Stake Your Claim

When a claim is filed promptly and completely, everyone wins; it takes less time for PDRMA to investigate the claim, and the member and/or claimant receives a decision as quickly as possible. For members that submit their claims via email rather than using the online system, PDRMA has made the process even more efficient — with a new, dedicated email — but it still needs your help.

“Our new email address, newclaims@pdrma.org, makes the claim-filing process faster and more secure,” explains Eric Hohenstein, PDRMA Claims Supervisor. “Members filing Accident/Incident, Vehicle or Property claims can email the information directly to the new email address. Those submitting an Employee Injury claim with a Social Security Number (SSN) or wage and medical information can access the new email through the Secured Email link at the top of the PDRMA website home page.” By sending new claims to this email, PDRMA ensures the appropriate Claims Consultant receives it as soon as possible.
 
The new email address is just part of more efficient claims handling. Receiving complete and accurate information about an incident is imperative. “If the claim form is incomplete or there’s insufficient information, we have to delay the claim file set up and handling while we gather the information,” he adds. To keep the process running smoothly, here are some tips and reminders for processing claims:  

• All Claims — Filing a claim starts the process, and filing it quickly prevents you from forgetting a critical detail. Be sure to submit your claim as soon as possible. You can provide additional information as it becomes available  
• Worker’s Compensation — Fill out the claim form completely. In the case of an Employee Injury Report, be sure to include the SSN and date of birth. Without the SSN and date of birth, PDRMA cannot create a claim record.
• Property — Report Property claims promptly, before you begin repairs. Remember that PDRMA must have the opportunity to investigate property claims before you make repairs. For instance, submitting a claim after your agency has repaired storm damage — and without PDRMA having a chance to investigate it — may impact coverage.
• All Claims — Include sufficient and accurate documentation. Document the event completely, and file the claim form as soon as possible. You can always provide additional information as it becomes available. Be sure to send medical bills and records, wage statements, witness statements, police or fire reports, inspection reports, contracts, estimates and invoices, suits and other legal notices, as appropriate for each claim.
• Claim Photos — Take photos immediately, and think about what you’re depicting in pictures and diagrams. Use several different angles in photos and email them (instead of faxing) for a crisp image. Think expansively — if someone falls from a playground swing, send photos of the entire swing set and any posted warning or policy signs, along with photos of the swing itself. Those details could prove — or disprove — a statement after the event.
  
• PDRMA Communication — Keep PDRMA staff in the loop when it comes to any claim-related information. For instance, if an employee files a worker’s compensation claim and needs a medical test, PDRMA can schedule it quickly with a preferred provider that could reduce costs for everyone.  

PDRMA Resources:

• A Supervisor’s Role in Reporting Claims Workshop.