What Are AOE-COE Investigations, and Why Are They Important for Workers’ Compensation Claims?
Workers’ compensation claims can be challenging for employers, especially when it is time to determine the legitimacy of a claim. That’s where AOE-COE investigations come into play.
But what exactly does AOE-COE mean, and why are these investigations so important for workers’ compensation?
Let’s break it down.
AOE-COE is short for “Arising Out of Employment” (AOE) and “Course of Employment” (COE). These terms are used to understand whether an injury or illness reported by an employee is genuinely work-related. Essentially, an AOE-COE investigation is done to confirm two key questions –
1. Did the injury arise from the employee’s job duties?
2. Did the injury occur during the course of performing those duties?
Answering these questions helps determine if the claim falls under workers’ compensation coverage.
Why Are AOE-COE Investigations Important?
Workers’ compensation fraud can be costly for businesses. Without proper investigation, employers might end up paying for claims that aren’t legitimate. Here are three main reasons why AOE-COE investigations are important
To Prevent Fraudulent Claims – Some claims may exaggerate or misrepresent workplace injuries. Thorough investigations will help uncover the truth.
To Save Money – By verifying claims early, employers can avoid unnecessary payouts and reduce overall insurance costs.
To Ensure Fairness – Investigations protect both employers and employees by ensuring that only valid claims are approved. This builds transparency and trust.
What Happens During an AOE-COE Investigation?
An AOE-COE investigation follows several steps to uncover the facts behind a claim. Here’s what typically happens –
● Investigators start by reviewing the incident and examining the claim details, including when, where, and how the injury occurred.
● Coworkers, supervisors, and other witnesses may be interviewed to gather additional context.
● The investigator reviews medical documents to verify the nature and extent of the injury.
● Visiting the location where the incident occurred to inspect the scene can reveal important details about what happened.
● Public records, surveillance footage, and social media activity may also be examined to collect evidence and identify inconsistencies.
AOE-COE investigations are important for ensuring that workers’ compensation claims are accurate and fair. They not only protect employers from fraudulent claims but also maintain the integrity of the workers’ compensation system.
If you need help from experts for AOE-COE investigations, Tridentity Services is here to help. Our team is experienced in thorough and professional investigations to keep your business safe and ensure fairness in workers’ compensation claims. Contact Tridentity Services today!
