L&I Announces 4.9% Rate Increase

Workers' compensation premiums will increase by an average of 4.9% next year, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries announced. As a result of the increase, employers and workers will pay an average of $1.37 more per week for each full-time position, the department said. Employers pay about 75% of premiums while workers pay about a quarter. The department said rates are increasing to keep up with the rising cost of indemnity and medical benefits. The agency also said the increase is less than what it expects it will need to cover 2026 claim costs, but that it plans to us...