A new report indicates that, for the first time in almost 15 years, employers in Wisconsin and across the country have seen a modest national rise in workers' compensation claims. Filings are said to have increased nationally by about 3 percent for the 2010 work year. In general, workers' compensation claims have decreased every year since 1990, except for two years (1994 and 1997). The average percentage of annual decrease in claims over that period of time was a little over 4 percent. The reduction in frequency of claims filed over the 20-year-period was seen as a rare bright spot, with injury rates falling by more than 50 percent.

Observers have expressed some ideas to account for the recent increase in workers' compensation claims. One explanation is that as more jobs are added to the economy, it is natural to expect more claims. This is particularly true because statistics evidence that newer employees are more likely to file claims than long-term workers. One other proffered explanation is that the substantial loss of jobs led those with employment to refrain from filing claims because they feared losing their jobs.

Workers' compensation is a necessary and important part of employment. It provides a compromise by ensuring benefits for workers with documented injuries, while also shielding employers from lawsuits. However, the system can break down when an employer retaliates against the worker when they file a claim. The bottom line is that no worker should feel pressure to defer filing a claim for fear of retaliation. In Wisconsin, an attorney experienced in handling all aspects of workers' compensation matters may offer support and help recover all the benefits to which one is entitled.

Source: Business Insurance, "Workers' comp claim frequency posts first rise since 1997," Sept. 26, 2011