Medical Benefits Biggest Cost in Calif. Workers' Comp System

The sagging economy took a toll on California's covered work force and payroll in 2008, but the California workers' compensation system remains the largest in the United States, accounting for more than 1 out of 9 covered workers, more than 1 out of 8 dollars in covered wages, and 1 out of 6 benefit dollars paid under state and federal programs.