Cumulative injury.
A few states, notably California, are experiencing large increases in the number and cost of disability settlements under workers' compensation. Claims of cumulative injury for coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, cancer and neuropsychiatric problems have all been interpreted as compensable under workers' compensation, even when these conditions are clearly related to the aging process. Legal precedents for such claims are building rapidly throughout the country. The resultant costs may lead to the demise of the workers' compensation system. The situation in California is discussed in detail including the legal aspects, cumulative injury claims by type of disease and age of claimants, legal costs to the individual and the employer, and the economic outlook for the workers' compensation insurance system.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002140:California; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000191:economics; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*