WCRI Finds CA Claim Costs Highest in Nation

Workers' compensation claim costs increased at a double-digit rate, according to a new study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI). Claim costs grew by 11 percent between 1997 and 1998 (as of 1999 experience). Both medical costs and income benefit costs grew significantly. The study observed that California has more claim cost drivers than other states studied. For example, California has the highest expenses to manage claims. These expenses include medical cost containment services, defense attorney fees, medical-legal exams and other litigation expenses. In California, thes...