The system that resolves workers' compensation disputes in California is failing to provide the swift justice required by law and needs to be reformed, according to a study by RAND's Institute for Civil Justice.
The report found that the state's workers' compensation courts suffer from a shortage of funding and staffing, along with outmoded procedural rules and an outdated computer system. As a result, these courts fail to resolve most cases in the amount of time specified by California law.
The RAND report identified key areas needing reform in the judicial services jointly offered by the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board and the Division of Workers' Compensation. The report recommended actions both entities should take to improve and streamline operations.
Worker's compensation claims involve job-related accidents and illnesses.
