New Developments in the Workers' Compensation System in California: The Workers' Compensation System in California in Constant Evolution

The workers' compensation system in California has had a long history of polemic and change. California businesses, lawmakers and political organizations have been intent on creating a system that provides the injured workers of California with comfort and support in the event of an injury and control costs for employers. However, all the reforms and efforts resulted in the creation of a complex, expensive and inefficient system. In the last couple of years, the workers' compensation system in California has become the most expensive system in the nation. Reforming the system has become the most important issue in lawmakers' agendas. On April 19, 2004, a new reform was introduced. SB 899 has brought about changes to all the benefits offered under the system. This reform (SB 899) is a strong effort to bring down the skyrocketing costs of the system and revitalize the business environment in California.