Workers' Compensation Insurance

Workers' Compensation Insurance is a type of insurance specifically designed to provide medical benefits and, in some cases, financial payments to employees on the payroll of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley who sustain an injury or occupational diseases in the course and scope of employment.

Claim Process for Work Related Injury

  • If emergency treatment is critical and must be provided in an emergency room, do not give group health information nor provide co-pay.

Employee Injury Process Quick Guide

First Report of Injury or Illness Form

First Fill Program Form - if medication is needed.

  • Non-life threatening injuries must obtain treatment with the Injury Management Organization (IMO) Authorized Network Providers. For additional information, view the Injury Management Organization (IMO) Handbook.
  • Telemed is a convenient 24/7 effective option for many non-life threatening injuries.
  • Immediately notify your supervisor of the injury; UTRGV policy states injuries must be reported within 24 hours of the injury. Failure to notify within 30 days may result in denial of the claim.
  • Complete a First Report of Injury or Illness Form in conjunction with your supervisor. Supervisor, please review Supervisor Checklist for guidance.
  • To seek or not to seek medical care is your decision, however the injury report must be submitted in all cases. The option of Medical or Incident is marked off letting us know how to proceed and in some cases alerting us of possible unsafe conditions.
    Note: Failure to access a doctor from the Approved Network Providers can result in you not having your benefits paid for.

UTRGV WCI: Workers Compensation Program FAQ

Post-Injury reporting Responsibilities

  • Employee is required to give a copy of every work status report (DWC 73) to Supervisor and WCI Representative.
  • Communicate all changes in work status to your Supervisor and the WCI Representative immediately.
  • If you are losing or have lost time from work, the employee must communicate with the Representative to complete Request for Paid Leave form as soon as possible. This will determine the involvement of Human Resources for additional documentation which may include insurance benefits.

Who to Contact

UTRGV Police: For emergencies, call (956) 882-4911.

For questions about Workers’ Compensation Insurance, Accessing care, or filing a First Report of Injury contact:

Celia Saenz, UTRGV WCI Representative
(956) 665-2902
EEHSB 1.111

Additional Resources

Injury

Injury Management Organization

Program Staff Members

Celia Saenz
Program Coordinator
Environmental Health Safety & Risk Management
EEHSB 1.111
956-665-2902
Celia.Saenz@utrgv.edu

Return to Risk Management and Insurance