Over this same time period, the incidence rate of cases that involved lost workdays decreased from 3.0 per 100 full-time workers to 2.0. Nevada was one of five states that experienced a decrease in benefits payments of more than 20 percent from 1996 to 1998. Industry observers are concerned, however, about the most recent trends. For instance, according to Richard Hoffman, president of Sigma Consulting Group, a workers' compensation actuarial firm in St. Louis, Mo., from 1998 to 1999 the costs of treating an injured worker increased 5 percent to 8 percent, depending on the state. The most frequent types of work-related injuries include sprains and strains, bruises and contusions, cuts and lacerations, burns, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis.
Most injuries result in less than five days' time away from work.
In contrast, incidents serious enough to cause workers to lose more than five workdays account for about one-quarter of all workers' compensation cases but 94 percent of total benefits paid. These cases typically include both medical and wage replacement benefits. In 30 percent of lost-day cases, workers miss one to two days. Back to top Workers' Compensation and Managed Care Nationally, medical care accounts for nearly 40 percent of total workers' compensation benefit costs. An injured worker often experiences pain and may feel uncertain and anxious about the future.