COVID-19 claims spike in California

The number of COVID-19 workers compensation claims filed in California in July increased 282% from June, according to a report from the California Workers’ Compensation Institute.

The 2,581 claims filed in July marked the first monthly increase since claims began dropping gradually after hitting a high of 43,233 in December.

California has in place a COVID-19 presumption that allows workers to file virus-related injury claims if certain conditions are met.

Overall, since the start of the pandemic 151,068 workers have filed COVID-19-related claims in the state, with 1,046 workers dying of the disease. Health care workers make up most of the claimants at 30.8%; public safety workers comprise 17.6% of claimants.