What is the role of an ombudsman in workers' compensation?

The role of an ombudsman in workers' compensation is primarily to offer free assistance to injured employees navigating the complex claims process. An ombudsman serves as a neutral party, providing guidance and support to individuals who may not have legal representation. This assistance can range from helping employees understand their rights and the claims procedure to answering questions about benefits and entitlements.

While legal representation might be considered beneficial in some scenarios, the ombudsman's focus is on empowering employees with information and resources rather than acting as their attorney. This neutral assistance is crucial because many injured workers may feel overwhelmed by the complexities of the workers' compensation system and may not have the financial means to hire a lawyer. Therefore, the ombudsman's duties are centered around ensuring that employees can adequately access support and information without the need for an attorney, making the assistance they provide invaluable.