Tricia Bellich Publishes CLM Article on Workers’ Compensation Trends

Highland, Ind. (July 23, 2024) – Northwest Indiana Partner Tricia Bellich recently published an article in CLM Magazine titled, “Coming Soon to a Workplace Near You,” which discusses leading trends in the area of workers’ compensation.

Ms. Bellich opens the article by observing that “the world of workers’ compensation moves fast” and that it is important to “take stock of the latest trends impacting the workers’ comp system.” She goes on to detail eight recent trends: (1) artificial intelligence (AI), (2) return-to-work programs, (3) medical costs, drugs, and advancements, (4) the expanding age range of workers, (5) employment pre-screening programs, (6) external factors (e.g., geopolitical concerns, economic trends) impacting employees, (7) the importance of inclusion, and (8) employee burnout.

For each of these trends, Ms. Bellich describes the issue and provides insights and recommendations. For example, she notes that with respect to AI, “The key takeaway is to view AI as a tool not to replace the worker, but to assist the worker. . . . Not even ChatGPT can replace the astute mind of worker’s compensation professional.” Likewise, on the topic of return-to work programs, Ms. Bellich explains that there are “many documented benefits of such programs,” particularly those that are “mutually beneficial for the employee and the employer.” She also observes, “Medical and drug costs are traditionally the largest chunk of worker’s compensation spend” and that issues related to recreational/medical marijuana and weight loss drugs are currently rising. Furthermore, Ms. Bellich describes that employees are burned out, explaining, “An empathetic-employer approach has shown to increase positive outcomes in the injury recovery and a decrease in work incidents.”

Ms. Bellich closes the article by emphasizing the importance of creating a rewarding work environment, stating, “Building a fulfilling workplace will be the next-gen model for success. Work accidents decrease when fatigue decreases. Buy-in occurs when individuals feel they matter, safety matters, and what they are doing matters. This model will be the formula for success and cost control in 2024 and beyond.”

Ms. Bellich is a member of Lewis Brisbois’ Workers’ Compensation and General Liability Practices. She serves as a trainer, speaker, and mentor – on a national scale – in the area of workers’ compensation. Mr. Bellich regularly counsels smaller local companies as well as large corporations on best practices in claims management, return-to-work issues, and the importance of an inclusive, positive culture in the workplace.

Read the full CLM article here.