You may be aware of how AI is shaping industries like graphic design and marketing, but this technology is also seeping into a wide range of other sectors. If you were recently injured at work, you may be unaware of how AI is shaping the workers’ compensation process.
Insurance companies have started using this technology to streamline claims and analyze data for risk management, among other tasks. Meanwhile, construction, manufacturing, and other high-risk industries have also begun leveraging AI to potentially reduce workplace injuries.
Working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in New York can help you effectively navigate your injury case amid these new developments.
How AI Is Making Its Way Into the Workers’ Compensation Claims Process
As many as 77% of companies are either using AI or exploring using AI in their business operations, and the insurance industry is no exception. This technology is being integrated throughout the workers’ compensation process, though its use can vary significantly depending on each entity’s procedures and adoption.
- Insurance underwriting: Many insurance companies have begun using AI to assist the underwriting process and assess a policyholder’s risk to help set their policy terms and premiums.
- Risk identification: AI can assess large amounts of unstructured data quickly and look for trends regarding worker risk factors. For example, AI tools can sort through photos and videos of accidents, claim notes, and accident reports to identify patterns, and workplaces can use those patterns to reduce future injuries.
- Claims management: AI can assist with several aspects of the claims process, such as entering claimant data, categorizing documentation, summarizing documents, and more. This technology streamlines operations so that claims adjusters can spend more time on higher-level tasks.
- Medical assessments: In some cases, AI can even estimate a claimant’s maximum medical improvement timeline to help insurance companies predict how long a person might qualify for benefits.
When you submit a workers’ compensation claim in New York, a real human insurance adjuster may follow up with you to ask for details about your accident or request certain documentation. However, they may use AI to streamline certain tasks behind the scenes without you knowing.
The use of artificial intelligence in workers’ compensation claims may mean that you need to look more closely at your claim to identify potential errors or inaccuracies. A workers’ comp lawyer in New York can help you assess your claim and protect your rights under the workers’ compensation law.
The Benefits of AI for Injury Reduction
When evaluating the impact of AI on workers’ compensation claims, it’s also important to realize how artificial intelligence may be helping to decrease workplace injuries. Many high-risk industries have begun incorporating AI into their processes to detect safety hazards and mitigate risks. Over time, we can expect to see even more advancements in this area as AI technology improves and becomes more refined.
For example, injuries in the manufacturing sector appear to be decreasing overall, with one BLS report showing a 6.15% reduction between 2022 and 2023. A survey of manufacturing industry professionals found that 72% of respondents believe AI will make manufacturing plants safer.
Currently, AI is helping to reduce manufacturing injuries through:
- Environmental smart sensors that instantly detect hazards like smoke, heat, changes in air quality, or chemical exposure and alert workers before they cause injuries
- Wearable technology that monitors workers’ vitals to identify signs of overexertion and reminds workers to rest
- Predictive maintenance tools that analyze machine performance to predict breakdowns before they occur
With time, AI systems can completely take over certain dangerous tasks in manufacturing and related industries.
Another major benefit of AI for workplace injuries is its role in risk management. AI can analyze data and extract trends faster, sometimes more effectively than humans. It can pull data from unstructured sources, like worker notes, emails, and symptoms logs, and pinpoint causes of injuries that may not be as obvious.
For example, workers in construction and manufacturing are often prone to repetitive strain injuries. AI can identify trends like:
- At what point in a worker’s career these injuries are most likely to arise
- The types of workers most prone to repetitive strain injuries
- The specific roles or tasks that make workers more likely to experience these injuries
This data can help employers make changes to reduce the prevalence of workplace injuries.
Legal and Ethical Challenges of AI in Workers’ Compensation
Artificial intelligence technology still presents certain legal and ethical risks that injured workers should be aware of. For example, workers’ compensation claims include sensitive health information that must be protected under HIPAA. Insurance companies need to be sure that the AI tools they use adhere to HIPAA regulations and that they are not giving the tool access to information that is at risk of being shared outside of the organization.
While AI can gather valuable insights from unstructured data, it is still prone to mistakes. AI technology may incorporate biased or irrelevant information into its risk assessments or data analysis process, which can skew its results. Insurance companies should take AI insights with a grain of salt and verify the accuracy of these suggestions before using them to shape company processes.
Working With a Lawyer for Workplace Injuries Is Still Important
If you were recently injured at work, you may be exploring a workers’ compensation claim. While AI has begun impacting several aspects of the workers’ comp process, you may not notice much of a difference on the claimant side. Working with a workers’ compensation attorney in New York is still important if you want to protect your rights and navigate this process smoothly.
A workers’ comp lawyer in New York can help you understand your rights and options after a workplace accident, file a claim for workers’ compensation, explore a potential third-party lawsuit, and communicate with all parties on your behalf. They can collect evidence to support your case and calculate the potential value of your damages to support a fair and adequate payout.
Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in New York
The impact of AI on occupational safety and claims means that some processes are now streamlined, and the risks of workplace injuries should hopefully continue to decline in the years ahead. If you are already dealing with the aftermath of a workplace injury, our attorneys at Pyrros, Serres & Rupwani offer experienced, compassionate legal representation and support.
Learn a few common mistakes to avoid in workers’ compensation claims, then contact our workers’ comp lawyers in New York at 718-626-7730 for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you file a workers’ compensation claim in New York?
To file a workers’ compensation claim in New York, start by immediately reporting the accident to your employer. They should provide you with forms to fill out about your injury and medical expenses. You can also use the online submission tool to file Form C-3 with the Workers’ Compensation Board. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can assist you with avoiding costly mistakes.
Does AI in the workers’ compensation process lead to more claim denials?
In some cases, insurance companies that use AI to assist with claims management may deny claims unfairly due to recommendations from the tool. If you believe your workers’ compensation claim was unfairly denied, speak with a workers’ comp lawyer in New York about your options.
How long do you have to file a workers’ compensation claim in New York?
You generally have two years from the accident date to file a workers’ compensation claim in New York, but filing as soon as possible may be beneficial. You only have thirty (30) days to notify your employer about your workplace accident.
