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Risk management reports steady open claims, one reopened 2022 file and vendor relationship aids claim closure
Summary
Shelley Pierce, Cowlitz County risk manager, told commissioners on Feb. 3 that the county had eight open workers’ compensation claims and had closed three in January while one older claim (opened in 2022) had been reopened and may require further surgery.
Shelley Pierce, Cowlitz County risk manager, and the county’s risk analyst updated the Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 3 on workers’ compensation and liability claims, safety committee plans and the county’s vendor relationship for claims handling.
Risk management reported three claims closed in January, one new claim opened and a total of eight open claims as of the report. The office identified one reopened claim originating in 2022 that has required additional medical care; staff said the case is being evaluated with an independent medical evaluation and that further surgery is possible.
Pierce and the risk analyst said the office is meeting monthly with its claims representative to review open files and to speed administrative processing. The risk analyst told the board an outstanding‑cost total shown on a slide was incorrect and pledged to provide corrected figures.
The county reported an average of about 112 days open per claim in the latest measure; staff said that number was influenced by the reopened 2022 claim and that improved claims processing and tighter communication with medical providers have helped reduce average days for some files. The office also reported one open liability claim that is in litigation.
Risk management described plans to re-establish an internal safety committee across county buildings by the end of the first quarter and a separate safety committee for the Hall of Justice, each intended to meet regularly and to review safety and risk issues.
Pierce said the county has an annual contract with its third‑party claims vendor and that the partnership has been responsive; the county will renegotiate contract details that concern banking and vendor requirements in coordination with the treasurer’s office. Commissioners asked for comparative data and staff said they would reach out to similarly sized counties and risk‑pool partners for benchmarking.
No formal board action was taken at the meeting on these items.
