By Jaheesha Griffin | December 9th, 2025 | Claims, Risk Management, Workers' Compensation, Trending

Managing workers’ compensation claims is a different challenge for public entities than it is for private employers. Cities, counties, school districts, and special districts often operate in high-risk environments, and their workforces are subject to legislative mandates, union agreements, and public accountability. These factors create added scrutiny and make strong claims management practices essential.

At GSRMA, we understand these complexities and have built a workers’ compensation program designed specifically for the needs of public entities. With dedicated in-house adjusters, immediate injury reporting protocols, including a 24/7 injury hotline, automated reporting systems, and consistent communication with our members, we ensure claims are managed proactively from the moment an incident occurs. Our integrated approach combines claims administration with safety and loss control services, using claims data to identify operational risks, spot trends, and implement targeted safety programs tailored to each member. This comprehensive structure positions GSRMA as a leader in public-sector workers’ compensation management.

Public entities also face unique challenges that private employers seldom encounter. Public safety employees, for example, experience presumptive injuries such as heart conditions, cancer, and PTSD that require specialized handling. Police and fire departments often face limitations when assigning modified or light duty, and fitness-for-duty evaluations can be complex and time consuming. Budgeting, reserve management, and ensuring workers’ compensation policies align with MOUs add additional layers of responsibility. These realities require informed, collaborative, and adaptable claims management.

Effective claims management is truly a partnership between GSRMA and our member agencies. One of the most common pitfalls public entities faces is delayed incident reporting. Delays increase claim costs, extend disability durations, and create confusion about what actually occurred. Another challenge is miscommunication when injured employees feel isolated or unsure of the process. T heir recovery often slows and frustration builds. GSRMA’s direct, consistent approach to risk control and member support helps streamline these issues before they escalate. By maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring supervisors understand their roles, we help public entities avoid preventable complications and keep claims moving smoothly.

Our proactive model is essential to the success of everyone involved. When claims are handled quickly, transparently, and with a focus on safety and recovery, public entities see lower claim costs, stronger employee morale, and increased public trust. With the right structure, communication, and follow-through, public employers can turn workers’ compensation from a persistent challenge into a meaningful opportunity that protects employees, strengthens operations, and supports the communities they serve.