What constitutes a conflict of interest for a workers' compensation adjuster?

A conflict of interest for a workers' compensation adjuster arises when the adjuster favors one party's interests over the other, which in this case would be either the employee or the employer. The role of an adjuster is to remain neutral and impartial while evaluating and processing claims. Favoring one side compromises the integrity of the claims handling process and can lead to biased decisions that do not fairly reflect the merits of the case. By maintaining objectivity and fairness, adjusters uphold the principles of workers' compensation systems, ensuring that both employees and employers are treated equitably under the law.

The other options do not accurately define a conflict of interest. Adjusting claims without oversight could lead to errors or mismanagement but does not inherently indicate a bias towards either party. Treating all claims the same is more indicative of fairness and consistency than a conflict of interest. Providing assistance to independent contractors, while potentially raising questions about the nature of the relationship, does not directly relate to the definition of a conflict of interest in the adjuster's role regarding employee-employer dynamics.