Risk Tip...
Delays in obtaining medical attention during the pandemic have increased claims costs for workers with soft tissue injuries, such as low back pain, dislocation and sprain, according to a study by the Workers Compensation Inspection Rating Bureau (WCIRB) in California.
The WCIRB researchers found that workers with soft tissue injuries who had delays in receiving treatment incurred medical costs as much as 32 percent higher than those who at the same point received prompt care during non-pandemic periods.
WCIRB also found that indemnity benefits (lost wages compensation) for workers with soft tissue injuries increased as much as 28 percent compared to workers who received prompt care during non-pandemic periods. During the pandemic workers were also more likely to qualify for disability payments, with 71 percent of claims involving permanent disability versus 58 percent during non-pandemic periods.
The study analyzed soft tissue work-related injuries in California between 2013 and 2017 to develop its basis of comparison.
Although the study involved only workers in California, the WCIRB research most likely reflects increased cost patterns for workers compensation cases throughout the U.S. (if not the world) during the pandemic.
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