It Takes Twice as Long to Close California Workers’ Comp Claims Compared to Other States

File this under the “I’m not surprised” file, it takes seven years to close most workers’ compensation claims in California, more than double the time in the median state.

The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) released a report detailing duration drivers for California workers’ compensation claims.

The report, Drivers of California Claim Duration, describes duration drivers for California workers’ comp claims, including how claim duration differs regionally across the state.

Here’s the report:

Highlights of the report include:

  • It takes seven years to close 90% of claims in California compared to three years for the median state.
  • Longer California claim duration is driven by four “duration drivers,” including a higher share of permanent partial disability and cumulative trauma claims in California, greater utilization of medical-legal services in California and regional differences within the state.
  • Claim closing rates rose steadily following the reforms of Senate Bill 863, particularly for PPD claims of lower-wage workers.
  • Claim closing rates declined during the pandemic in 2020 and were relatively flat in 2021.

California, why do you have to make everything so complicated? [banging head on desk]

Source: Insurance Journal

-JK

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About Jimmy Kinmartin - Business Insurance & Risk Management

Jimmy is a California licensed Property & Casualty AND Accident & Health insurance agent working at the Olson Duncan Insurance brokerage based in Torrance and Irvine, CA. He grew up in Fullerton, CA and graduated from Servite High School in Anaheim and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and currently lives in Tustin, CA. Have questions? Just ask! Or, follow Jim on Twitter at @JimKinmartin

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