California law allows unions and employers to provide an alternate workers' compensation program that replaces, through collective bargaining, much of the overburdened and litigious state administered workers' compensation system.

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program utilizes the services of an "Ombudsman" as prescribed by state law to facilitate the operation of the program. The Ombudsman provides a mechanism whereby the frequent delay in the provision of treatment and benefits, and the resulting lost work time, is significantly minimized. Less lost time means not only fewer lost wages for the injured worker, but it also means a reduction in the losses applied to the employer’s account and thus a reduction in its loss-ratio, experience modification, and in premium amounts over the following years.

The ADR Program is designed to provide the following:

• A better method to resolve disputes, and thus a reduction in the number and severity of disputes between employees and employers regarding work-related injury claims.
• Improved access to quality medical treatment and prompt compensation to those employees claiming work-related injuries.
• Workers' compensation insurance coverage that improves labor management relationships, job security and organizational effectiveness.

For more information on the ADR program in Northern or Southern California, please contact the appropriate ADR Administrator.