Is this what’s needed to curb workers’ comp costs?
July 1, 2011 by Fred HosierPosted in: Alcohol/drugs, cost of safety, In this week's e-newsletter, Injuries, Latest News & Views, New rules and regulations, What do you think?, Workers' comp
PDF One of the largest states in the nation, with some of the highest workers’ comp costs, has a new law intended to cut businesses a break.
Gov. Pat Quinn signed the comprehensive overhaul of Illinois’ workers’ compensation system into law. The measure will take full effect by Sept. 1.
Illinois currently has some of the highest workers’ comp premiums in the nation.
Among the reforms in the law:
- a 30% reduction in the amounts paid to doctors and hospitals for treating injured workers (the amounts currently paid in Illinois are some of the highest in the U.S.)
- new standards set by the American Medical Association for determining impairment and disability
- new guidelines for treatment an injured worker can receive
- language to make it harder for workers who were drunk when they were injured to win claims
- more safeguards to prevent abuse of the system
- formation of medical networks so companies can choose doctors who don’t cater as much to workers, and
- a cap on awards for carpal tunnel syndrome.
It’s estimated companies will see 10-20% drops in their workers’ comp premiums. Employers will save a total of at least $500 million a year.
As you might expect, a group of lawyers who represent injured workers says the new law goes too far. Some business leaders say it doesn’t go far enough.
What do you think is needed to cut workers’ comp premiums for companies? Let us know in the Comments Box below.
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Tags: carpal tunnel syndrome, doctors, drunk workers, fraud, Illinois, Workers' comp
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June 30th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
“→language to make it harder for workers who were drunk when they were injured to win claims”
That doesn’t sit well (hiccup) with me.
Seriously though, when the judge or jury ruled on cases like this when an injury happened while the employee was intoxicated makes me question the intelligence that they possess.
June 30th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
How about more of a focus on a proactive approach to injury prevention that will reduce costs and keep workers healthy and happy and fit for duty, rather than constantly reacting to workplace injuries with costly compensation claims and high rates of absenteeism for workers?
July 5th, 2011 at 8:40 am
Workers’ Compensation is so far out of control, something needs to be done. This may not be the best plan, but at least someone is finally making an attempt to bring things back under control. We can fine tune the changes as we go.
July 5th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
I like the changes. More states should adopt them.
July 12th, 2011 at 9:14 am
I work in IL and if you don’t live here you have no idea the bogus claims that are filed and accepted. Businesses are leaving IL because of the high WC costs. While there is a lot more work to be done this is a breath of fresh air for a change.
July 12th, 2011 at 11:14 am
I think this would be good for all industries. Worker Comp. is so far out of hand that it is almost a crime. An employee can injure themselves on their days off and come to work on their next shift and aggravate it and guess what? You guessed it On the Job Injury and employers are stuck to foot the bill. Someone needs to put their foot down. Way to get the ball rolling Illinois. I think the Lawyers have a legitimate fight on their hands.
Aaron C. Johnson Sr
YFP Safety Manager
Washington State
August 9th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Workers comp is a joke. Employees can do just about anything and judges will side for them. I have a case where an employee supposedly injured his back in Dec. 2010. Goes on lay-off for 2 1/2 months and comes back only to file an accident report stating he hurt his back in Dec. of 2010. The claim was denied by our insurance carrier and I support the decision, this case is still in litigation!! I hope Illinois gets other states to follow suit!! It is no wonder companies move overseas!! But I won’t quit fighting these bogus cases!!
Safety Administrator
Pennsylvania
August 22nd, 2011 at 11:20 pm
How about some sympathy for the workers who are really hurt,not everyone is a liar