Legislators in Washington State are attempting to find a compromise in reforming the state's workers' compensation system. The first meeting, which comes only a week before special session ends, produced little progress. The Senate approved a plan that includes an option for lump sum settlements, but the House says that the plan may induce workers to take fewer benefits than they are entitled to. About 8% of claims make up 85% of the costs, and include those workers who receive benefits over long periods of time. The issues with the system arose when an auditor warned of insolvency. Reform of workers' compensation has become a large issue in finalizing the budget for the next two years.
See "Wash. lawmakers struggle for workers' comp deal", Mike Baker, The Seattle Times, May 18, 2011