Are workers' compensation claims on the rise?

While America hits an all time high for unemployment the cost of living keeps increasing. Not only are medical expenses escalating at alarming rates but workers compensation costs have reached crisis levels. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, total compensation costs for civilian workers increased 0.4 percent from June to September 2009. Within one year since September 2009, compensation costs, wages, and salaries each rose 1.5 percent and benefits increased 1.6 percent. According to Mercer Oliver Wyman, the U.S. workers compensation disclosed $64 to $104 billion.

Yet workers compensation claims has nationally declined. In a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the frequency of occupational injuries and illnesses has decreased by 15 percent in the last four years. 

Although the frequency of workers compensation claims has declined, workers are spending more time at home after filing a claim. Recent studies from the Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that the number of workers compensation claims involving more than 30 days away from their job increased by 15 percent in the last four years. 

Now while the cost of medical care has multiplied, most medical fee schedules have remained stable. Yet with the increase of medical expenses added to extended employee absences, the total workers compensation cost can take its toll on most businesses. 

With the inevitable high cost of workers compensation it is usually best to be proactive in cutting the costs by using prevention methods. On the average, the most common injuries that lead to workers compensation are back injuries. Most back injuries are caused by incorrect lifting, continuous heavy lifting, and falling. Other common workers compensation injuries are tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, for which develop over time. 

Cutting Costs

To save on the number of workers compensation claims in the workforce it is a good idea to take inventory on the businesses current status by reviewing your claims manager on a regular basis. One of the most important things to take in consideration is safety. A business should make sure they have a safe working environment and that supervisors and managers not only encourage but emphasize safe working habits. A business can also reduce injuries by managing pre-loss and post-injury assessments. For instance, if there is a high rate of carpal tunnel syndrome then a business might want to invest in ergonomic equipment to reduce the risk of injury and damage.

A business can also set up programs for employees who are on workers compensation. A specialty designed curriculum which helps workers return back to work as soon as possible can reduce the total cost quite dramatically. 


There are many ways to cut the high cost of workers compensation claims for your business. Our law firm can help with getting the most out of your current workers compensation program and also save you money. We assist companies by analyzing your current workers compensation plan and design a management program to fit your business needs. You can contact our law firm for a free workers compensation case evaluation. 

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