COVID-19 comp claims up in 17 states in Q4

COVID-19 workers compensation claims increased in 17 states in the fourth quarter, with the Midwest region showing a 20% uptick in claim volume, according to data presented by third-party administrator CorVel Corp. during a webinar Thursday.

The TPA also said that since the beginning of the pandemic 62% of coronavirus-related comp claims have been closed.

The primary industries that produce the most comp claims include public service such as police and fire, accounting for 39% of claims. Health care workers represented 33% of claims. Retail workers came in at 16%, with an uptick likely related to holiday shopping, said Michele Tucker, Sacramento, California-based vice president of enterprise operations at CorVel.

The data also showed that 70% of claims came from workers between 37 and 56 years old. The average claim cost is $2,366, with fewer than 1% of claims costing more than $75,000, according to the figures.

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.