United Agencies & Industrial Risk Services Form Alliance

Thomas E. Hays, chairman of the board for Pasadena, Calif.-based United Agencies, recently announced that United Agencies and John Kallas of Industrial Risk Services have formed a strategic alliance. United Agencies’ members can now access the claims management services of this ‘workers’ compensation specialist’ and offer their clients a value added service in both Spanish and English.

Industrial Risk Services, owned and operated by Kallas, has been serving California brokers, employers and employees for more than 17 years. Kallas explains “knowledge is power” and has found a direct relationship between the cost of insurance and the level of employer education. Namely, as the level of education increases, the net cost of the insurance decreases. And while many employers want to take the lead in managing their workers comp program, time and education doesn’t usually allow it. Once it is understood that workers’ compensation is not a human resource issue but a financial one, Kallas can step in. Communicating directly with the employee, employer, doctor and insurance carrier – Kallas’ firm becomes an agent of the employer and fast tracks the tedious claims process for the employee. Most importantly, by educating the employee of their fundamental rights and benefits, he develops a rapport between the employee and employer thereby avoiding future litigation and getting the employee back to work in a timely manner.

“Most of our employer clients just don’t have the time to keep up with all the changing legislation of work comp laws, ” explained Hays. “That’s what makes this strategic alliance so important. United Agencies’ brokers can now offer the services of a highly trained facilitator who offers solutions for claims services and safety services.”

In addition to assistance with work comp claims; United Agencies’ clients can now look to Industrial Risk Services for claims programs like safety bingo, safety poster, safety slogan and team safety programs. The claims services are available daily, monthly or quarterly. They offer a unit stat review/reserve audit, troubleshooting problem claims, education services for carrier defense assessment, a fraud prevention & education program, experience modification analysis and workshops.

“After meeting the United Agencies members, I came to the conclusion that my services would certainly enhance the level of service they’re currently offering their clients,” explained Kallas. “I’m proud to be associated with such a professional group of people.”