What is the primary role of the insurance carrier in a workers' compensation claim?

The primary role of the insurance carrier in a workers' compensation claim is to assess claims and manage medical treatment for injured workers. This responsibility encompasses several critical functions, including evaluating the validity of claims based on the information provided, determining the appropriate level of benefits due to the injured worker, and coordinating necessary medical treatment to facilitate recovery and return to work.

The insurance carrier plays a central part in ensuring that injured workers receive adequate medical care, manage the costs associated with that care, and oversee the claims process from beginning to end. This includes the administration of benefits, such as wage loss replacement and medical expenses, which form the backbone of the workers' compensation system designed to support injured employees.

The other options do not encapsulate the core functions of the insurance carrier in this context. For instance, promoting safety programs and training employees on safety protocols are typically responsibilities of the employer rather than the insurance carrier. Providing legal counsel to the employer is also not a primary role of the insurance carrier; their focus is more on managing claims and supporting injured workers rather than offering legal advice.