Texas workers' comp costs among highest.(Brief Article)

In a study of eight states, representing 40% of workers' compensation benefits distributed nationwide, Texas had the highest average total cost per worker with $14,465 paid out between 1997 and 1998, according to a survey by Workers Compensation Research institute.

The median cost was $11,224. Other states reviewed were California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

WCRI officials could not be reached for comment, but a summary of the report found Texas also saw steady growth in permanent, partial-disability claims, up nearly 2% during that period. More than 50% of all workers' compensation claims with more than …