The Workers Compensation Research Institute is an independent, not-for-profit research organization providing high-quality, objective information about public policy issues involving workers' compensation systems. Organized in late 1983, the Institute does not take positions on the issues it researches; rather, it provides information obtained through studies and data collection efforts, which conform to recognized scientific methods. Objectivity is further ensured through rigorous, unbiased peer review procedures.
The Institute's work helps those interested in improving workers' compensation systems by providing new, objective analyses that help answer the following questions:
- How are workers' compensation systems performing?
- How do various systems compare?
- How can systems better meet workers' needs?
- What factors are driving costs?
- What is the impact of legislative changes on system outcomes?
- What are the possible consequences of proposed system changes? Are there alternative solutions that merit consideration? What are their consequences?
The Institute's work takes several forms:
- Original research studies of major issues confronting workers' compensation systems (for example, permanent partial disability, disability management and litigiousness).
- Studies of individual state systems where policymakers have shown an interest in change and where there is an unmet need for objective information.
- Studies of states that have undergone major legislative changes to measure the impact of those changes and draw possible lessons for other states.
- Research briefs that report on significant new research, data and issues in the field.
- Presentations on research findings to legislators, workers' compensation administrators, industry groups and others interested in workers' compensation.
Those who benefit from the Institute's work include public officials, employers, insurers, injured workers, organized labor and others affected by workers' compensation systems across the United States and around the world. Our work is widely disseminated to public officials, Institute members and others interested in workers' compensation systems. |