Workers Compensation & First Injury Report

Overview
The Diocese of Austin provides Workers’ Compensation Insurance to protect employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. This insurance helps cover medical care, wage replacement, and certain other benefits when an injury is job-related. The Diocese is committed to prompt reporting, fair handling of claims, and supporting employees through recovery and safe return to work.  

Employee Rights & Responsibilities 

• You have the right to receive prompt medical treatment for a work-related injury or illness.
• You have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim without fear of retaliation. Retaliation against an employee for reporting an injury or filing a claim is prohibited.
• You have the right to be informed about the claims process and the benefits available to you.
• You have the right to receive reasonable accommodations or a temporary modified-duty assignment when medically feasible and consistent with Diocese operations and the treating provider’s restrictions.
• You have the right to appeal or ask questions about decisions regarding your claim; Diocese of Austin Human Resources will explain the next steps and options.

No Retaliation / Confidentiality

• Reporting a workplace injury or filing a workers’ compensation claim is your legal right. The Diocese prohibits retaliation against employees who report injuries or participate in the claims process.
• Information about your injury and medical treatment will be handled confidentially by the Diocese of Austin Human Resources and shared only as necessary for treatment, benefits administration, return-to-work planning, or legal compliance.

Your Responsibilities (what you must do)

1. Report immediately.
   • If an injury or illness occurs that requires more than simple first aid or results in time away from work, you must notify your immediate supervisor or administrator immediately.
   • If you cannot safely report immediately, notify within 24 hours.
2. Emergency care.
   • For life-threatening or serious injuries, call 911 or seek emergency medical care first. Inform medical personnel that the injury is work-related.
3. Follow medical instructions and provide documentation.
   • Attend all medical appointments, follow the treating provider’s orders, and promptly provide medical documentation and work status updates to Diocese of Austin Human Resources at [email protected].
4. Cooperate with the claims process.
   • Provide truthful information, attend required exams/meetings, and cooperate with the Diocese, the insurer, and any authorized investigators.
5. Return-to-work communications.
   • If you are released to modified or full duty, notify your supervisor and the Diocese of Austin Human Resources immediately. Provide any work-status or restriction notes from your treating provider.
6. Keep copies.
   • Keep copies of medical records, communications, and all forms you submit or receive.

What Happens After You Report

• The Diocese will initiate the claim with the insurance carrier.
• Provide medical documentation to the Diocese of Austin HR at [email protected].
• You may receive forms, authorizations, or additional instructions from Human Resources (typically within 24–48 hours).
• The insurer may direct you to an approved medical provider for treatment or evaluation.
• If wage replacement or other benefits are approved, the insurer will notify you directly about payments and timelines.

Contacts & Where to Send Reports/Forms

• Human Resources — for questions, claim follow-up, and return-to-work coordination at [email protected] or 512-949-2400.

Helpful Reminders / FAQs

• What if I’m unsure whether to report? Report it. If you think an incident may be work-related, notify your supervisor so it can be evaluated.
• What if I need time off? Notify your supervisor and HR. Benefits such as wage replacement or leave protections (e.g., FMLA) may apply depending on eligibility.
• Who decides whether the claim is approved? The workers’ compensation insurance carrier reviews the claim and makes determinations based on medical evidence and the facts of the case; HR will assist you throughout the process.

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Parish or School Administrator

1. Submit the following First Report of Injury or Illness within 48 hours of the incident.
2. Have the employee complete and sign the Employee Acknowledgment of Worker's Compensation Network form. Enter the Date of Injury on the form. Email the completed form to [email protected].
3. Include the name of the employee in the body of the email with the form.