Authors
Boden-LI; Galizzi-M
Source
Am J Ind Med 1999 Nov; 36(5):487-503
Abstract
Background: This is the first study based on individual data to estimate earnings lost from virtually all reported workplace injuries and illnesses in a state. Methods: We estimated lost earnings from workplace injuries and illnesses occurring in Wisconsin in 1989-90, using workers' compensation data and 6 years of unemployment insurance wage data. We used regression techniques to estimate losses relative to a comparison group. Results: The average present value of losses projected 10 years past the observed period is over $8,000 per injury. Women lose a greater proportion of their preinjury earnings than do men. Replacement of after-tax projected losses averages 64% for men and 50% for women. Conclusions: Overall, workers with compensated injuries and illnesses experienced discounted pre-tax losses projected to total over $530,000,000 (1994 dollars), with about 60% of after-tax losses replaced by workers' compensation. Generally, groups losing over eight weeks' work received workers' compensation benefits covering less than 40% of their losses.
Keywords
Injuries; Demographic-characteristics; Statistical-analysis; Epidemiology; Age-factors; Racial-factors; Sex-factors;
Author Keywords: occupational injuries; occupational diseases; workers' compensation; cost of illness; disability; employment; economics
Contact
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
lboden@bu.edu
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-R01-CCR-112141
Priority Area
Research Tools and Approaches: Social and Economic Consequences
Source Name
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
Performing Organization
Boston University, School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts