In this comprehensive study, we delve into the financial implications of workers’ compensation claims, focusing on the most expensive injuries by body part.
Our analysis reveals that certain injuries, such as those affecting the head and central nervous system, come with significantly higher costs.
According to data from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), these injuries often require extensive medical treatment and longer recovery periods, leading to increased compensation costs.
By highlighting these findings, we aim to provide valuable insights into workplace safety and claims management. Understanding the financial impact of these injuries can help stakeholders develop more effective strategies to mitigate risks and improve overall workplace safety.
Most Costly Workers’ Compensation Claims by Body Part
Per our analysis of the NCCI’s data, the workers’ compensation claims filed in 2021 and 2022 identified the body parts most frequently involved in high-cost workers’ compensation cases, which are as follows:
- Head or Central Nervous System Injuries
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- Average cost: $91,844 per claim
- These injuries often involve traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or concussions, which can result in long-term or permanent disability.
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- Multiple Body Parts
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- Average cost: $71,645 per claim
- Injuries affecting multiple body parts are complex, often requiring coordinated care from multiple medical specialists.
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- Neck Injuries
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- Average cost: $68,021 per claim
- Mobility issues associated with neck injuries often necessitate long-term care and rehabilitation.
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- Hip, Thigh, and Pelvis Injuries
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- Average cost: $62,110 per claim
- These injuries significantly affect movement, impacting both personal and work activities.
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- Leg Injuries
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- Average cost: $59,994 per claim
- Leg injuries often impair mobility, limiting workers’ ability to perform their job duties.
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- Arm or Shoulder Injuries
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- Average cost: $51,750 per claim
- These injuries can severely restrict physical capabilities, particularly in jobs requiring manual labor.
Head and Central Nervous System Injuries: Common Causes and Occupations at Risk
Head and central nervous system injuries are among the most serious workplace accidents. They often require long recovery times and are costly to treat. Knowing what causes these injuries and which jobs are most at risk shows why workplace safety is so important.
Head Injuries
From 2020 to 2024, the most common head injury claims involved concussions, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), workplace concussions are predominantly caused by falls, accounting for nearly half of traumatic brain injury cases.
Additional causes include being struck by or against objects, responsible for 15% of claims.
The occupations with the highest rate of head injuries include:
- Construction workers: They are frequently exposed to hazards such as falling objects and slips or falls from heights.
- Warehouse and logistics workers: Injuries in this sector often stem from heavy lifting and accidental impacts with equipment.
Central Nervous System Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) dominate workers’ compensation claims involving the central nervous system. Like head injuries, falls are the leading cause of TBIs, often resulting from slipping, tripping, or falling from elevated surfaces.
The highest-risk occupations for central nervous system injuries are:
- Construction workers: Falls and heavy machinery contribute to high rates of TBIs.
- Warehouse workers: The physically demanding nature of these roles increases the likelihood of serious injuries to the spine and brain.
Factors Influencing Workers’ Compensation Claim Costs
Several factors influence the cost of workers’ compensation claims for head injuries and central nervous system injuries.
Head Injury Claims
- Severity of injury: Mild concussions cost less than TBIs requiring surgery or extended rehabilitation.
- Medical treatment: Specialized care, such as neurologists or physical therapy, adds to costs.
- Lost wages: Workers may need months—or even years—to recover.
- Legal and administrative costs: Complex cases often result in higher legal fees.
- Pre-existing conditions: These can complicate recovery, increasing medical expenses.
- Recovery time: Longer recoveries lead to higher indemnity payments.
Central Nervous System Injury Claims
- Complexity: TBIs and spinal injuries often require advanced diagnostic procedures and treatments.
- Medical treatment: Extended hospital stays and specialized care drive up costs.
- Lost wages: These injuries frequently result in long-term or permanent disability.
- Legal and administrative costs: Disputes over liability or the extent of injury can lead to prolonged cases.
- Recovery time: Some central nervous system injuries may never fully heal.
Breakdown of Costs by Body Part
Our analysis of medical and indemnity expenses, based on data from the NCCI, further highlights the disparity in claim costs:
- Head injuries: $60,200 (medical), $31,700 (indemnity)
- Neck injuries: $35,700 (medical), $32,321 (indemnity)
- Leg injuries: $37,400 (medical), $22,600 (indemnity)
- Hip and thigh injuries: $36,700 (medical), $25,400 (indemnity)
- Arm and shoulder injuries: $26,700 (medical), $25,100 (indemnity)
Lower-cost injuries, such as those affecting the chest, hands, or feet, typically involve less severe outcomes and faster recoveries.
Improving Workplace Safety
Our findings from the data we reviewed show how important it is to have strong safety measures, especially in high-risk jobs like construction and logistics.
Employers can help prevent expensive injuries by providing proper training, keeping equipment in good condition, and following safety rules.
Learn More About Workers’ Compensation Claims
Understanding the factors influencing workers’ compensation costs can help employers and employees manage the complexities of the system. For example, consulting our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can provide valuable guidance on claim procedures and settlement expectations.
Regularly scheduled safety inspections and encouraging workers to report hazards can also play a role in reducing workplace injuries.
