Workers' Comp News

Higher Benefits Don't Necessarily Translate Into Higher Comp Costs

States that pay higher weekly benefits to injured workers do not necessarily have higher workers' compensation costs, according to an eight-state study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute.

California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Texas were included in the study, although the findings have implications for all jurisdictions that are balancing benefits and costs. According to the study, the cost equation must take into account benefit amounts but also include what types of claims are prevalent in the state and how the state addresses return-to-work.