Texas likely to overhaul workers' compensation system.

By Rachel Stone, The Beaumont Enterprise, Texas Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Jan. 10--Texas' system of compensating injured workers is expected to get its biggest overhaul in 16 years after the 2005 Texas Legislature opens this week.

The average medical payment for a workers compensation claim in Texas is $9,300, according to a Workers Compensation Research Institute survey -- among the highest in the nation.

Texas workers on average don't return to work after an injury as quickly as workers in other states, the survey found.

Texans are more likely to have surgery for a work-related injury and more likely to be out of work for seven days or more.

"Workers comp is going to be a major issue because everybody agrees that the system is broken," said Rick Levy, an Austin-based lobbyist for the …