U.S. Chamber Publication Finds Increase in Workers' Compensation Benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Chamber of Commerce released its 2008 Analysis of Workers' Compensation Laws, which showed maximum income benefits for disability increased an average of 4.1 percent in the United States over 2007.

"This publication confirms that time and again business owners put their employees first, even as the cost to do so continues to rise," said Randel Johnson, Chamber vice president for Labor, Immigration and Employee Benefits. "It is important the business community understand workers' compensation benefits in order to help meet employee needs while protecting the overall interest of their company and workers.

The Chamber's Analysis of Workers' Compensation Laws provides information on compensation statutes in the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Canada's provinces and territories. It offers an overview and both a comparison and understanding of the myriad of workers' compensation laws on the books.

This year's results show that the average maximum weekly workers' compensation benefit in the United States is $736.75, with Iowa making the highest benefit payments (excluding FECA), with a weekly maximum payment of $1,311.00.

Canada's maximum income benefits for total disability grew at a slower pace than in the United States, rising 1.8 percent between 2007 and 2008. Canada's average maximum weekly benefit is $782.06 in Canadian dollars.

The Chamber annually publishes the Analysis of Workers' Compensation Laws, compiling information provided by the Labor Department, officials in the states and jurisdictions represented, and from insurance companies and legislative reporting services.

The 2008 Analysis of Workers' Compensation Laws can be purchased online at
www.uschamber.com/research.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

www.uschamber.com

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