Waltham, MA, May 12, 2026 – A recent study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) finds that total payments per claim in California’s workers’ compensation system have risen steadily since 2021.

For claims evaluated in 2025, total payments per claim increased by about 6 percent.

“In California, as in most states included in our study, total payments per claim rose steadily after 2021,” said Sebastian Negrusa, vice president of research at WCRI. “Understanding what is driving this growth requires looking beyond a single year and examining longer‑term trends and system features.”

CompScope™ Benchmarks for California, 2026 Edition examines how costs and system performance in California’s workers’ compensation system have changed over time, primarily from 2020 to 2025, using multistate comparisons across a broad range of claims and benefit measures.

The report was authored by William Monnin‑Browder.

About WCRI

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI), based in Waltham, MA, is an independent, not‑for‑profit research organization founded in 1983. WCRI provides objective information through studies and data collection that follow recognized scientific methods and rigorous peer review. The Institute does not make recommendations or take positions on the issues it researches, ensuring neutrality and credibility. Its diverse membership includes employers, insurers, government agencies, managed care companies, health care providers, regulators, labor organizations, and state agencies across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.