What must employers do within five days of receiving notice of an injury?

Employers have a legal obligation to report work-related injuries to their private workers' compensation carrier within five days of receiving notice of the injury. This timely notification is crucial for ensuring that the employee receives appropriate benefits, including medical care and wage replacement, in accordance with West Virginia Workers' Compensation laws.

By reporting the injury promptly, the employer helps initiate the claims process, allowing the carrier to investigate the circumstances of the injury and start managing the claim effectively. This process is designed to protect both the employee's rights and the employer's interests.

While notifying the injured employee, documenting the incident, and legal actions are important aspects of workplace injury management, they do not have the same legal requirement for a specific timeframe as the reporting obligation to the private carrier.