FLASH REPORTS
Flash: Workers’ Comp Rate Hike
The 2026 workers’ comp rate decision is in. How much higher are rates going this fall?
Flash: Another Workers’ Comp Rate Hike
The insurance industry is pushing for another round of rate hikes after winning an 8.7% increase last year. How much higher are rates likely to go?
Flash: Administration’s Proposed SIBTF Reforms Are Out
The Newsom Administration is proposing to reform the troubled Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund program and bring real reform. What specific reforms are being proposed?
ARTICLES
State Fund Petitions To Stay Involved In X-Mod Dispute
Kombucha bottler GR Living Foods admittedly underreported its payroll, which generated a huge X-Mod, and is now challenging the calculation of the same. It’s under investigation. Here is the status of the case and some wildly unbelievable facts. Premium subscribers can find them out here...
Increase In CT Claims Driving Medical Lien Filings, C&Rs
How prevalent are cumulative trauma claims becoming in California’s workers' comp system? Where are they impacting the claims environment?
Workers’ Comp Medical Costs Outpacing Inflation
What do two recent studies tell us about medical costs in California’s workers' comp system? Where do they agree and where do they differ?
Audit Dispute Over Independent Contractor Payments
Did an insurance carrier change its policy provisions, or did the insured operations change? How much is at stake in this dispute over the use of independent contractors?
DWC Preparing Busy Regulatory Schedule
What is included in the plethora of new regulations in the works at the Division of Workers' Compensation? When will the rulemaking process start?
Workers’ Comp Classification Dispute
What happened when an employer formally appealed a classification decision? How was the case resolved and in whose favor?
Court Stays Litigation Pending Outcome Of Workers’ Comp Claim
What are the underlying issues in a workers' comp claim and a concurrent lawsuit? Why do the courts say the workers' comp case has to go first?
Supreme Court Ends WCAB’s Equitable Tolling Practice
Why does California’s highest court say the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board has been unfair to litigants in cases before it? How is the process supposed to work?
Legislators Wrap Up Session Without Major Reforms
What are the workers' comp issues that Gov. Gavin Newsom is now considering signing into law? How did two former workers' comp bills change in the final days of the session?
Qualified Medical Evaluator System Findings
What does a new report commissioned by the Department of Industrial Relations say about the health of California’s med-legal system? What are the recommendations that are being considered to increase the supply of qualified medical evaluators?
Richardson’s Appointment Official As DWC Director
The Governor tapped a new leader for California workers' comp system. What is Nicole Richardson’s background?