Labor Department Reports Claims Down, Costs Up

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry said the number of reported workers’ compensation claims decreased 2% in the most recent fiscal year, but total benefits increased 10%. The department said in its annual report for the fiscal year ending June 30 that the number of claims fell to 25,006, from 25,499. However, an increase in settlements for future medical benefits helped drive up total payments over the same period. “Medical benefits increased by $13 million, which is most likely due to the increase in settlement of future medical benefits, and indemnity benefits incre...