What is the purpose of the “Notice of Claim” form in Hawaii's workers' compensation process?

The “Notice of Claim” form plays a critical role in the workers' compensation process in Hawaii by serving as the formal notification to both the employer and the insurance carrier regarding an employee's intention to file a claim for benefits due to a work-related injury or illness. This form is essential as it initiates the claims process, ensuring that all necessary parties are aware of the claim and can take appropriate actions to address it. The submission of this form also helps establish the timeline for the claim, which is integral to the overall process, as it triggers the employer's obligations under the workers' compensation laws.

In this context, the form is specifically designed for reporting claims, thus it does not pertain to notifying employers about new employees, requesting salary raises, or appealing previous decisions, which are separate processes under employment and workers' compensation law. Therefore, the purpose of the “Notice of Claim” is focused on making the claim known to the necessary entities, facilitating communication, and setting the stage for potential benefits and reimbursements for the injured worker.