Impact of Recreational Marijuana Laws on Workers’ Compensation Benefits

As more states adopt recreational marijuana laws (RMLs), this new study examines changes in workers’ compensation claim frequency and outcomes such as per-claim medical payments, indemnity benefits, temporary disability duration, and prescription drug utilization and costs. This research is important as marijuana use continues to rise. Our study highlights the complex effects RMLs have on… Read More >>

CompScope™ Benchmarks, 2025 Edition

These studies help workers’ compensation policymakers and other system stakeholders identify current cost drivers and emerging trends in total costs per claim and key components. They compare the performance of state workers’ compensation systems in 18 states, focusing on overall medical payments, income benefits, use of benefits, duration of temporary disability, benefit delivery expenses,… Read More >>

Degenerative and Comorbid Conditions in Workers’ Compensation

Degenerative and comorbid conditions often coexist with primary work-related injuries, complicating treatment and recovery, leading to increased costs and extended duration of temporary disability. This study compares claims with and without comorbidities, as well as those involving one or multiple comorbid conditions. It highlights the importance of early detection and intervention to reduce… Read More >>

Workers’ Compensation Laws as of January 1, 2025

This report from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) and the International Association of Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) compares workers’ compensation regulations and benefits across U.S. states and Canadian provinces as of January 1, 2025. In Canada and the United States, workers’ compensation is governed by sub-national legislative bodies and administrative… Read More >>

Trends in Medical Utilization as a Function of Age and Tenure—A WCRI FlashReport

This FlashReport examines how medical utilization trends during the COVID-19 pandemic varied by workers' age and job tenure. A significant driver behind trends in medical payments per claim during the pandemic was a decrease in medical utilization. This report offers valuable insights into how these patterns differed across workers of varying ages and tenures. The study analyzed data from… Read More >>

Another Successful Conference in the Books

A huge thank you to our speakers and attendees for making the 2025 WCRI Issues & Research Conference in sunny Phoenix a tremendous success! We hope all our attendees enjoyed diving into our latest research, hearing from expert keynote speakers and panelists, and networking with our diverse audience. Mark your calendars for next year’s conference, scheduled for March 3–4, 2026, in… Read More >>

One Week Left—Register Now for the 2025 WCRI

The clock is ticking—only one week remains to secure your spot at the 2025 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, taking place March 6–7 in sunny Phoenix, AZ. Federal changes—those already made and those under consideration—are likely to impact all stakeholders in the system in different ways. This is what makes the WCRI conference a must-attend event. It brings together employers,… Read More >>

Two Weeks Left: Register Now!

The clock is ticking—only two weeks remain to secure your spot at the 2025 WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 6–7 in sunny Phoenix, AZ. At WCRI, we know conferences are about two key things: cutting-edge content and meaningful networking. We’re proud to deliver both in abundance. Cutting-Edge Content Get access to original, data-driven research on the most pressing issues in our… Read More >>

Will Washington’s Changes Impact Comp?

The 2025 WCRI Issues & Research Conference is almost here—March 6–7 in Phoenix, AZ. With ongoing changes in Washington, now is the perfect time to explore how these shifts could impact the future of workers' compensation. This year’s event features two renowned thought leaders: Dr. Lanhee J. Chen (Stanford University) will open with an engaging discussion on how the new… Read More >>

Who Should Attend WCRI’s 2025 Conference?

A common question we receive about our annual conference is: Who should attend? The answer is simple: anyone interested in learning about the latest research on state workers' compensation systems, gaining valuable knowledge, and connecting with peers. Even better, take a look at the diverse organizations registered for our 2025 Annual Issues & Research Conference, happening March 6-7… Read More >>

Impact of Recreational Marijuana Laws on Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Waltham, MA, April 30, 2025 – As more states adopt recreational marijuana laws (RMLs), a new study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) examines changes in workers’ compensation claim frequency and outcomes such as per-claim medical payments, indemnity benefits, temporary disability duration, and prescription drug utilization and costs. "This research is important as… Read More >>

WCRI notes rising comp claims costs in most of the country

Indemnity benefits and medical costs per workers compensation claim grew in most states since 2021, according to research reports released Monday by the Workers Compensation Research Institute. Read More >>

WCRI: Total Costs per Workers’ Compensation Claim Increased Across 18 Study States

Waltham, MA, April 28, 2025―Total costs per workers’ compensation claim rose between 2 and 14 percent annually from 2021 to 2023 across 18 states, according to a new set of studies from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI). “Total cost per claim is a widely used measure for policymakers and system stakeholders to gauge how their system is performing compared to other states.… Read More >>

State of the States: April 25, 2025

The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) released its 2025 Annual Report. This report highlights WCRI’s studies, which helped guide policy throughout 2024. Read More >>

Comp Spotlight with Sebastian Negrusa of WCRI

Sebastian Negrusa, vice president of research for the Workers Compensation Research Institute, discusses the latest research studies on injured workers. Read More >>

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WCRI’s study, A Primer on Behavioral Health Care in Workers’ Compensation, helps to identify behavioral health issues in workers’ compensation and create a common language and understanding.

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