Claims Frequency Uptick Worries Employers

By Greg Jones, Western Bureau ChiefAfter nine straight years of decreasing claim frequency, the number of indemnity claims jumped 9.1% in 2010 and, after a small decrease of 0.2% in 2011, is projected to increase 2.5%, based on preliminary 2012 data from the California Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau.Employers and insurers say the emerging trend needs to be closely tracked to determine the underlying causes. Applicants’ attorneys, on the other hand, say much of the increase in frequency can be attributed to the poor economy and a normalization of trends observed after...