North Carolina Workers' Compensation By the Numbers — The Workers' Compensation Research Institute Looks at the Statistics

February 17, 2010, by Michael A. DeMayo

North Carolina Workers’ Compensation policymakers have been pouring over the latest report issued by the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), a non-partisan and non-for-profit agency that studies workers’ comp systems throughout the U.S. and internationally. The Cambridge-based WCRI recently finished a mega survey of 15 states including:

• North Carolina
• California
• Florida
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Wisconsin

Louisiana demonstrated some of the poorest numbers. LA’s costs were more than 35% higher than the average per state costs, and injured employees in Louisiana stayed off of work longer than average – 15 weeks longer, in fact, than the average Michigan worker.

For a summary of the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute study findings, visit the WCRI website.

What do the state and national trends imply for NC policy?

It’s difficult to extrapolate the results of a single survey – even one as thoroughly and level headedly conducted as the WCRI. Many NC Workers’ Comp watchers believe that the raging debate over the healthcare system and jobs recovery act could throw off any analysis. After all, if a federal overhaul the healthcare system pushes through Congress, for instance, this will no doubt radically alter the North Carolina Workers’ Compensation insurance landscape, which in turn will impact patient care, employer costs, and so forth.

What does the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute study mean for you and your case?

Macroscopic trends in NC Workers’ Comp likely won’t impact your personal situation. If you do have questions regarding insurance benefits, employer coverage, physician networks, long-term support, or any other subject, get in touch with a quality and battle proven North Carolina Workers’ Compensation attorney. Address your concerns now, and get the compensation you deserve to return to work and thrive at your career.

More Web Resources:

Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI)

WRCI study, CompScope™ Benchmarks,10th Edition