The First State Continues to Struggle With Skyrocketing Workers' Comp Costs

The first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, Delaware, takes pride in its moniker of “The First State.” And when it comes to rising workers’ compensation costs, Delaware also ranks near the nation’s top. In 2012, Delaware ranked 30th in the country in premium rates. Two years later, Delaware jumped to No. 9 with its rate of $2.31 per $100 of payroll. Nationally, the 2014 median rate was $1.85, according to the 2014 Oregon Workers’ Compensation Premium Rate Ranking Summary. “Delaware is an anomaly,” said Bruce Wood, vice president and associat...