Cumulative trauma claims have surged in California’s workers’ compensation system, and understanding the forces behind that trend is increasingly essential for practitioners. This program examines the sharp rise in cumulative trauma filings in recent years and explores the relationship between that increase and the widespread adoption of remote appearances in workers’ compensation proceedings. The presenter will provide attendees with a nuts and bolts overview of cumulative trauma claims, the historical and regional trends for these claims, and the litigation practices associated with them. The presenter will then analyze how remote access has changed the litigation landscape and courts, the stress on the insurance industry, and the policy implications and proposals being considered by stakeholders in the workers’ compensation system. Attendees leave with a clear, grounded picture of where cumulative trauma claims stand today and where the system appears to be headed.
