After a Claim is Opened

When a claim is opened, WCB is here to support both you and the worker. From treatment to return-to-work—we help make sure you’re on track for the best possible outcomes.

After you open a claim, WCB follows a step-by-step process to determine eligibility and support recovery. As an employer, you play a key role in each stage.

This information applies mainly to physical injuries. Learn more about what happens for psychological injury claims.

1. A case worker is assigned

The claims process begins when the injury is reported to WCB—by you and the worker, or their health-care provider.

• The claim is registered and a unique claim number is assigned. You can find it in MyAccount under the claims section of your WCB policy. Having your claim number handy can make things quicker when calling WCB.
• The worker may also receive a text message with their claim number.
• A WCB case worker will be assigned and will contact the worker—and you—within 2 business days of the claim being opened.

2. You start return-to-work right away

As soon as possible, talk to your worker about how they can stay at work safely. This can happen even before a claim is officially opened. You don’t need to wait for WCB to start discussions with the worker. This usually involves transitional work—temporary changes to their current duties or assigning different tasks they can do without risk. Taking action early can help workers recover faster and help keep your WCB rates down.

Learn more about return to work planning.

3. The claim is reviewed and a decision made

Case workers must follow the law — specifically Section 10(1) of the Workers’ Compensation Act of Nova Scotia. The Act states that a worker is eligible for claim payment:

“where, in an industry to which this Part applies, personal injury by accident arising out of and in the course of employment is caused to a worker.”

In plain language, a claim can be accepted if the answer is “yes” to all 3 of these questions:

1. Does the worker have an injury or illness?
2. Is the worker and/or employer covered by a policy with WCB?
3. Did the injury or illness happen at work and because of work?

Your case worker will gather all the information needed to decide, including documents from you, the worker, and health care providers.

When a claim is accepted

If the claim is accepted, WCB will:

• Help with the worker’s treatment and recovery
• Guide you through the claim process
• Ensure the worker receives appropriate benefits
• Keep in contact with you, the worker, and health-care providers
• Work with you, the worker, and health care provider to support an early and safe return to work

You can request a formal written decision. You have the right to appeal a claim if you disagree with the decision.

When a claim is not accepted

If any of the 3 questions above cannot be answered “yes”:

• The claim will not be accepted
• WCB will explain the decision to you and the worker
• You have the right to respond to an appeal filed by the worker

Learn more about appealing a claim decision

4. You help your worker return to work—if needed

A workplace injury doesn’t always have to mean time away from work. When you put supports and accommodations in place right away—like modified duties, flexible schedules, or other changes—the worker can often keep working while they recover.

If time off is needed, your role in helping them return is essential. Stay in touch, check in regularly, and talk early about transitional work or other adjustments that could bring them back sooner. Talking to the worker and involving their health care provider, can help ensure transitional work is safe and within their current abilities.

Working together benefits both of you—your employee recovers faster, and you can help lower your claim costs.

Not only is this good for your workplace—it’s also part of your legal responsibilities.

As an employer, you must:

• Contact the worker as soon as possible after the injury
• Maintain regular communication throughout recovery
• Work with the worker and WCB to develop a return-to-work plan
• Share any requested return-to-work information with WCB

Learn more about your Duty to Cooperate.

How WCB supports return to work

• Return-to-work plan – You are responsible for collaborating with your worker and getting the process started right away. This means arranging transitional work and talking with the worker about what changes are needed to help them safely work while they recover. Your case worker can provide advice, answer questions, and help shape a safe path.
• Case conference – If the worker is away from work, and a return-to-work plan is not in place, WCB will schedule a case conference. This is a meeting with you, the worker, and their health-care provider to move things forward.
• Transitional work – You arrange temporary and/or modified duties that match the worker’s abilities while they recover. We can suggest options and help you find the right fit.
• Return-To-Work Specialist — Sometimes the case worker will work together with a WCB Return-To-Work Specialist. As the name says, they specialize in helping people return to work after injury, and are skilled at working with workers, employers and health care providers to find the right solutions.

Learn about return-to-work planning.

Manage the claim online

Use MyAccount for 24/7 access to:

• Claim details and injury reports
• Secure messaging with WCB
• Form submissions and payroll reporting

It’s the fastest way to stay connected and track claim progress.