Workplace injuries are never easy. Your priority is making sure your employee gets the care they need. But for employers, especially small or mid-sized businesses, the financial impact of a Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) claim can stretch far beyond the injury itself. However, depending on the nature of the claim, there may be opportunities for companies to mitigate this financial impact through pursuit of Relief of Cost.
What is WCB Relief of Cost?
Relief of Cost (ROC) is a way for employers to recover part of the costs tied to a workplace injury claim, especially when certain conditions apply. For example, if an employee has a pre-existing health issue that makes recovery longer, you could be eligible for financial relief on the claim.
In theory, WCB case managers are supposed to flag and apply ROC automatically. But in practice? With huge caseloads and tight timelines, these opportunities often get missed.
That’s where DMI steps in.
DMI’s Role: We Find the Missed Savings – Then Fight for Them
DMI specializes in spotting and securing Relief of Cost opportunities that employers might never realize exist. We dig into your high-cost claims, flag the ones that could qualify for additional relief, and handle the appeal process for you – start to finish.
The best part? You don’t pay unless we win.
Our fee is based on the actual savings we secure for your business. No savings? No invoice.
Real-World Results: A $185k Win for One Small Business
Here’s what this service looks like in action:
- A small business client faced rising costs after a serious workplace injury.
- Initial WCB decision: The employer received a 25% Relief of Cost.
- After DMI’s appeal: The relief was increased to 90%, saving the employer over $70,000 in claim costs.
- Further appeal for pensions relief: An additional $115,000 was saved.
- Impact on WCB premium rates: The employer’s rate dropped from $2.01 to $1.81.
That’s over $185,000 in direct savings, plus years of lower premiums thanks to an improved experience rating.
Why Employers Should Care
WCB premiums are based on two things:
- Your industry rate (based on similar businesses), and
- Your own claims history (called an experience rating).
Reducing your claim costs through Relief of Cost improves your experience rating – helping you save not just today, but over the next 3 to 5 years as your rates stay lower.
Why Work With DMI?
Let’s face it – WCB rules and appeal processes are complex. You’re busy running your business. That’s why employers across Canada turn to DMI:
- We know the system inside and out
- We handle the paperwork, deadlines, and follow-up
- We only charge if we’re successful
- We’ve saved clients substantially in avoided claims costs
Stop Leaving Money on the Table
With DMI’s Relief of Cost service, you gain a trusted expert who works behind the scenes to reduce your claims costs and protect your bottom line.
Contact us to learn more and see how much your business could be saving.