LTC CLAIMS UP 415%:

There has been a 415 percent increase in the average severity of long-term care professional and liability claims since 1996, according to a study released by Chicago-based commercial insurer CNA’s LTC unit, HealthPro. In 1996, ultimate average severity of LTC claims was $25,919, compared to $107,609 in 2003, according to the study. Skilled nursing facilities had the greatest frequency of claims while assisted living facilities had the highest average severity. The most frequent allegation–resident falls–accounted for 34 percent of all open and closed claims. The highest severity allegation–abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional or financial mistreatment–had an average total paid of $159,715. And the most frequent injury–fractures–occurred in 30 percent of the open and closed claims.