National – The Workers' Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) released Attorney Representation, Health Recovery, and Medical Payments, a report that examines whether attorney involvement in workers' compensation claims is associated not only with higher benefit payments, but also with differences in injured workers' health outcomes and medical costs. Researchers analyzed survey responses from injured workers in 15 states and linked those responses to administrative claims data, evaluating workers' physical health and functioning approximately three years after injury, along with the medical payments made on their claims. The study aims to provide a better understanding of the relationship between attorney representation, injured worker recovery, and medical spending, as well as identify opportunities to improve claims processes and better align incentives while keeping injured workers' health, recovery, and access to appropriate care at the center of the system.

Read IWP's full States of the States report here.