Insurance Commissioner calls for comprehensive study on workers’ comp claims for silicosis
News: 2024 Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In response to rising concerns over the prevalence of silicosis among California workers, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara today issued a letter to the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) requesting a detailed study and data collection on silicosis claims. This move aims to better understand the impact of this serious occupational disease and ensure that affected workers receive the benefits they are entitled to.
Silicosis is a progressive and incurable lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust, often during the cutting and finishing of engineered stone countertops, a consumer preference more prevalent in recent years. Reports indicate that this occupational hazard has been increasingly affecting workers, particularly young Latino men, since 2015.
Commissioner Lara's letter highlights the urgency of addressing this issue and outlines specific data points that the WCIRB is requested to provide. The requested data includes:
- The number of silicosis cases filed in the past 10 years
- The average age of the claimants
- The percentage of claim acceptances and denials
- The average medical, temporary disability, and permanent disability costs associated with these claims
- The average allocated loss adjustment expenses on these claims
- The average number of insurers associated with each claim
"We need to gather comprehensive data on silicosis claims to make informed decisions and protect California workers effectively,” said Commissioner Lara in his letter. “This disease has a devastating impact on individuals and their families, and it is our duty to ensure they are supported."
The California Department of Insurance remains committed to safeguarding consumers and will continue to work with the WCIRB and other stakeholders to address this critical issue.
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Media note:
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
