In respect to excess carrier involvement in a second injury, which action may be appropriate?

• A. Notify the excess carrier
• B. Pay the full PD immediately
• C. No action needed
• D. Request a new medical examination

Answer: (A)

When a second injury could push the claim into the excess layer, the key step is to notify the excess carrier so they can participate in the claim. This ensures the excess carrier is aware of potential liability beyond the self-insured retention and can coordinate coverage, medical decisions, and indemnity payments across the layers. Notifying early helps lock in who pays what and prevents coverage gaps or disputes about responsibility.

Paying the full permanent disability amount right away isn’t appropriate because settlements and indemnity decisions should follow medical evidence and claim progress, and the excess carrier needs to be in the loop before expenditures reach or exceed the retention. A new medical examination isn’t automatically required unless there’s a change in the employee’s condition. The core action is to inform the excess carrier so they can be engaged in the claim process.