer based upon a history of dishonest conduct. The reason is based upon an inference of fraud, not disability.

Some firms contend that a workers’ compensation record may also be used to determine the truthfulness of information on a job application on the theory that an applicant may try to hide a past employer where a claim was filed. Even with this justification, the best practice may be to review the records post hire only.

What does all this mean? This area is complex and highly regulated by the ADA and state laws, and before attempting to utilize a search for workers compensation claims as part of a screening program, an employer is well advised to consult with their attorney. VeriScreen will not provide these records to an employer unless the employer has clearly indicated they understand the issues with these records and preferably have had the matter reviewed by their attorney.

For additional information, please visit http://www.ada.gov/employmt.htm.
(Note: This information is intended for general educational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice.)