Commissioner Cites Concern Over Access to Benefits in Request for Silicosis Claim Study

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said he is concerned that a growing number of workers are developing silicosis on the job but struggling to get workers’ compensation benefits for the incurable lung disease. The commissioner in a July 17 letter asked the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau to analyze silicosis claims from the past 10 years. "There is a growing concern that cases of this devastating illness are increasing, yet these workers may face challenges in obtaining the workers’ compensation benefits to which they are entitled," ...