According to reporting from Insurance Journal, a recent analysis published by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) found that nearly half of the workers’ compensation claims filed within the health care industry were due to COVID-19. However, on an industry-wide basis, workers’ compensation rates in the industry remain below the state average. In this post, our Fresno workers’ compensation defense lawyer provides an overview of the key findings from the report on workers’ compensation utilization in the state’s health care industry.
COVID-19 Pandemic Continues to Have Major Workers’ Compensation Impact on Health Care
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on workers’ compensation in the health-care industry. Frontline workers, such as nurses and doctors, have been at a higher risk of exposure and infection, leading to an increase in workers’ compensation claims. The WCIRB determined that California’s health care industry has the highest rate of COVID-19-related workers’ compensation claims of any industry in California, 41% of workers’ compensation claims in California’s health care industry were filed due to COVID-19 exposure.
Workers’ Compensation Premiums in Health Care Industry Nearly 20% Below State Average
While COVID-19 infections are a significant workplace issue in the health-care industry in California, it is worth noting that the workers’ compensation rates within the industry are actually 20% below the state average for all industries. Notably, this was not always the case. In the early 2000s, the WCIRB reported that employers in the health care industry in California actually paid somewhat higher workers’ compensation premiums than the statewide average. The decline in premiums can be attributed to several factors, including increased safety measures, enhanced employee training, and improved ergonomics in the workplace.
The Number of Self-Insured Employers in the Health Care Industry is Rising
In California’s health care industry, the number of self-insured employers for workers’ compensation is on the rise. A self-insured employer is a company that assumes the financial responsibility for providing workers’ compensation benefits to its employees rather than purchasing coverage from an insurance carrier. This approach can be beneficial for large employers with a low frequency of claims, allowing them to manage costs and have more control over the claims process. According to recent data from the WCIRB, 30% of health care employers in California are self-insured, compared to 22% across all industries. As the trend toward self-insurance continues, it is essential for employers to have the necessary resources and expertise to manage claims effectively.
Get Help From a Fresno, CA Workers’ Compensation Defense Attorney Today
At Yrulegui & Roberts, our Fresno workers’ compensation defense lawyers are responsive, efficient, and solutions driven. If you have any questions about an ongoing legal matter or workers’ compensation in general, we can help. Contact us now to arrange your strictly confidential case evaluation. We provide workers’ compensation defense representation in the health care industry in Fresno, Sacramento, Bakersfield, and throughout the wider region of California.
